Hey folks looking to add an extra wireless router to my network and switch off the wireless on the sky router as its terrible. Would prefer to go AC as i alredy have quite few AC compatible devices and the dual band 2.4 and 5ghz would be handy as there are quite a few wireless networks in my area that are generally all 2.4ghz, like the look of the tp link stuff but don't think I can stretch to the asus routers. Anyone had experience setting up a new router along side the sky router and does it improve performance considerably. Thanks
What wireless AC router to replace Sky router
- Thread starter adwol48
- Start date
Either replace your router altogether with one that supports Sky's partial MER implementation (Asus with 3rd party firmware, Tplink with beta firmware, Billion, Netgear etc.) or add a dedicated AP that will be hard wired to your router. Unifi AP's are getting a lot of love on here at the moment and deservedly so, they aren't cheap by consumer standards, but they are CPE kit with much better coverage and stability, the AC versions obviously support AC but tend to be a little more pricey.
was going to go the AP route to be honest because its cheaper and simple but reading more about it i'd kinda like to do away with skys router altogether i already have my username and password acquired from the sky router and to have gigabit connections on the router would be nice since the rest of my network is all gigabit
Soldato
- Joined
- 20 Oct 2008
- Posts
- 12,082
You can Gigabit the wired network by adding a very cheap Gigabit switch. Add a decent AP and you're done.
Gigabit on the router isn't always beneficial, anything connected to the gigabit switches already goes via them and not the router, as your connection is a maximum of 80Mbit then 10/100 ports on the router aren't limiting you.
That's not to say you shouldn't get rid of the SR102, I did because the wireless range is woefully inadequate and I had a specific need that I could only address with a better router. Decide on what you want, if it's a 1 box solution to do everything then TP Link/Billion/Netgear get favorable feedback. Personally I replaced ours with and ECI/r or HG612 (unlocked) and an AC56U, the reason for my choice was the AC56U shares the same CPU/RAM as the higher end models and I can now reboot/re-flash custom firmware/scripts to it without causing DLM to trigger as the modem is still connected, AC1200 is also fine for the laptop or any device I want to access the VPN SSID, any serious file transfers are done via wired. I also run a Unifi AP because 300mbit is more than adequate for mobiles/tablets and coverage is more important so 2.4Ghz is still my preferred option and my WeMo's etc. are 2.4Ghz only.
That's not to say you shouldn't get rid of the SR102, I did because the wireless range is woefully inadequate and I had a specific need that I could only address with a better router. Decide on what you want, if it's a 1 box solution to do everything then TP Link/Billion/Netgear get favorable feedback. Personally I replaced ours with and ECI/r or HG612 (unlocked) and an AC56U, the reason for my choice was the AC56U shares the same CPU/RAM as the higher end models and I can now reboot/re-flash custom firmware/scripts to it without causing DLM to trigger as the modem is still connected, AC1200 is also fine for the laptop or any device I want to access the VPN SSID, any serious file transfers are done via wired. I also run a Unifi AP because 300mbit is more than adequate for mobiles/tablets and coverage is more important so 2.4Ghz is still my preferred option and my WeMo's etc. are 2.4Ghz only.
I've got this. Full support for Sky MER (firmware update may be required), wireless AC and gigabit connections. The W8980 is cheaper and supports MER with a beta firmware, had that previously and also had no issues.
Ultimately will depend on how much you wish to spend.
Ultimately will depend on how much you wish to spend.
was actually looking at the model without the modem a while back. thanks for the suggestion
Np. My only issue with it is that it's a bit on the large side but the wireless coverage is fantastic
I have one, my VR900 is only a week old, but excellent modem/router.
How does it for with the Asus equivalant?
With Asus you buy the non VDSL modem version, add an ECI or HG612 BTO modem and the Merlin firmware. If you buy the Asus VDSL version you're in for a world of hurt as the monster thread on here is testament to.
I've got a n66u set up in my parents house with an open reach modem and its excellent. Was thinking if I need to buy another router for my flat, which should I go for
This thread basically details why if you want to use an Asus router with a VDSL connection then you stick to the BTO modem route. Yes it's 2 box, yes the modem uses 5-7w of power and takes up a plug socket, for that you get total router freedom including as many reboots as you want to make without DLM kicking in, 3rd party firmwares and potentially great deals (the Archer AC1750 is being sold off for under £50 atm at a well known high street store).
OK what options are there for a router with modem which doesn't break the bank has good range like the n66u?
Archer C7 AC1750 for £49.97 in store only - the price should give you a clear idea of which group of companies i'm talking about, it's not the supermarket!
This seems to be without the modem?
It is, you'd need a BTO ECI /r or HG612 to pair with it as per my earlier post (#14). If you want an all in one look to the VR200 but it's £80+ and supports AC750, personally i'd say 2 box represents a lot better value and gives considerably better performance.