Which router to replace an AC66U

jollster101 on 15/08/2017 - 13:06

Hi all

I have had my Asus AC66U for quite a while now and whilst it is still functional I am finding the performance to be lacking. The main reason for this would be the OpenVPN Server and Client that I am now running for accessing my network and also tunneling out (via PIA).

I know that the device doesn't quite have the CPU capability which is why I am now looking to move to something more powerful. Question is what.

I have been looking at the AC68U which would benefit from where I am today but I wonder whether I would be better to go for something different again. I have liked my AC66U and love Merlin's firmware but I am not tied to needing to have another Asus. I have been reading through SNB forums and see some love for the Synology RT2600 but similar love to the AC88U, Nighthawks and more besides. Its a bit of a minefield to try and make a decision. So I thought I would ask the masses on OzB.

I don't have any clients that would take advantage of the latest and greatest Wifi specs so cutting edge isn't necessarily required. I would just like to be able to have something gruntier than my current device to cater for the VPN side of things.

Any ideas would be welcomed.

Computing

Comments

  • YLD1 on 15/08/2017 - 13:11

    I just purchased the Synology 1900AC

    its a solid router and nice to use if you've used a synology nas before

    from what I read
    the synology 2600 has a strong VPN client

    • jollster101 on 15/08/2017 - 13:16

      Thanks for the reply.

      I have an N54L running Xpenology so am comfortable with the gui. The gui on Merlins firmware is also more than adequate for me and I am comfortable navigating round there as well. I believe the 2600 does have a strong VPN offering which I believe would be down to the quad core CPU.

      Just wondering what else out there could be an alternative.

      • YLD1 on 15/08/2017 - 13:17

        Are you just looking for a good VPN router?

        have you looked at the drayteks?

        • jollster101 on 15/08/2017 - 13:23

          Good all round replacement for my AC66U. VPN performance would be one aspect but also something with a good wifi offering.

          The router doesn't need to have a huge number of ETH ports as I have a switch that manages that and then connects out to the router for internet access only.

          I haven't looked at Draytek, most talk seems to be for Netgear and Asus as well as the new Synology so I have been looking at the various models from those manufacturers so far. The offerings these days are mind boggling.

  • CLoSeR on 15/08/2017 - 17:37

    Won't you see performance issues with pretty much every retail modem/router out there when connected to VPN?

    Performance (throughput) will always be better with a software client through windows.

  • Irate Monk on 15/08/2017 - 17:56
    +1

    Having recently been mulling on similar lines, here are my thoughts.

    • Linksys WRT 3200 ACM
    • Asus RT-AC88U
    • Netgear Nighthawk D7800
    • Synology RT2600ac

    Different brands options; all well acclaimed. The review also mention some new school (pretty) ones like Google WiFi, NetGear Orbi and Starry Station- (maybe to fill) a top10 list. They could be ignored if looking for sheer performance.

    Overall the Asus RT-AC88U seems to check more of the right boxes for you.

    Here a serious reviewer, literally calls it "The Lexus of wireless routers". Here is yet another respectable opinion of the 88U, awarding it the current top rank.

    • D-Link AC5300 (DIR-895L/R)
    • Netgear Nighthawk X10 AD7200 (R9000)
    • TP-Link Talon AD7200

    On the other hand, the above routers have more bells and whistles, but almost the same practical (working with current real-life clients, as you prefer) features. They sure can make a set-up future proof, but can be eye-watering expensive, and at least one has clunkier user interface- compared to say- the 88U.

    So, continuing the car analogy from CNET above, the aforementioned trio must be the Bugattis of Wireless routers current. Overkill; more geeky and less practical. :)

    I use a Netgear Nighthawk D7000 Modem/Router, firing all barrels, but had been drawn to the illogical three mentioned above, to be frank. Two of them even operate 802.11ad, which is considered too ahead of it's time, again by reliable sources.

    Eventhough digressing, in my research, I got interested on a router from a lesser known brand - the Afoundry EW 1200. Curiously, there is very little info. out there on this- one source, this review. This router is out-of-the-world in absolute range and signal strength as vouched by two users I personally know. This half-assed video claims the same. This rather intimidating machine is constructed of metal with six long antennae, has no MU-MIMO, beam-foaming etc., not sure of QoS, and is just dual band. Only perfect for those folks who doesn't need such latest technologies, but is after AC speeds and long range. Thus, might this be the best budget-friendly router current?

    If someone knows more of the Afoundry EW 1200, or has personal experience with it, please add their comments.

    So, TL;DR, regaining some levelheadedness despite my search for the WiFi router, sense prevailed, and I'm sticking with my Nighthawk D7000. Anyways till such time I upgrade to the Asus RT-AC88U in the not-too-near-future. :)

    My $0.02, and thanks for reading.

    • jollster101 on 15/08/2017 - 21:33

      Thanks for the very detailed response.

      I don't have any clients that would need to have anything above AC1900 and at this stage I don't think I am likely to for some time. I think the AC88U could be overkill in terms of cost against the benefit but it is a very functional piece of kit. The levelheadedness is what is preventing me from just splashing upwards of $350 for something I will probably use only a fraction of its true capability.

      • Irate Monk on 16/08/2017 - 00:09

        Right said.

        For newer technologies like MU-MIMO and Beamforming to have any noticeable effect, you would need a number of clients- and moving around the place- sharing the WiFi. This being my case, I had briefly aspired for the AC88U, though the current Nighthawk D7000 delivers very well.

        As with all things tech, spending to add more horsepower than what you actually need- or could use- makes no sense at all.

  • AlienC on 15/08/2017 - 20:00

    I got a Netgear Nighthawk R8500 from gumtree $190.. works very good.

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