ASUS - ROG Rapture GT-AX11000

I'm not clear on how much you know, or not, about networking. You reference a "router/modem thingy," and I don't know if you're just being cute about it, or don't understand (as many people don't!) that those are different functions. Generally speaking, you have one device that connects to the ISP, like a cable modem or an ONT (for fiber networks). Then that in turn connects to a router, which handles all the traffic inside your network. The router also and provides those devices with a connection to the outside world via its connection to the modem/ONT/whatever. SOMETIMES the router and modem/ont/whatever are all consolidated in one device, like the fritzbox. Often, ISP-provided devices will handle both functions in one piece of hardware too (but not always). Personally, I would recommend keeping the router and the box that connects to the outside world separate, for the same reason I would have avoided buying a TV with a built-in DVD player 20 years ago. At any point, you may want to replace or upgrade the device handling one function while the other is still serving your needs quite well. IE: I'm going to need a different box if I want to upgrade my home internet to gigabit from its current 300Mbps -- the ISP-provided box I have right now doesn't go that fast. But I have no reason to replace my router, which is doing a great job for everything I need inside the network and could easily keep up with the gigabit Internet speeds via a connection to an appropriate ISP box. Likewise, I might someday want to replace my router for other reasons, but if the ISP's box connecting me to the outside world is fine, I have no reason to replace both. It's typically ultimately cheaper and more flexible to have separate devices. Someone here mentioned Opnsense boxes and Unifi WiFi gear. You certainly could go that route. But even a typical consumer router will do everything you're asking for. I use an Asus and it handles port forwarding, can run Wireguard and OpenVPN servers on its own, handles both 2.4 and 5ghz on the same SSD, serves as the master router for a mesh network with other Asus satelitte units, etc. I'm not sure what the "DS slot" you're referring to is -- SD slot? It's got USB ports and I can hook up a drive to make it available over the network, including a card reader, if I want (I have NASes so I'm not hooked up this way, but it works fine). An open-source router solution or some enterprise gear would give you some further flexibility, but I think you'd be fine with that or any of a number of consumer gear competitors. The things you're asking for aren't very specialized or unusual. If you need more than four ports, some routers have them, but your best bet is probably a separate unmanaged switch. Just connect that to the router, and the devices to the switch. Many routers also now come with at least 1-2 2.5Gbps or 10Gbps ports you can use as well. If all of this is foreign to you, I'd advise caution with your self-hosting. There are security implications when it comes to things like port forwarding and exposing services to the outside world. So go slow, and learn as you go, without assuming much. Tinker, but be mindful that you could also misstep and expose yourself to various sorts of attacks from bad actors, so proceed with care.

I can only speak to my own experience. I use an Asus Rapture GT-AX11000, which works very well for my needs, but if I were buying today, would probably buy something with more multi-gig ports. I'd strongly consider another, newer Asus because I've had a good experience and own mesh network units for it, but I wouldn't only look at those as options. I use an ISP-provided ONT (like a cable modem, but for fiber) and that's fine for me. I don't have any particular needs for configuring the ONT itself. Everything I care about configuring is on the router side. The ONT just has to give me an internet connection, which it does fine with its stock configuration by the ISP. I haven't used Opnsense, but I wouldn't describe ANY self-hosting project as grandma-safe and tinker-free. You may eventually get some services to the point where you feel good about how they're operating and don't fiddle with them much, but that's entirely up to you, your needs, what projects you're looking to run and how you set them up. Some people get into more advanced networking setups with Opnsense or other routing solutions, but I'm not seeing anything in what you're saying you want that needs them. I don't have to touch my router configuration often. I set up Wireguard on it ages ago, I set up the free Asus DDNS service on it ages ago (which I then forward to with CName records from a different domain I own) and I gave most of my devices static IP addresses ages ago, and everything else important to my self-hosting is being handled on devices connected to it. Some people might want to run DNS services on their router or do things with their network above and beyond what I can handle with the stock firmware. But anything you're saying you want to accomplish could be handled stock. There's also the "Merlin" firmware project for some more advanced features.

