Replacing secondary router with access point - need suggestions

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wysocki

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May 17, 2017
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I have an old network that needs updating, and would sure appreciate some ideas. I've read a ton of blogs, reviews, posts and I'm more confused than ever because none of them match my scenario:

I have Charter (60mbps) Cable coming into an Asus RT-N66U router. Although it has wifi, I'm not really using it here. The router goes to a gigabyte switch with about 6 devices on it PLUS a 100' connection to THE LAN SIDE of a Netgear N600 WNDR3400. I don't really need another router up there, but I use it as a secondary switch to feed two computers PLUS serve as a WIFI access point to my 4000 sq.ft. home.

I want to upgrade the system to Gigibyte level and the Wifi to AC level. Besides upgrading my main AC-N66U router and swiitch, I was going to replace the N600 with an RT-AC88U. But my question is: Since I only need a small switch and an access point to replace the N600, is the RT-AC88U the best choice? I wouldn't be using the router (WAN) side of it at all, so what would be the better alternative?
 
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RealBeast
Agreed, the AC88 is a waste of money.

As you said: "Although it has wifi, I'm not really using it here." If you don't need wireless in the area near the N66, why buy a new router, that one is fine.

What areas of your house need wireless, as it seems that you don't use anything (maybe some phones that were not mentioned) currently with wireless?

Is your house a single story rectangle, or 2 story?

What do you want to do differently than you do now and what devices do you plan to use on a wireless connection?

The best way to design a wireless network is to first define all of the users, locations, and types of use to determine how much you need in the way of equipment and the optimal placement. Perhaps you could sketch out a map of...
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boosted1g

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Jun 12, 2013
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The 88u is overkill as access point or even as main router for the vast majority of users.
Features like MI-MIM0 and beamforming are only usefull if your device is one of the select few ones that also has that feature, otherwise it is paying for a 400hp v8 engine to only drive in a school zone.

Also, tri band router is only useful if you have A LOT (like more then 10) devices on the 5ghz band (6-8 devices if you have a 200mbps or faster internet connection).

I would upgrade main to something like a AC68P
For the AP I would look at a ubiquiti wireless AC access point, preferably a ceiling mount if you can route cable to it

How many wirelss devices does the primary router and the access point need to support?
 
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RealBeast

RealBeast

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Sep 13, 2010
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Agreed, the AC88 is a waste of money.

As you said: "Although it has wifi, I'm not really using it here." If you don't need wireless in the area near the N66, why buy a new router, that one is fine.

What areas of your house need wireless, as it seems that you don't use anything (maybe some phones that were not mentioned) currently with wireless?

Is your house a single story rectangle, or 2 story?

What do you want to do differently than you do now and what devices do you plan to use on a wireless connection?

The best way to design a wireless network is to first define all of the users, locations, and types of use to determine how much you need in the way of equipment and the optimal placement. Perhaps you could sketch out a map of those and post it to a site and provide a link here. That would allow everyone to understand your needs and give an informed opinion on your best alternatives.
 
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