Virgin Media Community

[Alan0880]

Would anybody have any recommendations of a good router I could buy that I can use when I put my Hub 3 into modem mode? Lots of Downloading AND uploading (Zoom etc) simultaneously. 

Thanks. 

[Aaron2]

Depends on budget, I know someone using an ASUS RT-AC88U whilst I personally use a Nighthawk R7800 + a Netgear WAC104.

[tehwolf · Accepted solution]

copy/paste warning from other identical question... 😉

What is the budget and what's the size of the property? thick walls or stud walls etc...?

You might get away with a single router that covers the whole property, or you may want to consider a mesh system that will provide a bigger range.  

If you're comfortable running your own cabling, then the gold standard is a router + wired in access points, but this can be a pain in the neck and mesh systems fill that gap easily and without the need to run cables..

Anything from Asus, TP-Link, Netgear or Zyxel will probably be fine - if you're looking at a single router then expect to pay upwards of £100 for a half decent one, and 2-300 for a top of the range.. For mesh systems, the biggest decision is whether you want a dual-band system or a tri-band system.  Tri-band is more expensive and includes an additional dedicated radio for backhauling traffic between mesh units.  You should also consider whether or not you want Wifi-6 or not.. probably don't have many wifi-6 clients at the moment but any purchase will likely last a few years so you might want to consider futureproofing... 

[Alan0880]

Happy to pay extra for performance (even 200 if worth it). Got a kid upstairs often playing games and watching YouTube/Netflix at same time. Wife on Zoom calls or Netflix and I might be watching 4k content on demand content too so lots of demand all at the same time. Bog standard 3 bed semi but slightly older house so some concrete walls. Although I realise cables are more reliable, would prefer to go down the wifi route. 

Is there a single router powerful enough to do the job or is Mesh better? I'm defo a novice when it comes to wifi/networking so would need to be reasonably straightforward to set up. 

Thanks for reply so far. Appreciate it. 

[g0akc]

Another to consider is the D-Link DIR1960 which gets decent reviews and is on offer at Amazon for 75 quid at present

D-Link DIR-1960 review: A well-rounded router | Expert Reviews

- but it depends on your circumstances, budget, environment and any further requirements.

[Alan0880]

Happy to spend a bit more for good performance. Multiple devices all running at same time. 3 bed semi but concrete walls. 

[Aaron2]

Because of property differences, my advice would be possibly trying the router posted above (D-Link DIR) as it's currently discounted, since with Amazon you get a return period so it gives ample opportunity to test and ensure it meets needs or not, if not you can either return it or try pair it with a Wireless Access Point to further extend it, or as mentioned earlier of returning and instead buying a Mesh kit.

[tehwolf]

A single router might meet your needs - it's really difficult to provide any amount of certainty though.. make sure wherever you buy it from has an easy returns policy, and if you're not happy with the performance, send it back - it'll probably cost you a bit of shipping, but that's a small price to pay 🙂

a £200 router from ASUS is going to be a decent device - likewise from Netgear, Zyxel or TP-Link..

Mesh systems are very easy to manage - they are designed to be plug and play with little effort (but customisation if you're happy to get your hands dirty and know a bit more about networking)

Tri-Band 

The TP-Link Deco M9 get's a good write up around here, if you want the wifi-6 variant, then take a look at the X60

Alternatively, if you prefer ASUS, then this AC system has positive reviews, or alternatively, this wifi-6 version

Dual Band

TP-Link Deco M4 & M5 both get positive reviews, as does the x20 (for wifi-6)

You could also buy any asus router that supports their "AI Mesh" technology and if you still have a blackspot you can add any other asus device that also supports AI mesh.. 

[Alan0880]

That's great. I'll check it out.

[Alan0880]

Thanks for your help. I'll spend some good time checking these out. A great help