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Thread: Router recommendations

  1. #1
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    Router recommendations

    I've had my trusty Asus RT-N66U since 2015, so decided it's time for a new router. Although it still works well for the most part, it only supports 802.11n which I'm starting to find a little lacking, especially when WFH and doing Teams calls.

    I used to enjoy tinkering with OpenWRT, DD-WRT etc, but can't be bothered these days. The latter especially was so buggy, and the whole flashing process could be a ball ache. So happy to go for something running stock firmware, providing it supports these features:

    WOL/WOW (my Asus allows me to wake my PC from shutdown via an iOS app, even over 4G)
    OpenVPN server
    Wi-Fi - ac or ax.

    I'd prefer not to spend more than £150, although I've no idea whether that's realistic in this age of motherboards that cost a grand or more, and £1500+ GPU's. I'm a bit out of touch with router prices, to be honest.

    Appreciate any recommendations. Btw, I'm with Virgin Media so it's a cable router I'm looking for, no modem needed.

    thanks
    Danny

  2. #2
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    • dannyboy75's system
      • Motherboard:
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      • CPU:
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      • Memory:
      • 32GB Corsair DDR4 3200MHz
      • Storage:
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      • Internet:
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    Re: Router recommendations

    FWIW, I decided to stick with Asus, as I know any new model of Asus router will at least have those two fairly basic features I need (WOL/WOW and OpenVPN server). I nearly opted for the RT-AX55 (~ £95) but, in the end, went for the next model up which is the RT-AX56U (£115).

    I checked reviews of both models, which were pretty positive but suggested the lesser hardware specs on the AX55 just made its web gui feel a little sluggish compared to the AX56U.

    https://techcyn.com/reviews/asus-rt-...uter-for-2020/

  3. #3
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    Re: Router recommendations

    Sorry, didn't see this earlier.

    I bought an Asus RT-AX86U and that, at least, works perfectly with Virgin. I can't imagine the ones you mention don't. I did do a comparison on features and user reports at the time, and mostly they did well, but sorry, I don't remember the details. Partly,IIRC, it came down to throughput and from what I remember, I probably exceeded what I'll ever need, but decided I'd rather spend a bit more and not need it, than under-specify and end up upgrading. From memory, the 56U was highly regarded but yeah, the 55U was a bit aneamic. My memory could be playing tricks, though.
    Last edited by Saracen999; 31-10-2021 at 11:14 PM. Reason: Typo - AX86U, not 8U
    A lesson learned from PeterB about dignity in adversity, so Peter, In Memorium, "Onwards and Upwards".

  4. #4
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    • dannyboy75's system
      • Motherboard:
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      • CPU:
      • AMD Ryzen 5800X
      • Memory:
      • 32GB Corsair DDR4 3200MHz
      • Storage:
      • Sabrent Rocket NVMe 4.0 500GB, Samsung 840 SSD 500Gb, WD 1TB HDD
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      • PSU:
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      • Operating System:
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      • Monitor(s):
      • Asus VG27AQ IPS 165 Hz
      • Internet:
      • Virgin 110/10

    Re: Router recommendations

    No worries buddy, tbh once I'd decided to stick with Asus it was a pretty simple process finding a replacement model

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    Re: Router recommendations

    I'd be interested in what you think, once you've played with it a bit I do plan on upgrading my wifi to Asus Mesh, but am upgrading the wired infrastructure first .... once I make up my mind over 2.5G and 10G. The 56U should certainly cope withmy needs for a wifi AP in mesh mode.
    A lesson learned from PeterB about dignity in adversity, so Peter, In Memorium, "Onwards and Upwards".

  6. #6
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    • dannyboy75's system
      • Motherboard:
      • MSI B550 MPG Gaming Plus
      • CPU:
      • AMD Ryzen 5800X
      • Memory:
      • 32GB Corsair DDR4 3200MHz
      • Storage:
      • Sabrent Rocket NVMe 4.0 500GB, Samsung 840 SSD 500Gb, WD 1TB HDD
      • Graphics card(s):
      • Nvidia 3080 Founders Edition
      • PSU:
      • Aercool Mod XT 750W
      • Case:
      • Falcon GameMax
      • Operating System:
      • Windows 10 Pro x64
      • Monitor(s):
      • Asus VG27AQ IPS 165 Hz
      • Internet:
      • Virgin 110/10

    Re: Router recommendations

    Quote Originally Posted by Saracen999 View Post
    I'd be interested in what you think, once you've played with it a bit I do plan on upgrading my wifi to Asus Mesh, but am upgrading the wired infrastructure first .... once I make up my mind over 2.5G and 10G. The 56U should certainly cope withmy needs for a wifi AP in mesh mode.
    I'll let you know in due course - if the forums are still here!

  7. Received thanks from:

    Saracen999 (02-11-2021)

  8. #7
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    Re: Router recommendations

    Thanks, and unless I misunderstood things, they will be. I sure hope so.
    A lesson learned from PeterB about dignity in adversity, so Peter, In Memorium, "Onwards and Upwards".

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