[SOLVED] Looking for new Router | Help + Recommendations

[Mr Penguin]

Hello, I am looking to replace my ISP router (BT smart hub 2) due to its lack of UI, slow connections, and poor range.
I have around £150 and am looking for a dual-band router, good range, high speeds, e.g., gigabit. I do a lot of file transfers internally. I also have a fair amount of 2.4ghz smart devices.
For security would be nice to have WPA3 as well.
I have seen this: https://www.amazon.co.uk/ASUS-RT-AX58U-Dual-Band-throughput-Aiprotection/dp/B099ZLY9SC

But I am sure there is prob a better one out there. I did find some tp-link routers but I can no longer find them.
If you need any more info just ask, I plan on using my old router as a temp modem while I find a permanent replacement, I currently have superfast broadband meaning no fibre to premises just yet (everywhere around has it, still waiting).

Thanks in advance

 

[RavenfireIT]

pfSense, you can buy their HW or install on your own: https://www.pfsense.org/

 

[kanewolf]

pfSense, you can buy their HW or install on your own: https://www.pfsense.org/

For most users, a pfSense router is WAY too complicated and none of their appliances have WIFI.
WPA3 is only more secure than WPA2 if you can turn OFF WPA2. It is unlikely that you can do that.
Asus routers plus Merlin firmware -- https://www.asuswrt-merlin.net/ are an excellent choice. Just pick a router that is still supported by Merlin.

 

[Mr Penguin]

pfSense, you can buy their HW or install on your own: https://www.pfsense.org/

Thanks for the suggestion. I have already looked into pfsense and it looks good but I am just looking for something not as troublesome. +Most of their hardware is out of my price range. I know you can set up old devices etc with pfsense software but then I will need to get NICs (+I am using them for linux servers ) etc what is a bit too much hassle for me as I am getting busy with exams and readying for uni.
If I am wrong please correct me!!!
I will look into it more tho'

 

[bill001g]

I see the price on wifi6 routers keeps coming down. I guess because they can now sell wifi6e for premium prices.

That router should work well. Be aware most end devices like cell phones do not support 160mhz channels so do not run much faster than 802.11ac.

It will be interesting to see how long it takes before WPA3 really is the norm. Most the security exposures are more theoretical than actual.

The worst security exposure in wifi is still on most routers and many have it enabled by default. WPS was cracked years ago and you do not need anything more than a modern cell phone to do it. This is all so the lazy people who can't be bothered to type in a password can just push a magic button on their router.
Now there are all kinds of "smart" device that the only way to connect is with WPS. From what I can tell WPS will not work on WPA3 so will people actually do things correctly or will they just keep using older security because they are lazy.

 

[Mr Penguin]

I see the price on wifi6 routers keeps coming down. I guess because they can now sell wifi6e for premium prices.

That router should work well. Be aware most end devices like cell phones do not support 160mhz channels so do not run much faster than 802.11ac.

It will be interesting to see how long it takes before WPA3 really is the norm. Most the security exposures are more theoretical than actual.

The worst security exposure in wifi is still on most routers and many have it enabled by default. WPS was cracked years ago and you do not need anything more than a modern cell phone to do it. This is all so the lazy people who can't be bothered to type in a password can just push a magic button on their router.
Now there are all kinds of "smart" device that the only way to connect is with WPS. From what I can tell WPS will not work on WPA3 so will people actually do things correctly or will they just keep using older security because they are lazy.

Thanks. Agree with you on WPS as well, I have always told people never to use it yet they still do. Always disable it.

 

[Mr Penguin]

For most users, a pfSense router is WAY too complicated and none of their appliances have WIFI.
WPA3 is only more secure than WPA2 if you can turn OFF WPA2. It is unlikely that you can do that.
Asus routers plus Merlin firmware -- https://www.asuswrt-merlin.net/ are an excellent choice. Just pick a router that is still supported by Merlin.

Do you have any recommendations on which router I should go for what is supported merlin? I have been looking at a few and they are starting to all blend in together. Like how good is the AC88U. Or if not asus or merlin what other routers would u recommend?

 

[kanewolf]

Do you have any recommendations on which router I should go for what is supported merlin? I have been looking at a few and they are starting to all blend in together. Like how good is the AC88U. Or if not asus or merlin what other routers would u recommend?

I have used Asus, MikroTik and Ubiquiti. The Asus will be the simplest to set up.
But great WIFI isn't about "blasting" a high power signal. Great WIFI is best with multiple radios. Buying two cheaper routers and using the second one as an AP will provide better WIFI.

 

[RavenfireIT]

For most users, a pfSense router is WAY too complicated and none of their appliances have WIFI.
WPA3 is only more secure than WPA2 if you can turn OFF WPA2. It is unlikely that you can do that.
Asus routers plus Merlin firmware -- https://www.asuswrt-merlin.net/ are an excellent choice. Just pick a router that is still supported by Merlin.

Yes, I forgot about the WiFi as I have a seperate AP (Cambium).

Ubiquiti could be a good choice ...