My old Airport extreme is finally starting to get glitchy. This is the old flat square model. I've been looking at the Google routers. I want to spend about $100-$140. The Google OnHub AC1900 looks good for me but was replaced by Google Wifi. The pods they sell are over $100 each and I'd likely need 2 for my apartment (1100 square feet, router at one end).

I've had Netgear and Linksys in the past and they were okay but didn't last long, about a year each. This Airport is likely 5 years or more old and is just starting to shit the bed. My ex wife has the newer tall version and it still works great. Looking for reliability.

Thanks

I have a Linksys router WRT54G, I believe, that is probably ten years old, never misses a beat.

I had Linksys routers before that, too. I also have a EA3500 that has been trouble free, operator error excepted, of course.

If I had to buy one right now I'd get the Netgear Nighthawk AC1900 (R7000). Unless I had money to burn...

https://www.smallnetbuilder.co.../rankers/router/view

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
This one right here...got this about 4 or 5 months ago and it's worked GREAT!

Personally, I'd spend $60 on one of these TP-Link AC1200 WAP, turn off WiFi broadcasting from your Airport Extreme, plug a CAT5e cable into one of the existing ports on your Airport Extreme, and run that cable through the attic to a point on the ceiling in the center of your home where you'll install that TP-Link WAP. You'll have spent less than $100, and your WiFi signal will be terrific throughout your home and a big part of outside (depending on the configuration of your house, of course).

I did this upgrade at my house and the results were nothing short of exceptional. The Tp-Link equipment is stellar, and affords you the opportunity to place it where it 'should' be instead of settling on where the router 'has' to be.

Unfortunately I’m a renter. No attic access. The Google on hub is actually made by to link I guess. They can still be bought on amazon.

Jallen: that linksys model is the same one I had that died in a year.

The Nighthawk series is hard to beat. I started looking for a new one and was looking at Netgear, but went with Linksys after seeing reviews.

I chose the LINKSYS WRT3200ACM AC3200 MU-MIMO GIGABIT WI-FI ROUTER. Had it about a year and no problems. Setup was very easy and can work on it over the net if need be.

Eta: I also use power line adapters to have best signal to tv's for streaming. Did not want to run cat5 yet until remodel. As long as your on your own circuit in your apartment, then should have no problem. Great way to go with very little hassle.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: sig226fan,

If you just want something new then OK but perhaps a review of your existing Wi-Fi network might be in order.
Could be all is needed is a firmware4 update, a reconfig of the unit or repositioning the Wi-Fi unit.
I might try to match to your existing clients aka devices. Do you need dual band for one reason or another? Physically positioning the AP can make a huge difference along with knowing what else out there is competing for Wi-Fi signals such as a lot of 2.4 in the area or need for high speed streaming. Do you have any AC clients?

quote:

Originally posted by smschulz:
If you just want something new then OK but perhaps a review of your existing Wi-Fi network might be in order.
Could be all is needed is a firmware4 update, a reconfig of the unit or repositioning the Wi-Fi unit.
I might try to match to your existing clients aka devices. Do you need dual band for one reason or another? Physically positioning the AP can make a huge difference along with knowing what else out there is competing for Wi-Fi signals such as a lot of 2.4 in the area or need for high speed streaming. Do you have any AC clients?

That's a bit more tech talk than I can handle. But the firmware is up to date. The positioning isn't changeable right now. I have a pretty small apartment. The wifi is okay when I'm alone and streaming, but has been cutting out when I watch Playstation Vue (which is live tv streaming). The location of my router is in the 2nd bedroom where my kids sleep when they are here (every other weekend). They have X boxes and I put the main router in their room. My older son will use a cat 5 to connect the X box so he has great speed. I also have an Airport Express adding to the network in my living room (The Airport Extreme was giving me trouble alone when the kids were both on their devices so I added the Express).

In any case Apple is not supporting routers anymore. I don't expect any updates to the firmware. So I'm thinking the best route is to buy something new and more powerful than what I've used in the past. I'm all for saving money and keeping what I have if I can.

The TP-Link Archer C7 is only a 1750, but has received several great test reviews on actual coverage/range. If you’re not streaming 4K or connecting multiple gaming systems you should be good. $80-100.

The ASUS RT-AC3100/RT-AC88 is a big step up in speed, but also in price (more than you said).

