Small (home) Office router replacement recommendations

[Geddy]

Going to make this short and simple...I need to replace a router for a small office situation and wanted some ideas of what to possibly get or what to stay away from.

Currently have 7 year old Netgear router that's been knocking the wi-fi printers offline daily. Thought a firmware update had done us in so rolled it back, but after a month the problem has returned. Additionally when phones (or iPads) connect to wi-fi they show "no internet" for a bit, but then it is fine. 

I only need 4 LAN wired ports. Wi-fi needs to cover 2 story house (about 3,000 sq ft total). This is only for an office with 5 work stations, 4 wifi printers, 4 voip phones (with 1GB passthrough to workstation). During the workday needs to handle additional smartphones and tablets. ISP is Comcast 300mb plan.

Don't need "gaming" speeds. Just general work/email/web type speeds. 

My personal feeling is to avoid Netgear (I've never been a big fan), but have also had issues with D-Link and Asus personally in the past...so leaves little in the way of choices. I have TP-Link Deco at home, but don't like their newer versions to go that route again. 

Just wondered what others might be running and willing to suggest these days. Reading random reviews online is one thing. Getting others that have some real every day experience is different. 

[kissfan]

https://amplifi.com/amplifi-hd

Mesh system. Rock solid.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[lilyoyo1]

19 minutes ago, Geddy said:

Going to make this short and simple...I need to replace a router for a small office situation and wanted some ideas of what to possibly get or what to stay away from.

Currently have 7 year old Netgear router that's been knocking the wi-fi printers offline daily. Thought a firmware update had done us in so rolled it back, but after a month the problem has returned. Additionally when phones (or iPads) connect to wi-fi they show "no internet" for a bit, but then it is fine. 

I only need 4 LAN wired ports. Wi-fi needs to cover 2 story house (about 3,000 sq ft total). This is only for an office with 5 work stations, 4 wifi printers, 4 voip phones (with 1GB passthrough to workstation). During the workday needs to handle additional smartphones and tablets. ISP is Comcast 300mb plan.

Don't need "gaming" speeds. Just general work/email/web type speeds. 

My personal feeling is to avoid Netgear (I've never been a big fan), but have also had issues with D-Link and Asus personally in the past...so leaves little in the way of choices. I have TP-Link Deco at home, but don't like their newer versions to go that route again. 

Just wondered what others might be running and willing to suggest these days. Reading random reviews online is one thing. Getting others that have some real every day experience is different. 

 

 

What's your budget? How much of stuff can be hardwired

[Goose66]

Bite the bullet and buy a Unifi Dream Machine and one or two access points. More money up front but will be able to do whatever you want to do for the next 10 years at 1 to 3GB ISP connection.

[gzahar]

I just changed out my router/access point equipment to the TP Link Omada based equipment and have been very happy so far.  Only 4 or 5 months use though.

[elvisimprsntr]

@Geddy

 

Avoid like the plague:

Any consumer firewall, router, or appliance. Avoid WiFi repeaters.  MESH systems will cut your bandwidth in half unless they have a dedicated backhaul channel, not to mention being extremely over priced.  I prefer kit that prioritizes function over aesthetics.  

 

Firewall:

Open source, enterprise class firewall SW from https://www.pfSense.org on an appliance from https://www.netgate.com or https://protectli.com. 

 

Access points:

Engenius EWS377APv3 or EWS357APv3 enterprise class APs without the enterprise price and recurring extortion fees. Both are rated for up to 1000 simultaneous clients. Both use latest version of Qualcomm's AX chipset.  Best bang for the $ IMHO. 

I have two EWS377APv3 to provide coverage in my three story home with a wired backhaul.  Both APs and bands use the same SSID.  Clients seemlessly switch between bands and APs without disruption. Rock solid devices. There are many OEMs (Netgear, Pepwave, etc.) that sell the exact same rebranded hardware, but with crippled capability and at higher prices.   

https://www.amazon.com/EnGenius-EWS377AP-802-11ax-Wireless-Features/dp/B09J9BJCR6?th=1

https://www.amazon.com/EnGenius-EWS377AP-802-11ax-Wireless-Features/dp/B09JB53S9X?th=1

 

AX DISCLAIMER:

Some older clients (printers, IoT devices, etc.) may not connect to 802.11ax APs, even with AX turned off on the 2.4GHz band.    I have over 40 (cameras, IoT devices, laptops, tablets, phones, etc.) WiFi clients any only one would not connect to AX, a 20 year old HP Envy printer, which was well beyond it's useful life.  

