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Home Networking WiFi Router Discussion Thread, Updated for 2023

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TSblacktubi
post Sep 17 2018, 05:08 PM, updated 2w ago

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With the rise of much faster Internet speed, this post serves as a generic guide to know what Wireless Router you should buy and some generic tips and tricks when buying a router.

Use the format below if you wish to ask what router to buy
QUOTE
House type: Landed / Condo
Size of house: Square feet and number of floor
Features required: Antivirus? QoS? Bandwidth Limiter? VPN?
Number of devices connected to WiFi:
Internet Speed:
Budget:


Recommended Router List
RM200-400: TP-Link AX55
RM400-600: TP-Link AX72/AX73, ASUS TUF-AX4200, ASUS RT-AX57
RM600-1000: TP-Link Archer AX80, ASUS TUF-AX6000
RM1000 and above: Most routers beyound this price point are good

Equipment List
This list serve as a reference on what router you should purchase based on the performance of their WiFi tested with Intel AX200 Wireless Adapter. Unless specifically mentioned, these routers can support Gigabit speed over wired LAN.

WiFi router speed rating

All the routers tested below support Unifi unless stated otherwise.
Only ASUS router support Maxis with VOIP working properly.

Note: For routers that appeared twice in the list, it means that the performance level is somewhat middle.

TP-Link
100Mbps: Archer AX12
300Mbps: Archer AX23, Archer AX53, Deco X20, Deco X50
500Mbps: Archer AX55, Archer AX72/AX73, Deco X50, Deco X68
800Mbps: Archer AX72/AX73, Archer AX80, Archer AX95, Deco XE75, Deco X80, Deco X95
>1Gbps: Deco X95, Deco BE85

Asus
100Mbps: RT-AX1800HP
300Mbps: RT-AX1800HP, ZenWiFi XD5, RT-AX57
500Mbps: ZenWiFi XD5, RT-AX57, TUF-AX4200, ZenWiFi XP4
800Mbps: TUF-AX4200, TUF-AX6000, RT-AX86U PRO, GT-AX6000, GT-AX11000, ZenWiFi XT8, ROG Rapture GT6
>1Gbps: GT-AX6000, ZenWiFi XT12/ET12, GT-AXE16000


What WiFi adapter to buy?
Here are the only WiFi adapter that I filtered that are decent.

PCIE Wi-Fi 6 Adapters:
Performance are the same since they all use the same solution from Intel.

TP-Link TX3000E 3 years warranty with external antenna cradle.
TP-Link TX50E 3 years warranty without antenna cradle.
ASUS PCE-AX58BT 3 years warranty with external antenna cradle.
Intel AX200 You can purchase the Intel AX200 from Lazada and install yourself for notebook users.

USB Wi-Fi 6 Adapters:
Not recommended due to USB stability issues

This post has been edited by blacktubi: Oct 12 2023, 09:50 PM
TSblacktubi
post Sep 17 2018, 05:08 PM

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Why 5Ghz signal is weaker than 2.4Ghz?
The high the frequency, the weaker the penetration. 5Ghz is operating at a higher frequency than 2.4Ghz. The shorter wavelength means it cannot penetrate solid objects like concrete wall that well.

Why 2.4Ghz is unstable and slower?
The 2.4Ghz band is used by a ton of devices such as dect phones, bluetooh, microwave oven and many other IoT devices. The interference is worst if you stay at a condo which really impact the maximum performance you can get.

Put it in layman terms, 2.4Ghz is like talking to a friend with 100 other people in the room, you have to talk slower so your friend can hear you better.

2020 Update: TNB just announced their smart meter is going to operate on the 2.4Ghz. Expect worst performance.


Why my WiFi speed is slow even after using a good WiFi router?
Please make sure you use a good WiFi adapter. Realistically, an AC1300 WiFi adapter can deliver up to around 500Mbps at very good signal.

The speed will be slower as the distance is further, a good router will have better interference mitigation so the long distance speed can be better.

Before you complain any further, use an Ethernet LAN cable to test the speed to determine where is the bottleneck is.

This post has been edited by blacktubi: Nov 29 2020, 06:03 PM
TSblacktubi
post Sep 17 2018, 05:08 PM

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How to test your Internet speed properly.