The Orbi system has dedicated backhaul channel if you really do need a satellite. Without dedicated backhaul you are just self-limiting your own WiFi speed. But costs way more than your price range.

ETA: so do you have a WiFi router in the bedroom and a Airport Express in the living room acting as an unwired access point? That could slow your WiFi down even as it increases coverage.

As for the 1900/3100/3200/5300/etc and MIMO and MU-MIMO capabilities of newer routers, if your devices don’t support the same technology the new routers won’t make old devices any faster.

quote:

Originally posted by onegeek:
The TP-Link Archer C7 is only a 1750, but has received several great test reviews on actual coverage/range. If you’re not streaming 4K or connecting multiple gaming systems you should be good. $80-100.

The ASUS RT-AC3100/RT-AC88 is a big step up in speed, but also in price (more than you said).

The Orbi system has dedicated backhaul channel if you really do need a satellite. Without dedicated backhaul you are just self-limiting your own WiFi speed. But costs way more than your price range.

ETA: so do you have a WiFi router in the bedroom and a Airport Express in the living room acting as an unwired access point? That could slow your WiFi down even as it increases coverage.

As for the 1900/3100/3200/5300/etc and MIMO and MU-MIMO capabilities of newer routers, if your devices don’t support the same technology the new routers won’t make old devices any faster.

Kind of a catch 22 for me. I'm alone most of the time. But when the kids come they can be doing a lot of gaming. They use X Box or laptops and switch a lot between devices.

Based upon the recommendation of my personal shopper, Aeteocles, I purchased an Asus RT-AC68U

I like an older USA made bosch myself.

Didn't know you were in an apartment, or I'd have never recommended the WAP I did. Given your configuration, buy and install one of these in the kids bedroom and call it a day. Netgear Nighthawk AC1750. It should cover your entire apartment in fast WiFi (assuming there is no issue with the signal you're feeding it).

quote:

Originally posted by parabellum:
Based upon the recommendation of my personal shopper, Aeteocles, I purchased an Asus RT-AC68U

Just on the off chance you have your cellular service through T-Mobile, they have a program where you can get one of these Asus routers for 'free'.

I have a Netgear AC1200, ISP provided, poorly positioned (patch panel in top front corner of house).
Tech came out & demo'd an AC1900 & the signal was the same.

Bought a cheap POE switch & a Ubiquiti access point. Wi-Fi is exponentially better now. Ubiquiti is in the living room in the center of the house, out whole house has CAT5 run throughout.

Eventually I'll get around to networking the ports, but low priority now that we have great Wi-Fi.

quote:

Originally posted by old rugged cross:
I like an older USA made bosch myself.

Or maybe a Waste KANG!!!

quote:

Originally posted by P250UA5:
I have a Netgear AC1200, ISP provided, poorly positioned (patch panel in top front corner of house).
Tech came out & demo'd an AC1900 & the signal was the same.

Bought a cheap POE switch & a Ubiquiti access point. Wi-Fi is exponentially better now. Ubiquiti is in the living room in the center of the house, out whole house has CAT5 run throughout.

Eventually I'll get around to networking the ports, but low priority now that we have great Wi-Fi.

I recommended a similar solution which I don't think is viable given he lives in an apartment (unless he wants to leave the CAT5e running across the floor).

quote:

Originally posted by parabellum:
Based upon the recommendation of my personal shopper, Aeteocles, I purchased an Asus RT-AC68U

That seems like a good recommendation. Seems a lot of these are similar in price and reviews are similar. Since I have an aversion to Netgear and Linksys (I tend to hold a grudge if stuff doesn't last long enough) maybe I'll give this a shot.

Why not get another Airport??? Refurbished are plenty cheap.
I am still rocking an Extreme I bought refurbished going on almost 10 years now. I can count on 1 hand how many times it has had to be reset where I did not start a new configuration.
When we got a bigger house and I needed some better coverage in the basement I added an refurbed Express and use it as a bridge and it works great.

They are simple to setup very powerful and just flat work.

quote:

Originally posted by Black92LX:
Why not get another Airport??? Refurbished are plenty cheap.
I am still rocking an Extreme I bought refurbished going on almost 10 years now. I can count on 1 hand how many times it has had to be reset where I did not start a new configuration.
When we got a bigger house and I needed some better coverage in the basement I added an refurbed Express and use it as a bridge and it works great.

They are simple to setup very powerful and just flat work.

But since Apple is no longer making them or supporting them I'd rather something that is supported.