Edited April 28, 2022 by elvisimprsntr

[palayman]

1 hour ago, Goose66 said:

Bite the bullet and buy a Unifi Dream Machine and one or two access points. More money up front but will be able to do whatever you want to do for the next 10 years at 1 to 3GB ISP connection.

I agree. Love their new Wifi 6 access points! Have a couple of homes using USG's and manage them both with Gen 2 cloud keys.

[upstatemike]

I use Peplink Routers and access points. Not popular with this crowd for some reason but they work OK for me. I like managing my access points and router right from the router's web interface. I never really understood the deal with Unifi's cloud key, extra hardware thing.

Edited April 29, 2022 by upstatemike

[lilyoyo1]

2 minutes ago, upstatemike said:

I use Peplink Routers and Access points. Not popular with this crowd for some reason but they work OK for me. I like managing my access points and router right from the router's web interface. I never really understood the deal with Unifi's cloud key, extra hardware thing.

You dont need that with the dream machine pro since it has the controller function built in

Edited April 29, 2022 by lilyoyo1

[RPerrault]

unifi offers a local option (hardware) that replaces the 'cloud key'

either perform the same function - as a wifi controller - primary benefit is to handle roaming between access points - there might be some brands that have the controller function built it - i have never seen it - but a controller is necessary to handle the handoffs between access points

 

 

[RPerrault]

best thing to do is investigate why devices are dropping - check the log 

 

[RPerrault]

i had a tech heavy neurologist experiencing problems with his devices dropping - medical office building environment

my access points were detecting rogue devices and reacting - turning off rogue detection, his devices no longer dropped - leaving rogue detection off is not kosher in a medical setting - isolated the problem to a neighboring ob/gyn office - they had a company install 'free' wifi and wall hanging tablets to sell you enemas, ed pills, etc while waiting to see the doctor

without knowing the cause, you might be no better off after replacing hardware

sounds like one access point would be adequate for your needs - have someone look at the specs and make a recommendation - sales phrases like 'enterprise grade' are buzzwords and meaningless from a technical standpoint

should you need more access points than one, the controller is needed for roaming but - you might not need roaming - your printers are probably not scurrying about the place

forget all the mesh and wifi6 and all that - you don't need it and none of your current devices can exploit wifi6

your router is probably adequate - however - if you need more ports, a switch (access point would need a port for each one) 

but i get that you are not wanting or needing a datacenter set up - just be aware that stuff external to you could be the cause - changing your router might solve your problem - or it might not

 

 

[Geddy]

4 hours ago, lilyoyo1 said:

What's your budget? How much of stuff can be hardwired

Budget is loose. I’d say under $300 since it doesn’t need to be WIFI6 or gaming level. 
 

Connected wired devices: 4 VOIP Phones need hard wire. Desktops will jump in wired behind the phone’s pass through.  
 

wifi devices: 4 wifi printers (old HP lasers and inkjet and a Brother laser), 7 mobile devices, 1 sprinkler controller.  

[Geddy]

2 hours ago, elvisimprsntr said:

Avoid like the plague:

Any consumer firewall, router, or appliance. Avoid WiFi repeaters.  MESH systems will cut your bandwidth in half unless they have a dedicated backhaul channel, not to mention being extremely over priced.  I prefer kit that prioritizes function over aesthetics.  

I agree, but for what we really need a consumer router typically works just fine. I don’t need super long life…just looking for next 5-7 years. 
 

Thanks for the suggestions, but I think it’s overkill for our needs. I will look at it again though as thoughts to consider. 

[Geddy]

3 hours ago, Goose66 said:

Bite the bullet and buy a Unifi Dream Machine and one or two access points.

Been on my radar. Might need to look at this again. Still, a little overkill, but future proof is nice thought. Just not sure it’s necessary.  
 