Prerequisite:
  1. Use Ethernet LAN cable to speed test as WiFi is not consistent.
  2. Ensure ALL Ethernet cables are in good condition and it is CAT 5E and above.
  3. Make sure your computer and router come with a Gigabit Ethernet LAN port.
  4. Use a good router.
Environment Config:
  • Some Antivirus or Firewall is known to throttle connection speed heavily.
  • Disable any unnecessary features on your router that may slow down the connection. (Antivirus, QoS etc)
  • Older computers may not be able to support faster speed so monitor your CPU usage when performing Speedtest.
  • Turn on NAT acceleration on ASUS router or known as LAN Boost on TP-Link router. Only applicable to certain models. Detail
Speedtest Server:
  • Use the Speedtest.NET app on Windows 10 as it is is more accurate than the web version
  • Try with different servers, sometime even Singapore servers are good for testing
  • Use Local servers only
Things to check before you contact your ISP
  • If it is stuck at 100Mbps, swap your LAN cable
  • Try with a different router and computer
  • Reboot can fix a lot of things


This post has been edited by blacktubi: Jun 28 2019, 01:26 AM
TSblacktubi
post Sep 17 2018, 05:08 PM

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Why Ethernet LAN speed is fast but WiFi speed is slow?

Your WiFi speed depends on the receiver of your device and the router. for both router and adapter on 5Ghz.

Most smartphones and laptop come with AX1800 WiFi so the maximum speed you can get is around 800Mbps. Speed is also affected by signal, the maximum speed is only possible when signal is good

Why my Ethernet wired LAN speed is slower than advertised?


Make sure your router and computer support Gigabit speed. Try with different Ethernet cable, computer and different speedtest server.

Ethernet wire is actually rated to their speed. Make sure your Ethernet cable are still good and your router can handle Gigabit Ethernet.

I written a guide to show how you can check the speed of your Ethernet port on Windows here.

For Asus Router, you can check the port speed by clicking the globe icon and click Status tab.
[attachmentid=10183621]

When to use mesh WiFi

Consider getting a mesh WiFi system if your property is bigger than 1500 square feet or having more than a floor.

A best case solution is to have a unit of mesh node on each floor of your property.

When not to use mesh WiFi

If you are staying is a single storey property less than 1500 sq ft, a mesh WiFi will cause more harm than good.

The huge signal overlap will introduce roaming issue. Besides, when the distance is smaller, connecting directly to the main router will give better speed then connecting to mesh node.

But, it will still be useful if your property have some weird layout (narrow and long rectangle).

This post has been edited by blacktubi: Oct 12 2023, 09:51 PM
TSblacktubi
post Sep 17 2018, 05:21 PM

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QUOTE(Mr_47 @ Sep 17 2018, 05:20 PM)
Archer C1200 can do LAN easy 500mbps but not for WIFI
*
I am planning for 2 lists where one is about WAN to LAN and another is wireless.
TSblacktubi
post Sep 18 2018, 02:35 PM

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QUOTE(CZero @ Sep 18 2018, 02:28 PM)
TS, kinda intrigued on what device did you use to hit the 800 Mbps mark.  blush.gif
RB2011UAS? Can't even get past 300 Mbps on ethernet. Its wireless? Around 35Mbps.

Mine is RB2011UiAS-2HnD-IN. Disabled the LCD and all, and while people recommends enabling fasttrack, I cant get it to works.
*
PCE-AC88 with RT-AC5300 will have no issue to deliver that level of performance over wireless.

Of course, I could have fire up my Ruckus R710s but that is overkill. biggrin.gif

EDIT: All tested with non-critical features disabled to ensure NAT is always accelerated.

This post has been edited by blacktubi: Sep 18 2018, 02:37 PM
TSblacktubi
post Sep 18 2018, 03:10 PM

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QUOTE(CZero @ Sep 18 2018, 02:58 PM)
I was actually in the market for access point that can utilize 800Mbps, though I'm pretty sure none of our devices supports that speed at the moment.

At the moment our Archer C9's 500Mbps over wifi is good enough for us, though it tends to crash after few days. Wish it has at least some sort of scheduled reboot like Tenda's.

