Need a better router

[datguy20]

I've had the Netgear N600 WNDR3400 for a while, and it did well for the years I've had it. However, now that our ISP put out faster internet, it bogs down wired speeds noticeably. I'd like a new router that doesn't hamper my wired speeds, and maybe has better range as well. Exposed antennas are fine, and I'd prefer if it doesn't cost much more than $100-$150. 5Ghz band isn't required, but is a plus.

Here's some pics of wired speeds through the router on my pc (tested on the same speedtest.net server by clicking test again). Through router - through modem.

I'd really like to get the most out of my internet, and this router just doesn't keep up anymore. It won't be any better when my friend moves in at the end of this month, as we both use up a ton of bandwidth. It is up-to-date, and I've disabled many unnecessary settings, but to no avail.

If you're wondering what all is connected...
-Wired: (once my friend is here) Two gaming pc's that will also be used for streaming
-1 to 3 phones
-1 to 2 tablets
-Wireless: DirecTV DVR box (shares connection with a secondary "dumb" box as well)
-Wireless: 1 to 2 laptops (basic use, no gaming)

 

[boosted1g]

At $150 you wont get much better then a ASUS AC68U, next step down I would recommend a TP-Link Archer C7 at around $100.

 

[skitszo]

Does your ISP lease modems? the price of leasing a modem lasts for abour a year year and ahalf for the same price of buying new and you can just trade it out for a newer model every couple years. I liked the Xfinity comcast modem personally. but i live in a big city and they have really good network infrastructure here. Other then that i don't really have any advice. 8}

 

[iballew]

I would go with the TP-LINK archer c9. Honestly, I think a 50-80$ router is plenty for your situation, however, if you insist on getting a top of the line router, thats the one I would go for. Possibly one of the best routers money can buy. If you want to save a few bucks, I would go for the archer c5 which is more than enough for your situation. Both are dual band routers with excellent wifi range and speed. They also both support the newest type of wifi: 802.11ac.

TP-LINK Archer C9: http://www.amazon.com/TP-LINK-Archer-C9-Wireless-1300Mbps/dp/B00PDLRHFW/ref=sr_1_7?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1436304059&sr=1-7&keywords=tp+link

TP-LINK Archer C5: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JZFG6QS

 

[bill001g]

Most routers have little trouble keeping up on a wired connection BUT you problem is not the processor ability it is because you only have 10/100 ports. You might get a little more by tuning some things but you of course never get 100m.

Most routers made today with gig ports have little trouble running a couple hundred meg on wired ports. The top end ones can even approach a gig.

Still on wireless even with newer equipment (you must replace you nics also) few devices can get more than 100m on the 2.4g band running 802.11n. You would have to go to 802.11ac to get more than 100m on wireless and you would need 802.11ac nic cards which may not be a option in device you can not replace the nic.

Even though it would be nice to speedtest and get the number the ISP says before you spend money you need to think about if you really will see much benefit. Most people can't use that much bandwidth. Most HD video is about 6mbit so you would have to run more than 15 movies at the same time to use 100m. Downloads from file servers are generally artificially bottlenecked at the server...a couple of guys with 1g google fiber could use up all the server capacity. Pretty much you are going to have a hard job using 100m. Now if you are running bit torrent then you can use the full connection....at least until the ISP decides to throttle torrents.

 

[datguy20]

At $150 you wont get much better then a ASUS AC68U, next step down I would recommend a TP-Link Archer C7 at around $100.

Is that extra $$ really worth it?

Anyways, I'm basically trying to decide between the Asus AC68U, TP-Link Archer C7, and TP-Link Archer C5. I'm not seeing any crazy differences between the three when I look at specs. Would my best bet to be just to go with the Archer C5 because it's cheapest? It seems like the consensus is to just get something with gigabit ports and call it a day.

I'm seeing the Archer C5 at $74.99 new, so I might just grab that.

 

[Kewlx25]

Spend $150 now, get a router that can do at least 500Mb/s, which is plenty fast, just make sure it get's good reviews for stuff like wifi range, then 3+ years, get another one.

If you want a nice router that is fast and has few bugs, you're looking into $300+ ranges. Quality, Fast, Cheap pick any two.

 

[datguy20]

Thanks everyone. I think I like the price of the TP-Link Archer C5 for what it offers. I can't justify spending a ton for features I really don't need. Going to get it right away.