I'm not clear on how much you know, or not, about networking. You reference a "router/modem thingy," and I don't know if you're just being cute about it, or don't understand (as many people don't!) that those are different functions. Generally speaking, you have one device that connects to the ISP, like a cable modem or an ONT (for fiber networks). Then that in turn connects to a router, which handles all the traffic inside your network. The router also and provides those devices with a connection to the outside world via its connection to the modem/ONT/whatever. SOMETIMES the router and modem/ont/whatever are all consolidated in one device, like the fritzbox. Often, ISP-provided devices will handle both functions in one piece of hardware too (but not always). Personally, I would recommend keeping the router and the box that connects to the outside world separate, for the same reason I would have avoided buying a TV with a built-in DVD player 20 years ago. At any point, you may want to replace or upgrade the device handling one function while the other is still serving your needs quite well. IE: I'm going to need a different box if I want to upgrade my home internet to gigabit from its current 300Mbps -- the ISP-provided box I have right now doesn't go that fast. But I have no reason to replace my router, which is doing a great job for everything I need inside the network and could easily keep up with the gigabit Internet speeds via a connection to an appropriate ISP box. Likewise, I might someday want to replace my router for other reasons, but if the ISP's box connecting me to the outside world is fine, I have no reason to replace both. It's typically ultimately cheaper and more flexible to have separate devices. Someone here mentioned Opnsense boxes and Unifi WiFi gear. You certainly could go that route. But even a typical consumer router will do everything you're asking for. I use an Asus and it handles port forwarding, can run Wireguard and OpenVPN servers on its own, handles both 2.4 and 5ghz on the same SSD, serves as the master router for a mesh network with other Asus satelitte units, etc. I'm not sure what the "DS slot" you're referring to is -- SD slot? It's got USB ports and I can hook up a drive to make it available over the network, including a card reader, if I want (I have NASes so I'm not hooked up this way, but it works fine). An open-source router solution or some enterprise gear would give you some further flexibility, but I think you'd be fine with that or any of a number of consumer gear competitors. The things you're asking for aren't very specialized or unusual. If you need more than four ports, some routers have them, but your best bet is probably a separate unmanaged switch. Just connect that to the router, and the devices to the switch. Many routers also now come with at least 1-2 2.5Gbps or 10Gbps ports you can use as well. If all of this is foreign to you, I'd advise caution with your self-hosting. There are security implications when it comes to things like port forwarding and exposing services to the outside world. So go slow, and learn as you go, without assuming much. Tinker, but be mindful that you could also misstep and expose yourself to various sorts of attacks from bad actors, so proceed with care.

I can only speak to my own experience. I use an Asus Rapture GT-AX11000, which works very well for my needs, but if I were buying today, would probably buy something with more multi-gig ports. I'd strongly consider another, newer Asus because I've had a good experience and own mesh network units for it, but I wouldn't only look at those as options. I use an ISP-provided ONT (like a cable modem, but for fiber) and that's fine for me. I don't have any particular needs for configuring the ONT itself. Everything I care about configuring is on the router side. The ONT just has to give me an internet connection, which it does fine with its stock configuration by the ISP. I haven't used Opnsense, but I wouldn't describe ANY self-hosting project as grandma-safe and tinker-free. You may eventually get some services to the point where you feel good about how they're operating and don't fiddle with them much, but that's entirely up to you, your needs, what projects you're looking to run and how you set them up. Some people get into more advanced networking setups with Opnsense or other routing solutions, but I'm not seeing anything in what you're saying you want that needs them. I don't have to touch my router configuration often. I set up Wireguard on it ages ago, I set up the free Asus DDNS service on it ages ago (which I then forward to with CName records from a different domain I own) and I gave most of my devices static IP addresses ages ago, and everything else important to my self-hosting is being handled on devices connected to it. Some people might want to run DNS services on their router or do things with their network above and beyond what I can handle with the stock firmware. But anything you're saying you want to accomplish could be handled stock. There's also the "Merlin" firmware project for some more advanced features.

