Looking for a new Router

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LegoFan560
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We'd like to buy a new router to replace our Linksys Cisco WRT160n.

Info about our current situation:
Spoiler:
  • It's throttling our internet speeds. According to CNET, it can't do more than 40 Mbps. We pay for 50 Mbps.
  • There's only one spare ethernet port.
  • It's old. I don't know about our specific router, but the model was available in 2009. Obviously, age shouldn't be a reason to replace something if it works fine, but I'm heading to college next year and tech stuff like this would ideally be sorted out before I leave.
  • It loses connection periodically, requiring a power cycle.
  • We can't get a signal in the opposite corner of the house.
So we're looking for a new router. Currently, it's behind an Arris TG862 modem/router hybrid provided by WOW (this is not likely to change but I wasn't sure if the info would be helpful). We have 7 computers on the internet (3 hardwired, 4 wifi), an HP wireless printer, and three Apple devices. In the near future we expect to add another printer. When we replace the router, our current one will become an access point for the corner of the house with a weak signal, so we'll need an ethernet port for that as well.
Should we consider 802.11ac or is it too new to be worth it? Nothing we have yet is ac compatible - how long will it be before that changes?
As far as I can tell, it makes more sense to get an ethernet switch and a router than a router with 6+ ports. Is that correct? Any recommendations?

Most importantly, can you recommend a good 50mbps-capable router?

Thanks guys!
Last edited by LegoFan560 on Mon Dec 22, 2014 5:20 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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ccgr
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This is what we're running and are happy with it

http://www.amazon.com/RT-AC68U-Wireless ... 00FB45SI4/
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LegoFan560
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$180 is a bit more than we want to spend, but what about this one? http://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00IEG4H1K/r ... B00FB45SI4
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ccgr
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ASUS routers rock, I think you'd be happy with that one
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LegoFan560
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We'll be getting that router and this switch. I'll let you know how it goes. Thank you!
@Cheryl: Thanks for a wonderful community. It is a pleasure and honor to be a part of it.

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ccgr
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No!!!!!!!!!!!!! Get a gigabit switch! Only a couple of dollars more

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001QU ... GCDY4KW4WL
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LegoFan560
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I was under the impression that ethernet could do 100Mbps. I read this article on PCWorld just now and it is apparently limited to about 12.5 Mbps. Since our modem is gigabit and our new router will be gigabit, I don't see why not. Thanks!
@Cheryl: Thanks for a wonderful community. It is a pleasure and honor to be a part of it.

"Well then, carry on chaps."
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I second ccgr for Gigabit router. Also, if you're doing wireless, I highly recommend an going AC. Getting "overly fast" modems and routers pays off more than one might think.
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LegoFan560
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I'm rather disappointed right now. I was going to actually order the router today, but Amazon raised the price by $35 overnight. I guess I'll wait until it goes back down.

We decided to wait on the network switch since we only need four ports at the moment.
@Cheryl: Thanks for a wonderful community. It is a pleasure and honor to be a part of it.

"Well then, carry on chaps."
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"it's not malware guys it's linux ;)"
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LegoFan560
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Ok, so it's been 2.5 months since I last posted. The price on the router has not gone down.

Are these worth their current price?
AC1750 RT-AC66R
AC1900 RT-AC68U
AC2400 RT-AC87U

Also, what do we gain by going jumping from the 66 to the 68 to the 67? Trying to decide if it makes sense to get one of the more expensive ones.

Thanks!
@Cheryl: Thanks for a wonderful community. It is a pleasure and honor to be a part of it.

"Well then, carry on chaps."
-Deepfreeze32

"it's not malware guys it's linux ;)"
-ccgr

"Go play outside. That's what I'm going to do now."
-ccgr
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ccgr
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RT-AC66R has 3 antannae dual band 2.4GHz/5GHz for up to super-fast 1.75Gbps

RT-AC68U has 3 antannae dual-band data rates of 1900 Mbps

RT-AC87U has 4 antennae dual-band data rate of 2334 Mbps

we're happy with our RT-AC68U
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LegoFan560
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Update: We bought the AC66R from Amazon. Very happy with it.

No range issues, and it is super fast. We have not yet needed to power cycle it, and we've had it for almost a month now. Thanks for your advice!

Will definitely buy Asus routers in the future.
@Cheryl: Thanks for a wonderful community. It is a pleasure and honor to be a part of it.

"Well then, carry on chaps."
-Deepfreeze32

"it's not malware guys it's linux ;)"
-ccgr

"Go play outside. That's what I'm going to do now."
-ccgr
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ccgr
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awesome, glad you like it
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