So far I've yet to find offering from Mikrotik and Ubiquiti that can delivers that kind of speed. RuckusR710s eh, lets see how muc- nahhhh nevermind.  shakehead.gif
Cant wait.  thumbup.gif Would love to stick with Mikrotik, though so far I've yet to find one that would fully utilize turbo's 800Mbps over wifi.
*
UAP nanoHD from UBNT can deliver that kind of speed but again it is not cheap. Their gears are pretty decent, sort of semi-Enterprise level.

Ruckus is overkill and it is very Enterprise focused.
TSblacktubi
post Sep 18 2018, 03:46 PM

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QUOTE(CZero @ Sep 18 2018, 03:18 PM)
yeap, we had AP-LR before. love it. As for nanoHD, i think Sublime doesn't carries one over here, and yes, might be ultra overkill for us.  sweat.gif
Also, I just found out about TP-Link RE650 AC2600. Not much review yet, but thing looks promising. hmm.gif I guess any router/wifi that has AC2600 and above should be able to beam up 800Mbps over wifi, no?
*
Range extender will halve the bandwidth though.

You are right, AC2600 devices should not have issue unless there is a design failure.

QUOTE(dragna @ Sep 18 2018, 03:25 PM)
1 question. The equipment listed are achievable speeds through LAN or WiFi?
Why i ask this is because there a many out there that could easily misunderstood the info eg; Asus RT-AC68U can reach 800Mbps through LAN but it is listed under 500Mbps table.
*
This is over wireless. Most AC1750 devices should not have issue getting get over LAN unless specifically stated.
TSblacktubi
post Sep 19 2018, 01:24 AM

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QUOTE(Zi-Tech @ Sep 19 2018, 01:20 AM)
i dunno what happen suddenly my router hang/ no responsive after i change pppoe setting...

try to reset still not avail to get factory default... lan give ip range 169.x.x.x... no idea how to get into the default setting....
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Factory reset should do the trick.
TSblacktubi
post Sep 19 2018, 11:30 AM

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QUOTE(netken @ Sep 19 2018, 09:10 AM)
i reversed my setup last nite after the fibernation upgrade - my VOIP did not work anymore.

Before: BTU - Asus AC66 (Router and WIFI) - Thompson TG784 (VOIP)

< after last week fibernation upgrade - VOIP on Thompson did not work>

Now: BTU - Thompson TG784 (Router and VOIP) - Asus AC66 (WIFI in AP Mode)

Seems to be stable and able to take in the 100 DL and 20 UL
*
Not optimal but at least it works for now as the routing capabilities on the Thompson is kind of terrible.

Possibly they change something in their end.

QUOTE(afif92 @ Sep 19 2018, 10:35 AM)
Hi blacktubi, based on my reading on your website and want to confirm with you again, all Netgear router must set VLAN manually. Is it possible can tag HyppTV Vlan to other than primary WiFi? Thanks.
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Yes, I do not try Netgear routers for a really long time now so I am not sure if they upgraded.

Only D-Link routers can tag VLAN to WIFI..
TSblacktubi
post Sep 19 2018, 04:23 PM

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QUOTE(silver311 @ Sep 19 2018, 03:07 PM)
How about this one from TP-Link? Planning to buy this for my unifi 800mbps usage.

https://www.tp-link.com/my/products/details...A8630P-KIT.html
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I reviewed this before. Peak speed is around 300Mbps even at super optimal condition.

https://www.blacktubi.com/review/tp-link-tl...30p-kit-review/
QUOTE(SilentVampire @ Sep 19 2018, 03:24 PM)
Just realized that AN5506-04-BG, the BTU that is currently being issued by TM for some users, are capable of gigabit speeds as well, so you might want to add it to your list. Blacktubi
*
Added, thanks!
TSblacktubi
post Sep 20 2018, 08:40 PM

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QUOTE(silver311 @ Sep 20 2018, 08:33 PM)
Do you guys know any sellers for the Tp-link Archer C3150 V2? Went to a number of shops, cant seemed to find any selling it.
*
Currently out of stock in the entire market. Somehow the demand for this model is super good. sweat.gif
TSblacktubi
post Sep 20 2018, 08:47 PM

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QUOTE(silver311 @ Sep 20 2018, 08:44 PM)
Haha. was afraid of that. Heard it is quite affordable for the performance it is giving  cry.gif

What do you think of the Archer C5400? How much of a performance upgrade can I expect from the C5400? Does it have a further house wifi coverage (both 2.5ghz and 5ghz) with all those antennas it has?
*
C5400 is actually my daily driver for a long time now.

