Advice on replacing modem router for Plusnet (UK)

[JeremyDEagle]

Hi. I'm still using the modem router that came with Plusnet. We live in a 3 bed semi of brick construction. 2 adults and 2 kids. 2 Xboxes, 4 Alexa's, 4 smartphones etc.

WiFi upstairs is a bit patchy.

I'm toying with buying a new modem router. I'm not really techy and just aware that pre packaged modems are generally basic.

Is it worth it or should I stick with what I have?

I was toying with either a TP-Link AC1900 or 2800. But I don't know if it's just my ADHD impulsivity wanting me to buy something I don't need!

[Andeh13]

Ah man, I'm in exactly the same boat as you but with a generic BT/SKY/etc broadband router. Fibre to the cabinet, copper to house.....

Need to extend my WiFi several more metres to my garage, figuring a beef router might just do it?

Also been looking at your choice of routers!

[kalniel]

Plusnet use BT homehubs, which improve with each model, so check which yours is and if it's not the latest, pick the latest BT one up cheap second hand.

[OilSheikh]

Ditch that Plusnet router. It's a basic router and not fit for purpose. Don't bother with any TP-LINK routers. My experience with the AC1200 has been horrible. Next room could not get decent WiFi speeds!

Go for a Netgear router. I use the AC1750. You do have to set up the router initially, so make sure you know your Broadband username & password.

[OilSheikh]

Ah man, I'm in exactly the same boat as you but with a generic BT/SKY/etc broadband router. Fibre to the cabinet, copper to house.....

Need to extend my WiFi several more metres to my garage, figuring a beef router might just do it?

Also been looking at your choice of routers!

Use a WiFi extender instead or buy another router and use it in Bridge mode. ( check that your new router allows this )

[spacein_vader]

Assuming you're only after increased WiFi range and performance and all other elements of the router are satisfactory a WiFi access point might be the way to go.

Ubiquiti for example make several very good ones (the AP-Lite is probably enough for most,) that look like a ceiling mounted smoke alarm and perform very well for the price.

That way if you ever change ISP you just plug their new router into it and disable the on board WiFi.

[kalniel]

Alternatively, powerline to a wifi extender can be a neat (both simple and lack of bits and pieces) solution. I did this for a challenging property the other month - router to powerline adaptor (which happened to be a passthrough, so was the same plug the router was plugged into), then a single powerline wifi broadcaster plugged in at the other end of the property. No setup required - was literally plug in one, plug in the other and boom - whole property had fast wifi.