1 hour ago, RPerrault said:

best thing to do is investigate why devices are dropping - check the log 

Netgear log is next to useless. The printers show connected, but not accessible from Windows or mobile and web services are not available. Just rebooting the printer brings it back just fine. Just a pain in the back side to do daily now. Old Firmware rollback helped the issue. Found lots of complaints about this issue in a firmware upgrade. Might just not have gone back far enough on first attempt.  
 

39 minutes ago, RPerrault said:

just be aware that stuff external to you could be the cause

Doubtful anything external is impacting. Office is a house setting so nobody very close. I’ve scanned for other interfering networks and nothing is seen. At least with generic apps and laptop scans from outer edges of property.  Neighbors all have secured their own networks and most hidden SSID.  
 

Thanks all. Still looking. 

[Geddy]

3 hours ago, gzahar said:

I just changed out my router/access point equipment to the TP Link Omada based equipment and have been very happy so far.  Only 4 or 5 months use though.

I have the TP Link Deco at home (tri-band for dedicated backhaul), but it could be better.  Have they done better with some settings with the Omada? I haven’t looked at that before. 
 

[simplextech]

I don't like "all-in-one" systems.  I run Mikrotik gear at home and it's what I'll install for others.  Now if you want "easy" then you probably don't want Mikrotik as there's a pretty steep learning curve and networking knowledge is very helpful.

[TJF1960]

6 hours ago, kissfan said:

https://amplifi.com/amplifi-hd

Mesh system. Rock solid.
 

I love mine as well, we've got 45-50 devices both wire/wireless, 4x 1Gb wired ports, 3 grandsons all gamers, 3 tvs all steaming, we work the neck out of it and it's not let us down once.

Comcast modems on the other hand...I

And It's close to your budget.

Edited April 29, 2022 by TJF1960

[io_guy]

If you go the Dream Machine route, wait for the Dream Router to be released.  It's the upcoming new version of it with wifi6 and limited POE.   

It's got a slower CPU but is also cheaper and all a simple home network needs.  

[lilyoyo1]

11 hours ago, Geddy said:

Budget is loose. I’d say under $300 since it doesn’t need to be WIFI6 or gaming level. 
 

Connected wired devices: 4 VOIP Phones need hard wire. Desktops will jump in wired behind the phone’s pass through.  
 

wifi devices: 4 wifi printers (old HP lasers and inkjet and a Brother laser), 7 mobile devices, 1 sprinkler controller.  

At 300 bucks, there won't be many great choices out of those you've mentioned. All have gotten much better over the years however in addition to ease of setup/management when it comes to limited networking capabilities. 

Personally, I'd go with the dream machine at 300 bucks for it's speed. The newer version (Dream Router) is nice though with Poe and wifi6. I'd compare the 2 to see which fits your needs best. 

 

[larryllix]

15 hours ago, Geddy said:

Budget is loose. I’d say under $300 since it doesn’t need to be WIFI6 or gaming level. 
 

Connected wired devices: 4 VOIP Phones need hard wire. Desktops will jump in wired behind the phone’s pass through.  
 

wifi devices: 4 wifi printers (old HP lasers and inkjet and a Brother laser), 7 mobile devices, 1 sprinkler controller.  

For $300 USD you should be able to get one of the best WiFi 6 routers available but not for $300 CAD.

Go with the WiFi 6 but not the mesh. Mesh is mostly to protect the neighbours from high powered signals overpowering their signals, as it lowers all the range of the RF transmitters so avoid some signal clashing.

WiFi 6 uses a whole new technology and you won;t regret it. Better range, better device handling, and better speeds. The switching logic is way overdue and works similar to mobile phone networks by allowing devices to handle dozens of devices on a shared network without slowing any of them down to the slowest device.

Even the 2.4GHz band is starting to use the technique. Look for the ax suffix. I am finding many devices are starting to drop the 5GHz band as there has been too many problems and WiFi 6 will obsolete it. Likely in a few years you will see it fade out. My wife's iPad can't receive WiFi 5 across the room but with WiFi 6 it works anywhere on my 1 acre property. It penetrates better and doesn't have airline/aeroport radar messing with the channels.

