PGHammer Posted January 12, 2013 Share Posted January 12, 2013 The DD-WRT version's range is worse... Right now I'm using OpenWRT and it's so far the best option.... but 5 GHz still isn't really an option. The v4 doesn't support DD-WRT (different/newer Atheros chipset than even the v3) - however, I had nary a problem setting up the 5 GHz network to use a different SSID (that is, in fact, the default with the v4 - no idea if that is the case with older versions). I have Mom's smart TV (the only 5 GHz supporting wireless device) on that network by itself (different SSID also equals different passphrase - makes for better intrusion detection, too), and it's two floors up. Connects better than it did to the WNR3500v1 it replaced (however, the older router had no 5 GHz support). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spaceelf Posted January 12, 2013 Share Posted January 12, 2013 I definitely like the RT-N56U. But I'd go for an AC router if I was buying now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PGHammer Posted January 15, 2013 Share Posted January 15, 2013 I definitely like the RT-N56U. But I'd go for an AC router if I was buying now. The issue *there* is why would you need the support for .ac now - if you have nothing that supports the protocol. (Basically, it's the same issue that faced N while it was in draft form - classic chicken-and-egg.) I didn't have to face that justification with the WNR3500, as Comcast (my ISP) supplied the router - the TV purchase, in fact, post-dates the router's arrival in the house by two years. The gigabit support (wired PCs and Macs) is, in fact, the biggest reason I give for buying a new(er) router today, followed by (in order) support for multiple bands/SSIDs (at minimum, dual-band N support) followed by .ac support (in addition to - not instead of - dual-band N and gigabit wired support). If you have recent (merely Vista-vintage, if not newer) PCs and Leopard or later Macs, the chances of your device NOT supporting wired gigabit are lower than the average January temperature in International Falls, MN - in degrees Farenheit. Laptops and notebooks, along with MacBooks - Air or Pro - of similar vintage? N is a given. .ac support? What devices support built-in .ac today? Is that support in addition to, or instead of N support? .ac support is where draft N used to be - primarily a desire, and a pricey/expensive one. Don't overbuy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spaceelf Posted January 15, 2013 Share Posted January 15, 2013 The issue *there* is why would you need the support for .ac now - if you have nothing that supports the protocol. Why wouldn't I? I could get cards that supported the protocol for my existing equipment. If I was buying today I'd get an AC router, because you almost never replace a working router...the cards can come later. Fortunately I'm not. And yes, AC is on top of N, just like N is on top of everything else. 5ghz instead of 2.4 though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timan Veteran Posted January 15, 2013 Author Veteran Share Posted January 15, 2013 In case anyone cares, went with the Asus RT-N66U and put the Merlin firmware on it, has per device monitoring which is ACE!!! Loving the router so far, Time machine support isn't there, so that sucks. I still am using my airport extreme only for a time machine hub heh. neo1911 1 Share Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JJ_ Posted January 15, 2013 Share Posted January 15, 2013 Give Tomato a whirl on it, you'll love it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soniqstylz Posted January 15, 2013 Share Posted January 15, 2013 http://lifehacker.co...rnet-connection Could probably modify that to get bandwidtch stats. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PGHammer Posted January 17, 2013 Share Posted January 17, 2013 Why wouldn't I? I could get cards that supported the protocol for my existing equipment. If I was buying today I'd get an AC router, because you almost never replace a working router...the cards can come later. Fortunately I'm not. And yes, AC is on top of N, just like N is on top of everything else. 5ghz instead of 2.4 though. When it comes to wireless protocols, draft newer protocols are *pricier* than existing protocols - hence my referring to the checken-and-egg situation and the days of draft-N. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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