Router Upgrade 2013


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I am upgrading my internet to faster speeds, and moving to a new DOCSIS 3.0 modem.

 

Because of this and because I know my current router is dated, I thought maybe it was time to upgrade.

 

I have the WRT54GL Linksys modem currently. I am looking for the best I can get for the cheapest I can get, duh lol

 

I want Guest Network, custom firmware abilities (i currently use tomato), gigabit of course, wireless N, and A/C or whatever its called if not too expensive, highly rated (so no real issues, most people happy), any extra features would be nice (apps, media features, etc, I dunno..I have seen this kind of stuff before).

 

Ideas, suggestions?

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Here's a good site showing WAN->LAN performance through NAT on most home routers. http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/lanwan/router-charts/

 

Don't need something crazy but want something a step or two above your internet line speed. 

 

I really like the Asus RT-N16, it's not super cheap but boy is it feature filled. I believe it's stock firmware is based on DD-WRT, can also choose from Merlin's (ASUS's with some modifications/tweaks), DD-WRT, and TomatoUSB.

 

The RT-N16 is just 2.4GHz, if you're looking for something with simultaneous dual-band the RT-N56U is a good option as well for a bit more.

 

Both the RT-N16 and RT-N56U have media and print server options, both also can torrent directly to a USB device (aka no computer on) which is pretty awesome.

 

Edit: Just confirmed both models support guest network out of the box as well. 

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I have the same router and I agree. I was only suggesting the RT-N16 and RT-N56U as they are cheaper options with most of the same features.

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I have a D-Link DGL-4500. Never had any problems.

 

I had a Netgear WNDR3700 before that. The LAN broke on it, wouldn't connect by wire. My friend has one and he has no problems. Guess I just had bad luck.

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The dark knight isn't the most expensive I have seen, that's the best one I could get out of the Asus ones?

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What's the best out there?

 

A review I found said the Netgear N750 is high up there, but its only 120? Would the Asus be the best ones, with my wants?

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Asus does have the RT-AC66U which is basically the RT-N66U (aka The Dark Knight) with 802.11ac built in.

 

I went with the Asus RT-N66U and couldn't be happier. It's been up solid since the day I set it up, I actually stuck with stock firmware because it had everything I wanted and I figured I'd test it first. The two USB ports is really nice to be able to setup a printer and a hard drive for a media server at the same time (or just 2 media devices!). Does everything you're asking for and more.

 

Sorry for only recommending Asus stuff but so far it's my favorite feature filled router, and I've used various Linksys, D-Link, and Netgear solutions before.

 

In fact I've used a ton of your current routers (Linksys WRT54GL) with Tomato on them for WDS bridges for clients of mine (because I find they are just amazingly stable). But today 50Mbps Wan->Lan and 802.11g just doesn't cut it! :p

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My experience is similar to cloudstrife, used DLink, Linksys and Netgear, I had very good luck with them all. The Asus has performed even better. Asus issues frequent updates, a solid, reliable router.

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Been looking at reviews and your guys comments.

 

So basically the Asus AC version is basically that, the only real differnet is the new wireless standard. I think I read its harder to put custom firmware, but I am not that worried about it.

 

Buying a new router right now, do you think it's worth the price to pay for the AC version, to future proof myself? What time frame will everything start using AC?

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Yea I think I am going with the Asus RT-AC66U, for $199.85CAD from Amazon (pay a bit more for the trustyness and fast shipping from them)

 

Thanks guys.

 

This will be my first non-linksys router lol

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802.11ac is only going to get more common so a good choice, I'm surprised how many cell phones its in already!

Enjoy and let us know what you think once you get it all setup!

Edit: One last thing to mention, you mentioned you're upgrading to a DOCSIS 3.0 modem, a lot of these newer modems have router functionality as well. If it does make sure your ISP configures it in bridge mode so your new fancy router gets the public IP. Double NAT is never fun. 

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Yea I think I am going with the Asus RT-AC66U, for $199.85CAD from Amazon (pay a bit more for the trustyness and fast shipping from them)

 

Thanks guys.

 

This will be my first non-linksys router lol

If you are ordering from Canada. I would recommend ordering it from www.memoryexpress.com

 

They do Online price matching and they beat that price difference by 5%.

 

So on the website they have it for $204.99CAD, you get it priced matched to $191.99CAD from Newegg.ca (http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833320115&nm_mc=OTC-sho6b0tCA&cm_mmc=OTC-sho6b0tCA-_-Network+-+Wireless+Routers-_-ASUS-_-33320115)

 

and the final price would be $188.74CAD + Tax (Free shipping on wednesdays!)

 

 

So yeah, hope that saves you some money :D

 

Neztea

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Thanks Neztea,

 

I found it from a local store (pickup) for a total with tax $214...

 

 

How does a price match for 191.99 turn into 188.74 plus tax? **nevermind, didnt see the 5%


Another last quesiton, does ASUS have any Android apps for control with the router options, like Netgear?

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I forgot about MemoryExpresses online price match, I use it all the time in store as we have one locally. Nice tip Neztea.

 

Yup there's an "ASUS AiCloud" in both the iOS and Android stores. I've never used it though. 

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Thanks Neztea,

 

I found it from a local store (pickup) for a total with tax $214...

 

 

How does a price match for 191.99 turn into 188.74 plus tax? **nevermind, didnt see the 5%

Another last quesiton, does ASUS have any Android apps for control with the router options, like Netgear?

I don't think they do, But they do have an AiCloud App to control and view apps in the cloud. But to change router options, just use the web browser on the android. I do it all the time.

 

Neztea

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