I have one of those generic routers you get with your ISP but I can tell its not doing its job properly.
Connection upstairs is slow and temperamental and streaming videos to the Chromecast (5 metres away) results in consistent buffers. I don't want to break the bank as I only live in a 50sqm unit but can anyone help me with finding a new router? Under $100?
Or am I being unrealistic?
just an addition to this. the Wifi extender will actually reduce your speed when connected to the extender as the extender acts a device on your network. if you want a range extension without a drop in speed you should look at Mesh router's and mesh points for your house. this would be a tiny environment for a mesh network though
Or ethernet over powerline.
I'll add that your chromecast might be faulty so that's why I suggest testing it elsewhere.
First of all what's the speed (plan) of your ADSL or NBN? it may not be your modem/router/thing problem.
I would also check which WiFi channel you're on. If you're on Android there's an app called WiFi Analyzer, check to see which channel you're on and if there's less congestion on say channel 6 or 11 (assuming you're on channel 1) then I'd try those to see if it improves your speed. Google search "Change WiFi channels" + your router model for instructions on how to change.
Yeah this. I reckon it's more likely to be issues with your connection rather than the router itself.
Also, if you have an old Chromecast, they don't play well with some of the streaming services eg Kayo in which case it might be time for an upgrade.
Second-hand Asus RT-AC68U can be had for less than $100:
https://www.ebay.com.au/sch/i.html?_nkw=asus+rt-ac68u
But you probably need to clarify whether you need a modem/router or just a router.
a $100 router will probably not be that much better than your ISP supplied one. When it comes to networking hardware a consumer grade router that's priced under $100 is actually fairly low end.
A halfway decent mesh router such as Google Nest Wi-Fi for $299 or TP-Link Deco M5 (2-pack) for $150+ may be worth considering if you are 100% sure that it's a weak signal problem. However as others said please run speed test before buying anything to identify the issue.
To answer some of the questions
Yes, double story shoe box.
Chromecast is 7 metres away from tv on same level.
Don't watch 4k some movie file size 2-4gb.
NBN plan is 100/20 unlimited superloop.
I'll try changing channels.
It's the latest Chromecast with Google tv.
What NBN modem/router do you currently have?
30mbps when sitting 1m away from router.
17mpbs when upstairs in bathroom at furthest most disrupted point.
It's a NetComm wireless
can i ask why you're not on the 50/20 plan if you're only getting 30 currently ? i mean you're paying for the 100 but your line might max out at 30-40 ?
my previous address was a max 16mps due to crappy lines
30mbps is awful if you're on a NBN100 speed tier. Did you test on Wifi or on ethernet connection?
You should probably downgrade because you're paying for a speed you cannot attain.
Regarding slow Wifi speeds upstairs: You can improve it if you moved your wireless router a little closer to the stairwell.
Sorry let me clarify, this is wirelessly on my handset. Via ethernet I get full speeds.
Most definitely the router then.
If I were you, I'd be calling up the ISP and complaining about the speed of the router, threatening to leave. They'll most likely send you the latest router for free (had a similar scenario with a friend) and it may tide you over for nothing until you save up for something better like a mesh network mentioned above.
Your mobile phone isn't (always) good device for running speed tests, it's system on a chip (SOC) and wifi chipset will be a bottleneck and give you false readings / bad results.
Regardless, a router upgrade (preferably a Mesh router) does appear to be beneficial in extending the reach and also improving the overall bandwidth available to all your devices.
@scrimshaw: Tried on my work laptop to which is on the same desk as my router and got 40mbps.
NBN provider didn't provide router that's why I wanna buy a new one.
@Spennyrich: Try logging into the router to change the channel. There may be too much interference from other wireless devices.
Tried changing the numeric channels and made no difference. Also no 5ghz band option.
For NBN 100, those speeds are very poor. Apart from checking settings n such my suggestion is to invest in some newer hardware. I would up your budget a bit to around $150-200 for anything decent. Whether U want to invest in AX wifi 6 for future proofing depends on what devices u use it (newer phones, laptops etc). Your area of coverage as U said is not big, just that U have a 2nd floor to cover. Mesh could be done for $250-300 ish and is easy to setup (Orbi, nest etc) if you don't have much know-how.
That being said a majority of ISP hardware they provide is pure rubbish. I would opt in getting something from Asus or TP-Link. Netgear is ok but sometimes their firmware updates can be a bit unstable.
A 2nd hand router would be your best bet for cheap, you can get a good price for decent routers if you shop around. I'm still using 2 x Asus RT-AC68U routers linked in an AiMesh setup for a few years now in my place and it has good coverage over the entirety of my house (265m²) with no dead spots and has nice speeds for the NBN plan I'm currently on. I bought them slightly used for $120 each which was a bargain.
Other routers I've used in the past have been the Netgear Nighthawk R7000, TP-Link AX20 in my folks house. If budget is very high priority, maybe the Tp-Link Archer 7 as a stand alone router could be an option for under $90 and is a decent budget router.
Hope this helps :-)
DannyC! thanks for the being one of the few to provide some feedback instead of questions :P
Will take this all into consideration to help me get the best option for me :D
The Netcomm router is aweful. You can get a TP-Link router (or modem) for around $150 with great performance.
As mentioned above, perhaps get the Deco M5 2 pack. If you are on a DSL connection you will need to retain your Netcomm and plug the M5 to it.
If you are sure that you are getting full speed from the Netcomm then you know there is no issues with your lead in cable.
Grab two google wifis, currently $299 at Officeworks. I know it's out of budget but if you value your sanity this is the way.
50sqm and there's an upstairs. Must be a double storey shoebox.
You should run a few speed tests and try the chromecast in another TV(or move it downstairs). There is a chance that something is blocking the signal or streaming at a higher bandwidth(eg 4k over full HD).
You can also buy wifi extenders but the router shouldn't have any issues covering the 50sqm area.