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Router suggestions for single student on fibre

Tags:
  • Fibre
  • HTPC
  • Networking
  • Internet Connection
  • Routers
  • Wireless Network
  • VPN
Last response: in Networking
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September 1, 2014 1:51:50 PM

Hi guys,

In just a few days I'll be moving into a new flat in York, UK and will be taking up a fibre internet connection with Plusnet (38Mbps down). I'll be a student in the university and would like to keep my bills as low as possible. I'm looking for a router, but I'm worried what I'd pick would be overkill for my needs.

I'll be living alone, and I really only have two regular devices that will use the connection. I have a laptop (Lenovo T440s) running on a Wireless AC card, as well as a Google Nexus 5, which I believe only runs on a wireless N adapter.

I won't be gaming too much (though I would like to keep it an option), but as I won't have cable throughout the year, I'm putting my money into a good internet connection and using my laptop as an HTPC, running XBMC, Netflix, as well as other streaming services. I currently also use a VPN, as ISPs in the UK have been known to throttle some connections, so my router supporting VPN is a must.

Before I moved, I used the Asus RT-N56U at my old house and loved it for my purposes, as I had several roommates who all used the connection at the same time. After moving, I bought my laptop with wireless AC and would like to take advantage of it, if possible, but I'm wondering if a router like the RT-AC66U would be overkill for my purposes. I'll be living alone, so I'm wondering if even an RT-N56U would be overkill... Like I said, I'd like to keep costs low, but I wouldn't want to sacrifice performance and throughput. It would also be nice to be able to connect additional storage to the router.

Are there routers on the market that are cheap, work wirelessly (preferably on AC -- or does it really matter?), while maximizing my fibre connection and supporting VPN and external storage? Is my best bet with something like the RT-AC66U, or is that overkill?

I would appreciate any advice, suggestions, and guidance on the matter. Thanks!

Tom

More about : router suggestions single student fibre

September 1, 2014 1:58:35 PM

Didn't your plusnet deal included a free Wifi router?
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September 1, 2014 2:00:10 PM

Suztera said:
Didn't your plusnet deal included a free Wifi router?


No, it's £5.99/mo, and I've looked up reviews that say it struggles to keep up with the connection I'll be purchasing. Not to mention no VPN/External storage support.
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September 1, 2014 2:05:49 PM

Well the Asus RT-N66U has ac and if you really want ac then that is a good choice.

Asus RT-N56U if you on a budget. If you living alone, N speed would be ok but you would need to check any interference at the location that might lower the signal quality of the wifi.
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September 1, 2014 2:40:26 PM

I suspect you may be somewhat restricted on your router selection. Be sure to check if they are delivering ethernet to you. This means there must be another device that is converting the signals from outside the house to ethernet. This is normally some form of modem either cable or DSL. Even the ones that really run real fiber into your house have a box normally referred to as a ONT that acts as modem in a way.

If you are looking at cheap routers that perform well you can look at TPlink. Your cheapest solution if you don't have some else to nag you about it is to run a ethernet cable from your laptop to the router over the floor. You could then wait to buy a fancy 802.11ac router until next year or later when the new models come out.
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