Router Recommendation and General Advice - Long Range < $250

MatD88 on 26/12/2024 - 09:55
Last edited 26/12/2024 - 13:24 by 2 other users

Hi all, just looking for some advice on the best router options for a large single story home.

House is ~340 sq metres and my current ISPs router is not cutting the mustard. The router is located in the garage area off our kitchen. We've got a newborn so I now need to close the doors in my games rooms which causes the Wi-Fi download speed to drop from ~150mbps to ~30mbps. I have a similar issue in our bedroom now as well, all other areas are within the range required

A few questions:

  • My current NBN router is in the garage. I have 2 Ethernet ports running from the garage, with one going into the storeroom (located around the middle of the home) and the other into my games room. Is it possible to put the router into the storeroom. ie does having the router connected to my NBN modem via 2 Ethernet cables cause any loss of speed? Would have a cable from the NBN modem into the wall and then another cable running through the roof. This may alleviate some of the issues as the Wi-Fi signal would then originate from a more central location and based on the current range, I'd assume it would fix most of my problem.

  • I may still have an issue in the games room location if the above is possible. Can I then use my current router as a wired/wireless switch. I have an Ethernet cable going directly into my games room and into my PS5 but the Wi-Fi on the TV has issues due to the distance. Thinking I could run the Ethernet cable to my games room into my current Wi-Fi router using it as a switch and then 3 Ethernet cables from that for the 2x TVs and PS5. Would that work? Fairly sure it would as I've done similar before but just ran it on the ground when needed.

  • What Wi-Fi router would you recommend for me to upgrade to? Looking to spend <$250 with Wi-Fi 6E if possible and the longest distance available to service the rest of the house like our office which is fine currently but would be further away with the above approach.

We have TPG NBN running around 250mbps.

I've heard that AU or US models are preferred as they have a better range.

The only other thing I'd need to do with the above approach is go into the roof and change it so the cable from the garage to games room, then goes from the games room to the storeroom, but that's easy enough.

Thanks!

Computing Wireless Router

Comments

  • mskeggs on 26/12/2024 - 09:59
    +2

    Get a cheap mesh system and your problems will be solved without any effort. Or fuss around trying to keep a single access point for some reason and remain dissatisfied.

  • Murkymerv on 26/12/2024 - 10:15
    +1

    Eero 6 , 6+ may suit you . I'm seriously thinking of getting myself , your set up sounds about the same as mine although I have FTTP

  • Bob81 on 26/12/2024 - 10:28
    +1

    I'd recommend the Mikrotik HAP AX3

    Heaps of features, including high transmit power with WiFi 6, WPA3, Quad-Core CPU, 1GB RAM. Will beat pretty much any 'gaming' router around.

    Can be bough from Duxtel for $240

    Cheaper at about $200 from Getic if you can wait for delivery from O.S.

  • JimmyF on 26/12/2024 - 10:58
    +1

    Long Range

    It doesn't really exist or work like that. WiFi is a two way thing, your 'device' needs to transmit back, and most mobile devices don't have the range.

    The best way to put it, wifi is like two people talking. Sure one might be able to scream really loud so they can be heard many rooms away, but if the other side can't scream as loud back, then the other side doesn't hear and it doesn't work.

    So you need a more powerful wifi device, you need more of them. So invest in a mesh system like the TPLink Deco range, you can grab a 3 pack of the S7 units for under $200.

  • Hirolol on 26/12/2024 - 11:49
    +2

    Good mesh router for under $250 is not possible.
    Increase your budget and look at eero or tp link deco.
    I picked up a 2 pack of TP LINK DECO AXE5400 for $386 on sale Amazon so that give you a rough idea of how much you need to spend
    Think of it as an investment should last 10 years so $38.60 per year.
    The payback is no internet issues and lag free gaming.

    • sumyungguy on 26/12/2024 - 13:19
      +1

      How about Google Nest Wifi Pro $127 Officeworks?

  • GordonD on 26/12/2024 - 14:16
    +1

    Do what's easy and cheap first. See if that solves all your problems.

    Moving the wifi to a central location looks like that easy cheap first step since the ethernet cable is already there.

  • LeoSpaceman on 27/12/2024 - 07:31
    +1

    Whatever you do, do not get the TP-Link Deco M5. They seem to not be able to manage speeds >100mbps based on my own experiences and others online. Right now I am paying for gigabit nbn and getting less than <100mbps at my devices, even close to the main router.

    Keen to hear what you do. There is this for sale at the moment: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/886071

  • MatD88 on 27/12/2024 - 10:44

    Thanks for all the advice!

    I am currently looking at a mesh system. I really like the Eero 6+ and if I can make 2 of them work (still working this out on distance) then it'd be about $300.

    Also about to look at the Google Nest 6E just listed up for $127 so right on the ~$250 budget. Both Wifi 6E.

    Does anyone have experience with the 2x Mesh systems above? Is the Eero 6+ worth an extra ~$50 (for the 2).

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