5ghz N vs. AC

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androidguy

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Mar 2, 2014
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I currently have a Motorola SBG6580 Modem/Router with a Netgear WNR1000V3 as an access point sitting right next too it. This is how I have them configured: The Motorola is my modem/5ghz router, it is broadcasting myssid_5ghz and a guest 5ghz wifi network and DHCP for both. The Netgear is doing 2.4 with no DHCP and 2.4ghz broadcasting my normal SSID (basically a 2.4ghz access point) it also will have a Trendnet TEW-737HRE extender connected to it but currently isn't because it is on the way.The reason I have them like this is because the Motorola is provided by my ISP and the Netgear I had laying around. So instead of spending $100 on a router I set them up like this. My question is the Motorola can only do N-5ghz and I was wondering if the AC upgrade was worth it. I only have a few devices that can support N-5ghz which I know of including: my ipad mini 1st gen, Moto X, and Droid Ultra with the Moto X and Droid Ultra supporting AC also. The rest are all 2.4ghz. At most times I have anywhere from 10-25 devices connected to my Wi-Fi network including a home media server which is of course connected via a CAT5e cable. Also my internet connection is only 6mbps down from my isp which I do get all of the time. I would use AC for range and streaming from my media server the only devices I know of that could support 5ghz ac on my network is the Moto X and Droid Ultra but they are two of the main devices. Thanks in advance for all help and suggestions.
 
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802.11ac may or may not have more range. It will likely never exceed 2.4g radios since 5g is more easily absorbed but of course the 2.4g has more competition. This is the difference between range and quality..very hard to even guess which is better peoples houses and environment make a so much different.

If you get some of the very newest 802.11ac they claim to have beam forming abilities. Hard to say if that actual makes any difference. Many of the testing sites have very mixed results if the beam forming has much value since many times the direct route is though a wall and it may be better to get a reflected signal.

Speed on 802.11ac should be somewhat higher if you buy the top end equipment. Of course with only a 6m...
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bill001g

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Aug 9, 2012
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802.11ac may or may not have more range. It will likely never exceed 2.4g radios since 5g is more easily absorbed but of course the 2.4g has more competition. This is the difference between range and quality..very hard to even guess which is better peoples houses and environment make a so much different.

If you get some of the very newest 802.11ac they claim to have beam forming abilities. Hard to say if that actual makes any difference. Many of the testing sites have very mixed results if the beam forming has much value since many times the direct route is though a wall and it may be better to get a reflected signal.

Speed on 802.11ac should be somewhat higher if you buy the top end equipment. Of course with only a 6m internet like you have it will make no difference for surfing. You would only gain a advantage if you were to transfer large amounts of data between machines within your house.

The latest motorola modem/router has 802.11ac as well as things like MoCA standard. It is a little expensive but is still cheaper than buying a router and modem separate. Hard to say if its a good value.
 
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