Best solution to add 5GHz 802.11ac/n to network?

Sumanji

Sumanji

Sumanji

Soldato
Joined
12 Mar 2003
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8,342
Location
USA
Hey,

I have a Draytek Vigor 2130n with 2.4GHz only, but the wireless throughput is flakey and can vary, which I think is due to the 30+ other 2.4GHz networks nearby!

I'd like to add a 5GHz access point, and thought that I may as well get an 802.11ac access point.

Are there any particular models which you guys would recommend? Or perhaps any routers + DD-WRT or similar?

Cheers,

Su
 
In my experience the best wireless before you start buying more professional (expensive) products always comes from Apple AirPorts. I had pretty bad coverage coming using a HomeHub 3 and replaced it with an AirPort Extreme on the middle floor of a 3 storey house and had excellent coverage in all rooms and the garden. Before I got the AirPort I tried various APs including a Netgear WNDAP620 which is supposed to be from their business range, and they were terrible in comparison.

Next up from the AirPort is probably going to be one of the Ubiquiti 802.11ac access points, followed by an Aerohive or Meraki.
 
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Ok thanks guys - replacing the router is not an option, but I'll add the Apple to my shortlist.

Any other suggestions?

Cheers,

Su
 
I have an Airport Extreme (802.11ac) in bridge mode (i.e. just providing wifi), and it is brilliant. I don't have any 802.11ac devices, although just having 5GHz 802.11n seems to make a huge difference. Although it is pretty expensive and low on features, it is absolutely rock solid, have never once had to reboot it in many months.
 
Sumanji said:
Surely there are better non-Apple alternatives out there?! :confused:
Click to expand...

The Asus model is the state of the art. I run two of the Asus (one as a cable modem router and one as a wireless bridge) and a single Apple AC point for my Macbook Pro. The Asus router plugs directly into my Virgin Media modem and I then run the Virgin media modem with the wireless off. The transfer speed between the two Asus AC devices is between 300mbit-400mbit and with a sub 1ms latency time, sensational speeds. Considering the 15m spacing and a solid wall.

Maxxing out a 120mbit download from Virgin Media is no sweat for the Asus on AC wireless. Then you realise you can run also download and watch a 40mbit video stream from your NAS in parallel and nothing cuts out, it just soaks it up. It's a real game changer in ways that G and N only hinted at. Previously, you could not multi-task with abandon in this manner, thought and traffic management was required.

The Apple cannot touch the Asus for sheer throughput and range, the Asus is an excellent piece of kit whether on G, N or AC bands, some of the AC transfer rates I would not be able to improve on if wired. I put this down to the three external antenna design of the Asus.

The shipping firmware on the Asus really is pony though, make sure you upgrade to latest firmware as soon as you get one.

The Apple is still essential kit for me but just for time-machine activities only as the antenna design limits its talents.
 
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Apple Express is one of your cheapest options - performance is OK on 5GHz; a bit pants on 2.4GHz though (Extreme is better all-round but twice the cost); along with TP-Link WA7510N (meant for outdoor use; ~£50). Otherwise you have WAPs like HP M200, Netgear WG103, D-Link DAP-2553 which are all in the £80-100 range.
After that you're getting in to the 'cost of a new router' price range - Netgear WA7510N etc.

Another option is to find a cheap dual-band/5GHz router which will run DD-WRT or similar and then operate it as a WAP.
 
Just thought I would chip in with another vote for the ASUS models...

I bought an RT-AC68U from OcUK just before Christmas and am stunned by the speed it offers, and very happy with the featureset too. Don't have many AC devices, mind - HTC One is the only one, I think! - but being able to run multiple 5GHz and 2.4GHz networks means that various devices can use resepctive networks at full potential.

Superb piece of network hardware, and even running a slim external HDD as a media server is effective - it easily bests my (aging) Synology DS109j for transfer speeds in terms of backups etc., and happily plays pretty much all media files without issue.
 
I use a couple of Aruba IPA225s at home (freebie from a supplier...) which are incredibly expensive, enterprise class APs, previously I'd used Apple airport devices for a long time and I was very happy with them. They were consistently the best consumer (price point wise) access points I've use in terms of reliability, consistency while operating near lots of other networks and performance.

If I hadn't had £1000+ of free gear dropped in my lap I'd have bought new AC capable apple units without a second thought and they're still my number one recommendation for access points.
 
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