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Why not future-proof by buying a single mesh router? I am assuming a high-end mesh device will be superior to the standard routers? Maybe the experts can comment here.

Maybe something like this:
https://www.amazon.in/TP-Link-Deco-X...rs&sr=1-4&th=1

You never know what your requirements will be in this crazy world :D.

So happy to see a lot of ASUS users. Have you tried the 'Merlin' firmware for ASUS routers?

Yes, running AC86u with merlin, amtm and diversion.

Consistently get A/A+ in the bufferbloat test which is a correct representation of the internet quality

My home is single floor, so I need one good router with excellent signal strength in the living room and bedrooms and acceptable coverage of the other areas. No plans to add another floor anytime soon so the mesh system may not be needed, atleast for now :)

To the experts-are the budget Wifi 6 routers any good ? I'm inclined to go with Wifi 6 routers as they support upto 8 MIMO devices compared to 4 on Wifi 5. The only question is should I get a budget router or spend more and get something like a Asus AX3000 to truly experience Wifi 6.
I expect to replace atleast 2 phones and one laptop in 2022 so will have a few Wifi 6 and 6E capable devices.

All these are good options. Any of them will do around ~400 mbps in real world. Though they might claim 800 mbps to 1200 mpbs;

I would go with C80 among these options.


In terms of Wi-Fi performance; there is no difference in Mesh or other routers released in last 2 - 3 years. Only difference is in terms of branding / marketing.

What sets mesh apart is dedicated "backhaul" band. None of tp-link mesh products have that in India. Adding this band increases cost of network chips.

US version :

https://www.walmart.com/ip/TP-Link-T...pack/128040017

Thanks. This made the most sense to me too, but a few are suggesting to go for Wifi 6 routers as every new device I buy will support Wifi 6, whereas the router will be stuck in Wifi 5.

I also realized I may have to nearly double my budget and spend between 10-12k to get a good Wifi 6 router with consistent reviews. The budget ones seem hit or miss. Is it worth going for a budget Wifi 6 router over a tried and tested Wifi 5 router ? I don't really see the need to spend 10-12k on a router based on current usage.

Theory :

WiFi 6 : It enables better utilisation of spectrum. With WiFi 6 you can reasonably use ~30 devices on same router.

Reality :

1. Any home will still have WiFi 5 devices for next 5 - 6 years (say your TV / Fire TV / Printer / Old Laptop / Gaming console/ Soundbar / Old Android iPhone etc.)
2. Budget routers : Will degrade whole network to WiFi 5 (or even older WiFi) if a single device is not on WiFi 6
3. Budget routers : Will not have a third radio that you can dedicate to older devices and have one radio only for WiFi 6

For most home users, better WiFi 5 router will be preferred.

Beyond 5k, spending more on a router does not make sense if you use use only internet.

If you use other things (like HDD that is shared on WiFi across PC + Phone + iPad), then an expensive router might make sense.

In my house I've setup WFH in 2nd floor (work laptop placed directly above Airtel modem in first floor). I had a 40 Mbps copper connection and used to get 17-20Mbps in my laptop which worked for me. I also use this wifi for a firestick in a TV which is placed near my laptop and I've had no issues. Now recently upgraded to Airtel FTTH and speeds in 2nd floor dropped to 7-10 Mbps connection. I changed my plan to 100Mbps but it didn't help much. Both my work and TV streaming is badly affected by this. In 1st floor where the new modem(Dragon Path) is placed I do get 5G band and speeds exceed 100Mbps.

The height between the modem in 1st floor and work laptop in 2nd floor is hardly 5 meters; of course with a concrete roof in between. I thought of connecting an ethernet cable between the floors but I couldn't proceed because the concealed pipe already has 2 cables (Airtel fiber and DTH cable) and there is no space for a 3rd cable. I couldn't drill a hole due to the concrete roof in between and I don't want to do it either.

I'm thinking of 3 options from what I read here and need your suggestions.

1. Buy a quality router. I'm confused between TP Link Archer C80, TP Link Archer C7 and TP Link Wifi 6 AX1500. C7 has an USB port which I honestly don't know how to use. Can I use it to download movies and access them from 1st floor using FTP? Should I future proof by getting Wifi 6 router? Or go for the tried and tested C80?
2. Go for mesh - Deco M4 or M5 2-pack. This is the minimum and maximum I would need. One base connected to Airtel modem through cable and one satellite in 2nd floor (as I couldn't extend ethernet to 2nd floor)
3. Get a dual band Wifi extender like TP-Link AC750 RE200. This will also be placed almost directly above the Airtel modem like my work laptop.

My requirement of getting 25+ Mbps for work laptop doesn't warrant a mesh in my opinion though I don't mind the cost.

I think mesh is the cleanest and future proof solution. I invested in Netgear Orbi two router setup in my 3bhk flat which has an airtel FTTH at one corner and was always finding it difficult to cover the farthest bedroom.

However the only headache is you need to have a power backup for the satellite as well if you don't have an inverter. And these Netgear Orbi's are too slow to bootup and connect. But once they are up, the connections are seamless.

I've Airtel FTTH. Finding it hard to get full coverage on ~4000 sq ft single floor space with wooden furnishing and concrete walls. Decided to go for a mesh system. I am confused between the following choices

1. Get two ASUS routers and build AI mesh. Asus RT-AC86U as the main one attached to the current router and something like ASUS RT-AC59U V2 - AC1500 as one of the satellites. The challenge: No LAN option to connect the two routers. They are dual band, thus they will consume internet to communicate to each other thereby dropping the overall speed. Is this correct? But this is easy to expand in future.

2. Buy Netgear Orbi AC3000 with One satellite. Will this set up be sufficient for the space? The advantage is that this is Tri-Band so speed should be better?

Are there other choices that I should consider. Am I missing something else in evaluating the best way forward?

Why not a Deco X20? Those are wifi 6 and pretty reasonable cost. A pack of 2 can easily cover your needs I feel.

X20 is Dual band. I may not get full speed as I am not going to connect the two routers through ethernet. Thus, most inclined towards ORBI tri band.

Get a dual band extender and configure it in this manner:

1. Use 2.4 GHz band on extender to connect to man router
2. Use 5 GHz Band on extender to connect devices on floor

This will provide enough radio bandwidth for Extender <-> Router and Device<-> Extender traffic without any overlap.

If extender is placed on a place that has good connectivity to router ; you should easily get 100 mbps+

Which plan are you on (less than 300 mbps or more? )

https://www.asus.com/us/support/FAQ/1035140/


LAN option should work unless drawing the cable is not possible.

200mbps. so this is not a challenge

Unfortunately, drawing cable is the challenge. Thus, I feel tri-band Netgear Orbi will be the most feasible choice?

Absolutely no such issues, it has dedicated connectivity and no drop what so ever as tested. And am on some 300 mbps speed and get close to same across the house.