Nothing wrong with Netgear at all, you’d be well off with one of their WiFi 6 or 7 gaming routers. Personally I go with the ASUS ROG Rapture series, like the AX11000 which is WiFi 6. But get the highest version of WiFi you can afford 😊

I think it depends on the size of the area you need cover and whether you are willing/able to run ethernet for wifi access points. If you need to cover something less than about 2000 sq. ft. and don't have anything odd like interior metal or concrete walls (i.e. just sheetrock and studs inside), then you could probably do just fine with a decent "AX" (wifi 6) router that has built-in wifi. However, if your home is larger or you currently have a number of wifi dead spots (thus, you need stronger wifi coverage), I would recommend a higher-end router that has good range. I had the ROG Rapture GT-AX11000 and it covered our 2000 sq. ft. home and then some (outside). This would work well if you don't have the ability or don't want to run ethernet to access points throughout the home. Alternatively, a mesh system could also be an alternative if you can't/won't run ethernet from the router to locations around the home, but need a bit wider coverage than a single wifi router can handle. I've never used a mesh system, but have read good things about some of them in terms of stability and coverage. Although, to be honest, I don't know if those mesh systems used a wired backhaul (ethernet) or wireless, which could make a significant difference in speed and reliability. Finally, if you have the ability and ambition to run ethernet to various points around the house, you could buy a wired router (no built-in wifi) and install a few access points. I currently have a TP-Link Omada setup with an ER-605 (this is a \~$60 router) and several EAP-xxx access points that have AX (wifi 6) capability. My ISP provides 600/20 and our PCs are able to get the full upload and download speeds over wifi using this setup (our PCs have wifi 6 adapters in them). Coverage is rock solid with strong RSSI (< 60 dbm) at most devices. The EAP650 is a wifi 6 access point that supports 160Mhz channel width and costs less than $90 on Amazon. You just need a PoE switch or injectors if you want to run them over PoE. A decent 5-port gigabit PoE switch can be had on Amazon for < $50 if you don't need something "managed" or with tons of ports.

old ping but you have no issues whatsoever? I am running an asus gt-ax11000 and it constantly drops my internet. Switching back to my ISP provided router but would like one with more control

Asus is the answer. TP Link is a yikes for security, and Netgear is meh. Asus is usually the leader when it comes to robust hardware and wireless speeds. I currently have the GT-AX11000 and I can pull an easy 800 megs down and my maximum 40 upload easy on wireless.

ANY Wi-Fi 6 or better router should work well for you. I would get one that supports Mesh anyway. I would get at least a tri-band. (2.4ghz & two 5ghz) This would give you a dedicated 5ghz for the mesh it needed. Something with a 2.5Gb Ethernet port would be best too( say for a hardwired nas). Upgrade all your clients as convenient to WiFi 6 802.11ax as well. Some things won't upgrade but most PCs including laptops will. M 2 wifi cards are cheap. As are pcie cards. You will get a nice boost from this. The WIFI 6 devices paired with the WIFI 6 router will be faster AND free more bandwidth for the things you can't upgrade making them "faster" too. If you have 802.11ac devices some of them may require a bios upgrade to be compatible with the AX router. Some things won't have the bios upgrade (looking at you early google nest cameras) and will refuse to connect. Those things you should just replace with something newer. As you have been using something that old, I am presuming you have no dead spots. Ask your family!! Use a WIFI measuring tool. Free Android apps abound. If you have a raised foundation (basement/crawlspace) wired connections are "easy" at least for first/ground floor. I have an ASUS GT-AX11000 but had to add mesh nodes both RT-AX58U wired backhaul. My house is antique but not large BUT grew via remodels. So stucco in the walls and lead paint. The are tons of brands that will do. I standardized on ASUS $$. Ubiquity is very nice but more high end $$$. 6E or 7 will probably only buy you faster backhaul for mesh/access points. And you are probably constrained by your ISP unless you want to pay $$$. So the TV behind the protruding fireplace in the sunroom/family room had no chance.

130$ ? Thats super cheap if it works well. I paid 500$ for my AX11000 Rog Rapture Asus router, and that one is a GOOD router that gives me even 2.5 mbps 3 rooms away, that's what I expect when playing VR everywhere in the house.