C5400 is literally the C3150 with an extra 5Ghz band, they are very similar device but with beefier specs.

It comes with 8 antennas. To be frank, the signal output is rather similar with C3150, what it excels is the performance when you have many devices connected.
TSblacktubi
post Sep 20 2018, 09:20 PM

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QUOTE(MX510 @ Sep 20 2018, 08:52 PM)
» Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... «


I sold this almost 10 units to all VIP client they all love it :-)
*
Good stuff, mind to link me with UBNT Malaysia so I can get a unit to play? tongue.gif

Anyway, why this instead of their normal line of APs for your clients tho?

QUOTE(SilentVampire @ Sep 20 2018, 09:15 PM)
Yes, try Lelong.com.my. Still lots of sellers there.
Plenty if sellers on Lelong.
*
Thanks for the tips. notworthy.gif
TSblacktubi
post Sep 21 2018, 12:16 AM

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QUOTE(Boy96 @ Sep 20 2018, 11:51 PM)
where can i download the batch file?
*
I forget to attach that. sweat.gif

The command is this, you can just input it in any command prompt window. Doesn't work in Powershell.

wmic NIC where NetEnabled=true get Name, Speed

TSblacktubi
post Sep 21 2018, 12:50 AM

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QUOTE(firecracker @ Sep 21 2018, 12:44 AM)
errr..between c5400 and asus 86u...which would u recommend?
*
Tough choice for me.

I would be more towards the C5400 as it has a better wireless coverage. I value wireless coverage over those features.

RT-AC86U still a great device coupled with AiMesh you can add another node to your network in the future. Not to mention AsusWRT is really feature rich.
TSblacktubi
post Sep 21 2018, 02:59 AM

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QUOTE(gahkin @ Sep 21 2018, 12:56 AM)
Asus aimesh is not pure mesh system ? Let say compate to ubnt mesh ?
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No support for 802.11 k, r and v which is a major drawback to me. They rely on their own roaming algorithm which may or may not work that well as it depends on the client device.

The only thing great with AiMesh is the performance as their routers have some seriously powerful radio which typical off the shelf mesh system lacks.

Of course, you get the full ASUSWRT features if you are into that.

QUOTE(thankyou @ Sep 21 2018, 02:53 AM)
RM899 for 2 x M9 Plus? This is actually quite a good deal i think... I thought it's not available on the market because there's no listing @ Lazada...

I'm thinking to have it as Router or perhaps serving as AP only.

Huawei HG -> Mikrotik hEXs -> TP-Link Deco M9 Plus...
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There is AP mode on the M9 Plus. I like the 802.11r support but it is not enabled by default, you need to enable it on the app.

If you intend to run it as a router, mind that it doesn't support HyppTV at the moment. If you already have a good setup on the Mikrotik, I feel AP mode is the way to go.

You will lose out the app control which is rather intuitive but if you use Mikrotik, you probably not into that.
TSblacktubi
post Sep 21 2018, 11:47 AM

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CZero
Maybe you can try placing your wireless access point somewhere as I am pretty sure your metal rack will affect the signal a little.

Archer C3150 have some pretty decent radio. smile.gif
TSblacktubi
post Sep 23 2018, 11:12 AM

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QUOTE(tawwoei @ Sep 23 2018, 10:23 AM)
i Want to ask after Turbo my speed only reach not even half of the 800mbps
http://www.speedtest.net/result/7658573879.png
i am using TP-Link AC3150
*
Your speed is capped at 100Mbps, indicating that it is bottlenecked by Ethernet speed.

Can you make sure you use at least CAT5E
TSblacktubi
post Sep 24 2018, 10:51 AM

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QUOTE(St. Teh @ Sep 24 2018, 10:28 AM)
I really no idea, I just follow the step to set up the router
*
I created this guide quite some time ago and it is still applicable for now. smile.gif

https://www.blacktubi.com/unifi/setup-asus-router-for-unifi/

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