Most mobile phones purchased in the last 5 years support WiFi 6. The rest is like dealing with 1980 television technology, once you use it.

Other than that...my 20 years old Netgear router ($40?) outperforms all the new mesh crap I have tried. It doesn't have a reduced signal power and operates all my WiFi HA equipment at 50% power, 99.999% of the time.

https://www.amazon.ca/NETGEAR-4-Stream-AX1800-Router-RAX20-100NAS/dp/B08KBZZVL9/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=2CMKVXLUJL5S7&keywords=WiFi+6+router&qid=1651249477&sprefix=wifi+6+router%2Caps%2C174&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUE5RjVVNFRYQjI1VUsmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA3NzYxMTgxMVRDVFFYNlBGVkVQJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA0MjI0NjQyTEpJV1ZCNUhLVzdKJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

 

Edited April 29, 2022 by larryllix

[Geddy]

8 minutes ago, larryllix said:

WiFi 6 uses a whole new technology and you won;t regret it. Better range, better device handling, and better speeds.

I've heard/read the opposite of some WiFi6 that the wireless speeds are only if you're within a few feet of the router and they drop quickly. Has that changed or have you experienced different? (Must be "Canada WiFi6") 

That Netgear looks nice, and the price is too good to pass up.

I'm just worried that some of the newer routers are either dropping 2.4GHz and then I'd have to find printers that support WiFi6 and I don't want to spend that yet. Also, the irrigation controller is ~1 year old and only has 2.4GHz radio so really need to keep the "old" tech available.

12 minutes ago, larryllix said:

my 20 years old Netgear router ($40?) outperforms all the new mesh crap I have tried.

You're lucky to have a Netgear last that long. I've never had good results with them. Certainly better than D-Link through the years (at least "consumer grade"), but I think the office is on their 3rd Netgear router in ~20 years. Current is a R6400 v1. Firmware from recent upgrade killed a solid router. Trying to roll back helped, but think I needed to go back another one or two versions. Seems to have been solid from yesterday to today. Will see what Monday brings. 

Thanks everybody for your suggestions! 

[slimypizza]

A few years ago I picked up a 4 NIC, quad core, fanless micro computer and put pfSense on it.  That’s my router. Love it.  But then you need to add your own WAPs (I’m using Netgear Orbi’s at home) which may put you over budget.  Works good though.  We’re about to move to a bigger space and I’ll just add another Orbi to the mix for now.  

[lilyoyo1]

40 minutes ago, Geddy said:

I've heard/read the opposite of some WiFi6 that the wireless speeds are only if you're within a few feet of the router and they drop quickly. Has that changed or have you experienced different? (Must be "Canada WiFi6") 

That Netgear looks nice, and the price is too good to pass up.

I'm just worried that some of the newer routers are either dropping 2.4GHz and then I'd have to find printers that support WiFi6 and I don't want to spend that yet. Also, the irrigation controller is ~1 year old and only has 2.4GHz radio so really need to keep the "old" tech available.

You're lucky to have a Netgear last that long. I've never had good results with them. Certainly better than D-Link through the years (at least "consumer grade"), but I think the office is on their 3rd Netgear router in ~20 years. Current is a R6400 v1. Firmware from recent upgrade killed a solid router. Trying to roll back helped, but think I needed to go back another one or two versions. Seems to have been solid from yesterday to today. Will see what Monday brings. 

Thanks everybody for your suggestions! 

Wifi 6 (AX) still uses the same 5Ghz band that AC (wifi 5) uses. Wifi 6e uses the 6Ghz band. If you find a good price for a wifi 6e router then I say hop on it.

I notice a difference with my phone and laptop with wifi 6. Personally I'd pay more for 6e if the future is in your thought process vs worrying about wifi6. I've personally seen where older devices have had issues connecting to wifi6 routers (my wifes office laptop). They had to update the drivers at her office. That's something to think about with your older printers. 

It's AD that sucks outside of a few feet. It never took off though there were a few routers that offered it 5 years or so ago when it came out.

 

[RPerrault]

might want to look at wifi8 since throughput to 4 printers is so bandwidth intensive and time sensitive