[SOLVED] Should I get a mesh wifi-system or a new router?

[nimpa]

I have a generic D-link router that my cable company gave when I signed up for their internet. I have about 9-10 devices connected to my router at the same time consistently. But lately I have been noticing a big drop down in speed. I have 100mbps but only really get about 30mbps. Also, have a dead-zone upstairs in my house.

Would you reccomend a new router or mesh wifi-system? dual-band or tri-band? I am currently debating over google wifi mesh system(sadly only dual-band), eero wifi mesh system(dual band), orbi rbk30(tri-band). Not sure how to really get the most speed espcially since I have a streaming tv service.

 

[kanewolf]

Mesh is just a marketing term for WIFI extender. Could mesh help your dead zone? Maybe. WIFI is difficult to impossible to predict. Does your house have any in-wall eternet cabling? Using that cabling with a WIFI access point is the best way to fix your dead zone.

Depending on which D-Link model you have, a new router might improve your WIFI performance. Using 5Ghz when possible will help your WIFI performance.

Moving your stationary devices to wired connection is the best thing you can do to improve streaming. If a device is stationary, it should be wired.

 

[nimpa]

No in-wall cabling. My device is connected via ethernet cable but still only getting about 30mpbs. Most devices that allow connection to a 5ghz is connected to that.

My router currently from my internet provider is D-Link DIR-868L

 

[kanewolf]

No in-wall cabling. My device is connected via ethernet cable but still only getting about 30mpbs. Most devices that allow connection to a 5ghz is connected to that.

My router currently from my internet provider is D-Link DIR-868L

That is an AC1750 router. That is the performance/price target for most people. BUT that model is quite old (released in 2014).
When is the last time you factory reset your router? You might find that will improve your performance. If you have a wired connection to your router and only get 30Mbit when paying for 100Mbit, then you need to do some more investigation. Concentrate on your WIRED performance first.

 

[nimpa]

factory reset...never did one haha. I just set it up and that was it. I just went online and checked on my router via my internet provider and it is saying I am receiving 100mpbs via a wired connection. Maybe it is a device that is not getting the full speed?

 

[kanewolf]

factory reset...never did one haha. I just set it up and that was it. I just went online and checked on my router via my internet provider and it is saying I am receiving 100mpbs via a wired connection. Maybe it is a device that is not getting the full speed?

It sounds like you ARE getting your paid-for performance with wired connectivity. Your ISP seems to be delivering. I would still recommend a factory reset (after documenting any basic settings like SSID and passwords). It is easy to accidentally turn on a feature that seems safe that kills performance. The easiest way to get a clean slate is to factory reset.
It looks like there were two hardware versions of that router "A" and "B". The latest firmware for either is 2017 so you probably already have the latest, but it is always worth double checking that -- https://support.dlink.com/ProductInfo.aspx?m=DIR-868L

 

[nimpa]

It sounds like you ARE getting your paid-for performance with wired connectivity. Your ISP seems to be delivering. I would still recommend a factory reset (after documenting any basic settings like SSID and passwords). It is easy to accidentally turn on a feature that seems safe that kills performance. The easiest way to get a clean slate is to factory reset.
It looks like there were two hardware versions of that router "A" and "B". The latest firmware for either is 2017 so you probably already have the latest, but it is always worth double checking that -- https://support.dlink.com/ProductInfo.aspx?m=DIR-868L

Awesome thanks! I ran a speed test for wifi devices upstairs and downstairs(where my router is located). Upstairs i get 43-49mpbs. 7mpbs in the deadzone and downstairs i get 43-49mpbs as well. Is that normal to cut the speed in half even if I am close to the router?

Would a new router/mesh system help increase speed?

 

[kanewolf]

Awesome thanks! I ran a speed test for wifi devices upstairs and downstairs(where my router is located). Upstairs i get 43-49mpbs. 7mpbs in the deadzone and downstairs i get 43-49mpbs as well. Is that normal to cut the speed in half even if I am close to the router?

Would a new router/mesh system help increase speed?

It depends on the device as well as the router. What device are you using to test with?