ASUS - RT-AXE7800

I'm not a gamer, but I had a similar issue. I bought (a couple of months apart) a pair of Asus RT-AXE7800 routers and configured the upstairs one as a mesh client. I connect my PC to it via ethernet. My throughput is vastly improved.

I got pretty good service from the Spectrum-provided routers for a long time, but I finally broke down and bought an Asus 6E router last Fall. It was so good that, a couple of months ago, I bought a second Asus router and made a mesh network. I spent a good bit of money, but I'm now happy with my WLAN. I'm on 1 GB asymmetrical service.

I had smooth experience with Asus AX56U, Asus TUF AX3000V2, Asus RT-AXE7800, all bought used. Note that in the last year I had Q3, the 5GHz wifi ran much smoother than 6Ghz and I have tried different routers with no change. So I cannot recommend a Wifi 6E router for Q3.

Its some software problem, the pcvr connection is often broken with updates (i have some quest for 3 years) after some of the updates the 6ghz suddenly ran smooth just to revert with the next one. But 99% of the last 14months 5ghz 160mhz DFS ran better(but not always perfect). 6Ghz is usable but has a lot of microstutters/lost frames for me while 5ghz runs perfect like a cable lately (knocks on wood). I tried the ASUS 6E router, Acer predator W6, Tenda 6E router. All the same, with the exception of tenda, it sucked over 200mbits. I also had several Q3 as I was trying to get one with no mura, Quest Pro ran identically on 5 or 6Ghz. Maybe its something specific to my place, but there are no other 6Ghz networks and it was working perfect at several occasions. Like dont stretch your budget getting the 6E if youre tight on money, it might not by worth.

I have an asus AXE7800 that works well. In the like 16 months I've had it, I've rebooted it once, but i suspect it wasn't even the thing that needed rebooting, it was more of a "might as well, I'm rebooting everything else". It replaced a netgear nighthawk that was nearly ten years old and still in GWO, but i wanted that 6G. I am generally a fan of Netgear as well. Both companies are capable of shanking an individual product tho, so just do a little due diligence looking at reviews and googling before you pull the trigger. You'll be working on substantially better odds. So long as it's the typical nitpicking of configuration interface, it's performance attaching a drive to it for NAS, etc? You'll be good, that's a sign that they're looking at normal things and got past basic operations. For VR we don't need much in the way of features, we just need it to be stable, reliable, and fast. If it's a product that's been out for a year, give or take, and googling it doesn't give you a bunch of hits about it being garbage, having actual systemic problems etc, you're good. Just know that you can get the most flawless amazing and user friendly router and someone's gonna have a hell of a time setting it up, configuring something, or just not understanding that maybe they got a defective unit and need to use their warranty lol But yeah in general I find Netgear and Asus networking products to be worth their extra cost

is it the speeds or connectivity, most tasks need much less than 100mbs to work properly. most gaming uses very little bandwidth as well. 17 devices shouldnt be an issue for wifi 6-7 devices. When i did some residential tech support, i remember that google/nest mesh had lots of issues. A wired back haul between floors with decent access points/mesh system placed smartly should fix your issues. ive never had issues with asus routers. I use a my old and newer routers (a 6&6E Aimesh) in my 1200 sq ft home with plaster walls with wire mesh in them. my lady works from home and i do from time to time, i play games while she streams tv. We get \~300mbs.

you have plenty of bandwidth, any issues you have are connectivity. Id just buy a Asus wifi 6E Ai Mesh capable router and move your current router to the second floor and use a wired backhaul. Installing an Ethernet connection between floors would allow you to improve your connectivity upstairs more than anything else.

I would pick a WIFI 6E router from ASUS. Great company, great software support,frequent firmware updates,excellent products.

I'm no expert at all in networks. I use Asus tri band routera running Merlin firmware. I have one router at the far end of the house on the 1at floor and the second router at the opposite end on the second floor. The signal extends to the yard and fully covers the house with Wi-Fi 6. House is close to 3k square feet. I have the routers hardwired since that provided the best connection. If you go the Merlin website you'll see what routers are supported.

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

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.

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)

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