I got an ASUS rog ax11000 and put Starlink in modem mode. It gave me faster speeds and better ping for gaming. Then there’s the added functionality of controlling how different networks can perform. I have a gaming frequency that only my ps5 is on and that gets priority. Defo helped but marginal gains I guess

Try and get a router than is Triband that has an extra 5GHz channel that you can dedicate to just the Portal and maybe your PS5 if it is not hard wired. I only have a small one story home but my Asus GT-AX11000 works well for me. (Currently $100 off in Amazon)

**GT-AX11000** The best VPN client/server parental controls and the most reliable I've ever had can run personal media of your USB to store anything on it has QOS at your own control goes up to 3000 feet from wifi signal can choose different dns servers at your own choice

I have a wifi 6 router (ax 11000) right next to my pc which is wired. I broadcast a seperate 5ghz for my quest and vd is still ass quality and glitchy compared to link cable. I DESPISE the meta app and all the bullshit that comes with it but the sentiment that vd fixes all for everyone is absurd. I’m happy for the people it works for but can you guys stop acting like a cheap dedicated router is the answer for everyone when it certainly is not.

I have an Asus ROG AX11000, two AX86Us, and one AX92U. 4000Sq home, seems to work fine. I will be replacing them with Ubiquity equipment once I decide to upgrade.

Been more stable with better throughput than my GT-AX11000 and my RT-AX92U. Plus, my gateway and APs are discrete products, so I can upgrade my AP to a new generation without replacing everything and paying more $$ to upgrade.

I have the AX11000 ( old versión ) and is an AMAZING router!!

yeah 100% a scam... I went from 120mbps default isp modem was getting 21ms, upgraded nic to 2.5gbps, internet to 500mbps and gaming router configured to perfection (QoS, etc) and now im sitting at 26-29ms LOL - edit: running an Asus ROG gaming router with 2.5g port(s)

I personally use all rog routers using their AI mesh

I was previously using Linksys products before they were sold to Belkin, and then switched to ASUS routers, I have had two main routers by them, both ROG. Plus many others I’ve used as AiMesh Nodes. I haven’t had any trouble them. Their tech support was helpful the few times I’ve reached out to them. They even replaced there router free of charge with a NEW one (not refurbished) of the same model when I had an issue not related to the quality of product. A few ports on the routers switch went bad after a near Lightning strike caused EMP damage to it (a lot of networking gear from different companies got damaged) I have no qualms about ASUS and their products have never given me problems.

FYI , all of our current routers and mesh product all have extensive on router functionality including Open, Wireguard and much more. As such you could pick BT6, 8, 10, 16 our any of the routers. Also all of the units have our Gaming QoS option for prioritizing game packets and or specific systems, if you want a more streamlined experience our gaming models ( ROG, ROG STRIX, TUF GAMING ) also have dedicated Gaming Ports which are pre configured should you connect your device to that port. You can also do this manually through our firmware/app. Also note unless you need the coverage specific to a kit ( which can be done via AiMesh ) on the router side you have the benefit of no backhual use maximizing throughput if you are within the coverage area of a router.

I have an Asus ROG with an Access Point and haven't been happier. I've got 3 bands set, one for guest, 1 for 2.4 and 5. I can set up a website for guest mode and have all the control I need through their app. My coverage is a 3000sq ft single story and I can get a signal all through my yard. I moved away from Google and others because I needed dedicated bands for IoT devices. I have 30 devices connected, most dormant, but still hold 130mbps+ for each on a 500mb ISP. I stream all TV and WFH without issues.

Get ASUS as that is the best for gaming ! Particularly any ROG models !

