Apple - AirPort Extreme 802.11ac

I've owned the RT-AX86U (Gundam Edition) since 2022, and it's been a solid router. I have about 25 to 27 devices on my network, my iPhone 15 Pro Max is my only high data WiFi device that uses wireless. Everything else is wired, or, the other wireless devices are 2.4Ghz smart devices such as bulbs, and smart speakers, and a wireless printer. I recently upgraded to the TP-Link Archer BE9300 also known as the Archer BE550, because I found out that i can get a little extra bandwidth from a 2.5G connection on my gigabit connection. I had been using 1Gig internet for several years, and finally learning within the last year or so that provides over provision to at least 1.2Gbps for Gigabit plans vs the 940 Mbps cap on 1Gig rated ports. The RT-AX86U is still a solid router though, but only has the one 2.5 port that's either a LAN, or WAN port, and it only gives supported wireless devices the extra bandwidth versus both wired and wireless. The TP-Link has been a solid router on the latest firmware, and I haven't noticed any difference between the 86U's 4x4 5Ghz and 3x3 2.4Ghz over 2x2 radios in the TpLink. Before that, I was using an Airport extreme 6th Gen, and other than 5GHz and 6Ghz being able to deliver full Gigabit speeds over the older AC wave 1 Airport, overall performance of the network is about the same. So, I've had experience with several generations of WiFi on the basic same setup for years, and the only difference I've noticed is improvements for the newer devices. Legacy devices are about the same. However, I'm one who always wires when possible to avoid wireless when possible just because wired is always better in most cases, if not all.

FYI. I have used airport extremes for many years. I recently upgraded to dual TP link Archer BE550’s. They promise a lot but under deliver on everything. I get fast wifi 6 and 7 speeds but the airport extremes delivered a better 2.4ghz experience. Stronger signal on the extremes, less disconnects etc. I had to keep my airport extremes in use to cover the 2.4ghz spectrum my cameras and roombas use. So in your situation I would definitely skip TP link.

I’ve got a Virgin Hub 3 in my living room (Virgin M350), and in the living room everything is fine ,*no issues*. But in my bedroom, which is only about 4–5 metres away, there are spots with no WiFi at all. I even tried a used Virgin mesh device, but it made *zero difference*. I’ve been looking at a couple of recommended second-hand routers on eBay like the ASUS RT-AX56U and ASUS RT-AC68U  which are very cheap used. But I’m not sure if they’re still good or just too old / dated. What do you folks think? Are those decent picks to pair with the Hub 3 + Virgin M350, or is there something better I should go for? (preferably under £150)

Thanks for the info! Well, that’s a bit of a bummer, because the TP Link’s arriving today and I’ve got to put the Virgin Hub into modem mode. Admittedly I’m not that experienced with routers and modems, but anything that could end up being a security risk is a no go for me. I think I’ll give the Apple AirPort Extreme A1521 a try it's around £30. Theoretical speeds are up to 450 Mbps on 2.4 GHz and up to 1300 Mbps on the 5 GHz band, and I’ve read that in the real world you can get around 600 Mbps on 5 GHz and about 450 Mbps on 2.4 GHz. Should be more than enough for my connection. If it doesn’t cut it, I’ll just bite the bullet and grab a new £150ish router.

Just grabbed an Apple AirPort Extreme A1521 for £30 from CEX and put the Virgin Hub in modem mode. So far it’s working a treat ,getting the full 350 Mbps in my bedroom, which has thick old walls and used to barely hit 100–120 Mbps (some days it was a total Wi-Fi dead zone), even with the Virgin Mesh plug. Honestly, for a decade old router, it’s ridiculously powerful. Don’t think the lack of 6 GHz matters at all for my 350 Mbps package. Really happy with it so far!

Once upon a time I opened up an AirPort Extreme to add pigtails with RP-SMA connectors and 6dB antennas. (They have standard U.fl inside, I think.) Range was much better vs the internal antennas.

Here are the options I would suggest: - [UniFi Express 7](https://uk.store.ui.com/uk/en/category/cloud-gateways-wifi-integrated/products/ux7) (£190) The Unifi Express 7 is above £150 by a bit, however it will probably outlast your existing and future networking needs, even if you were to jump to a 2.5Gig plan. - [UniFi Express 6](https://www.broadbandbuyer.com/products/50562-ubiquiti-ux/) (£123) The UniFi Express 6 is more in line with what I would recommend, rather than just suggest. It's fully within your budget, and still still currently receives software updates from Ubiquiti. The UniFi Express 6 should be able to support speeds of around 300Mbps - [Apple AirPort Extreme (6th gen)](https://uk.webuy.com/product-detail/?id=SNETAPPAPEXA1521) (£30) The Apple AirPort Extreme is not something I would recommend, as it hasn't been receiving software updates for a long time now, but it's antenna setup can punch through walls pretty easily and it's also now very cheap. You will need an iPhone or computer (Mac or Windows) to set up the AirPort, as it requires it's own software instead of just being configured through a browser. The AirPort should be capable of about around 230Mbps. I would be hesitent about buying access points that are no longer supported. Both TP-Link and D-Link specifically have a bad track record regarding the security of their products. I would advise against their equipment if you aren't reflashing them with more trustworthy firmware like OpenWRT or FreshTomato. I would suggest against mesh access points, as even the expensive ones tend to be poor quality. If your house is semi-modern or has had a rewiring, I'd give powerline adapters a go. I use a powerline adapter to connect up my own access point and get a fairly consistent 140Mbps, which is enough for my wireless needs. I'd recommend doing a good amount of research before buying an access point so that you're familiar with how to set it up prior to ordering. Not every access point is configured in the same way, and some may not be as user friendly as others.

You won't need to enable modem mode on your VM Hub just to add a new access point. You just need to configure your TP-Link wireless router to just be an access point, instead of a router & access point, which is what it'll want to do by default. [TP-Link has a page on their site for doing this](https://www.tp-link.com/uk/support/faq/1384/). > I think I’ll give the Apple AirPort Extreme A1521 a try it's around £30. Theoretical speeds are up to 450 Mbps on 2.4 GHz and up to 1300 Mbps on the 5 GHz band, and I’ve read that in the real world you can get around 600 Mbps on 5 GHz and about 450 Mbps on 2.4 GHz. Theoretical speeds are theoretical, real speeds will depend a lot on what wireless traffic is nearby your access point. If you've got more than 10 other Wi-Fi networks nearby, your 2.4Ghz won't be anywhere near 400Mbps, closer to 100Mbps or even 50Mbps.

Apple AirPort Extreme. Easy, reliable, and inexpensive.

I use the small TP link routers or an apple airport. Get an extra power cable and rig up a jumper so you can pickup power from inside the panel

They have serious QC control had a bunch quit on me or they drop wireless alot. Almost 1K in Routers. We've been using the Internet for 2 Decades now. But, a router that I like is Airports but they are old and not secure but hands down the best same with Belkin.