We have a ROG router and I fucking hate the thing (roommate got it years before we met). I have two DNS servers (primary being pihole) added, why the fuck does the house lose internet if I have to reboot it, isn't that the point of a backup DNS server?! and it's great if I have to log into proxmox in a hurry because I suddenly can't resolve my single sign in domain anymore /s

With current routers the ping issue really comes down to what servers they play on, the routers you use won’t see much of an impact as long as they’re functioning as expected But having said that, I do like knowing that my tech can handle the traffic IF we ever get home internet speeds above 10gbps So here’s a link to my fav biases https://www.asus.com/us/site/gaming/rog/gaming-routers/rapture.html

ASUS ROG products are a complete joke. If they spent the same amount on building a better router that they do on marketing they'd be much better off. You can search ASUS under my username for all my grievances. But they abandon all their ROG products after 1 year. After you buy that $699 router if you need warranty or it has a bug (like mine) where it'll stop dropping macs onto ethernet after a few weeks you just get to deal with it. $699 would be better spent literally anywhere else but ASUS. If you are spending that much you won't be happy with consumer devices anymore. You may want to look into ubiquti or rukus wifi and a custom router.

I bought a spool of cat5e cable before my house renovation thinking that 1 gigabit would be enough forever. The cable turned out to be utter crap and barely skirting the edge. Wont negotiate above 100 mbit. After many-MANY hours of making new jacks and trying all kinds of magic I just bought 3 ASUS wifi 6 routers and the AImesh is actually perfectly fine. 600 megs in my living room via mesh and my computer is the only device with a gigabit connection as the ONT is in my office. Spent 150 euros on a 3 pack of ASUS routers. Works just fine until I move on to some Ubiquiti wifi7 mesh.

Avoid tp-link and any other CCP networking equipment. Don't intentionally put stuff with backdoors in them just to save a few bucks. Unifi is great but it's expensive and you really should use it wired. If you're just looking for plug and play mesh Asus has good offerings. Their AI mesh system works well

I've had zero problems with M1 for many years. Only went down once, and that was for scheduled maintenance in the middle of the night. Also, it's not just your internet plan that could be the cause of any issues. If your router isn't good enough, or is in a terrible position, or is overheating, or the bomb shelter is between your laptop and the router, you are gonna have issues no matter what plan you have. I have a standard 1Gbps plan but an Asus gaming router with ethernet cables going to the 3 heaviest users in the home – PS5, living TV and bedroom TV. I also set up a second router using Asus AImesh to provide wifi signal to one of the further corners of the house.

I've been using AiMesh since the beginning, and it was rocky at first, but now I'm currently quite happy with it. One solid main router and two APs outside. What unifi did you get to replace your setup and do you think it was worth the cost?

Asus AiMesh - Yea TP-Link Deco - Yes TP-Link Easy Mesh - Not sure

ASUS aimesh is the best option besides true ap based systems.

I've been using Asus Aimesh for years. 3 nodes and seamless switching when walking around. There does seem to be a client limit at about 75-80 wifi devices whiche forced me to move iot devices to a separate wifi network. Asus is great to start with but unifi likely my next system

I use Asus routers in my Ai mesh network and it gives me complete control over everything and I've loved it. I use that coupled with family link from Google and I feel like I've done my job as a parent blocking as much bullshit as I can for my kids.  But don't worry, their friends who's parents don't care about a single thing they consume will come along and ruin your hard work. Or your kids will be kids and find loop holes, which they always do. But you still tried. 

Asus AiMesh can be configured without an app and uses local credentials for management.

For gaming use cable, for wifi coverage of this size, you can do well with asus aimesh, you can pick two routers of your choice, cheaper than ismesh system and many settings available.

I went from DD-WRT for years to ASUS AiMesh and have been on Unifi equipment for a good four years now. I never have any issues with roaming (3600+ home) and I can fine tune whenever necessary (rare). I love the Unifi and don't plan on moving away any time soon. If you want peace of mind, I definitely also recommend Unifi.

As has been said, plug in everything you can. For a basic option, the Asus routers with AiMesh are a pretty simple solution. Start with one on the second floor centrally located and see if you need more. Use inSSIDer to see how your signal strength is as what kind of interference you have and set settings accordingly. If you’re not reaching all corners, add another compatible Asus and put them on floors 1 and 3 (both wired connection to WAN jack)

ASUS AIMESH Stable and cheap.