ASUS - RT-BE86U

I just use ASUS Routers Ai Mesh 2.4GHZ/5GHZ Mult-ilink Operation. I have 2 82u, but the 86u seems to be more powerful. 1. [https://www.asus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be82u/](https://www.asus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be82u/) 2. [https://www.asus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be86u/](https://www.asus.com/us/networking-iot-servers/wifi-routers/asus-wifi-routers/rt-be86u/) I also have a second Mesh network 2 eero Pro 7's came with T-Fiber works really well for Mesh, but no wired connections really. Each has 2 ports. I use 1 to run 60ft wireless, then a PC is using the wired connection and getting 1000Mb/s. [https://eero.com/shop/eero-pro-7](https://eero.com/shop/eero-pro-7) . Just to note my caveat with eero is there is no web admin interface, only mobile app. Thats why I added the ASUS as the main network, and threw the eero stuff on as secondary bridge mesh. The ASUS router is the DNS. But you say Plaster and Lathe, that's not gonna be a great situation for Wi-Fi. 2.4GHZ will best bet for signal, but slow transfer speeds. 5GHZ might have issues with plaster and lathe walls. Too bad you don't have an attic, I usually just run through the attic Cat6 Plenum, and drop down through top plate. Works good for single story, and top story only as you have to drill through a second plate.

Yes, other routers have much more functionality than yours. I use Asus routers with Asuswrt-Merlin, and it's incredibly powerful. I can set up three "guest networks" each for 2.4GHz and 5GHz. I have one set up for cameras and IoT devices - they can reach my Home Assistant server and DVR, but they can't call home to China. Devices can be renamed with nicknames, and those nicknames stick. https://preview.redd.it/qmrbq1l1eihg1.png?width=1123&format=png&auto=webp&s=9a8f349c48c67694104eee86f751d5139ee26d35 There's no direct way to schedule a guest network to turn off at night, but you can do it with a cron job (because it's a Linux computer you can SSH to) or add parental controls to Junior's devices, which seems easier. My router is the ASUS RT-AX86U, which is a few years old. The newer equivalent with Wi-Fi 7 is the ASUS RT-BE86U, and is just over $200. Amazingly, my old router sells refurb for just a few dollars less.

You can go with ASUS be86u/88u/92u/96u or unifi dream 7 and unifi express 7. These are expensive models tho, but you get what you pay for! Especially asus routers with the ASUSWRT Merlin firmware!

I would change "super-old & cheap router from link" to something more decent. I like ASUS so I'd say rt-be86u.

First, we don't know what you have or how old it is. Do you have a single unit or 2? If it's more than 5 years old, then consider a replacement. It sounds like coverage isn't an issue, so if you have 1 unit, stick with that. The newer Google Nest Wifi - AC2200 single unit is in your price range. Nearly everything says "mesh" nowadays even if they only ship one unit. All that means is that you can add on another unit without running a cable. While that's simple to do, running a cable with ALWAYS offers improved performance. Spend a little more and get the newer Google unit with a router and a point if you like the platform and need the coverage. If you buy used or open box, you may price yourself out of a quick support call. I've been happy with the ASUS RT-AX86U Pro (AX5700). This is the Wi-Fi 6 flavor, and the ASUS RT-BE86U BE6800 has Wi-Fi 7. Wi-Fi 7 wont' help congestion you have devices that use it, although nothing ever hurt with a bit of future-proofing. The smart money is on setting up 2 SSIDs as you've already done with your guest network - just make sure all your "smart" devices are on the guest network using 2.4 GHz and that typically reserves the 5 GHz band for your good stuff. So, yeah, the ASUS is a little out of your price range, but I don't thing a sub $100 router is going to accomplish all your networking goals. Last, but not least, if you use Apple stuff, they prefer to connect to the first network it sees and that is typically the 2.4 GHz. If it were me, I'd use 2 different SSIDs, each with different credentials to enforce your Apple devices always joining your main network and not the Guest.

I’m rocking an ASUS RT-BE86U (not tri band). It does have Wi-Fi 7 features such as MLO, 4K-QAM, etc, but only has 2.4/5GHz bands. It’s been solid. From my experience with a Unifi UDR7 that had the 6Ghz band, it was flaky at best. I think the ideal set up for 6Ghz is multiple AP’s scattered throughout your home/office to really utilize it properly. Ymmv, but in my opinion 6Ghz is more hype than functional.

Short answer: Get the ASUS RT-BE86U. It’s the better buy over the BE82U because it adds a 10 GbE port (nice future-proofing for fast WAN/LAN) while both are dual-band Wi-Fi 7 (no 6 GHz). Reviews also show the BE86U’s 5 GHz performance and software are excellent. If you’d rather have 6 GHz (great for newer phones/laptops) and don’t need 10 GbE, consider the TP-Link Archer BE550, which is frequently around $199 and tested well for budget Wi-Fi 7. Go BE86U if you want ASUS features and a 10 GbE port for only \~$20 more. Go BE550 if you want 6 GHz at \~$200 and can live without 10 GbE. Why I’m recommending these BE86U vs BE82U: Both are dual-band Wi-Fi 7; BE86U adds a 10 GbE port (BE82U has five 2.5 GbE only). If prices are close, BE86U wins. TP-Link BE550: True tri-band with 6 GHz around $199–$229 and strong test results—great budget “next-gen” pick. TP-Link GE650: Tri-band Wi-Fi 7 gaming router that’s been seen at $250; good if you prioritize gaming features. If you want, tell me your internet speed and house layout—I'll tailor settings (channel width, MLO on/off, WAN/LAN hookup) for whichever you choose.

I am an Asus fanboy, and I've had their products for years. The BE92U was a dud right out of the box for me. Even with the latest firmware, and trying Merlin too, I suffered from random reboots. If a router can't stay booted for longer than a few hours, something is seriously wrong. I may have a bad example though. I'd recommend the BE86U instead, yeah it doesn't have 6ghz, but it has better reviews and great 4x4 5 ghz performance.

I’ve had good luck with ASUS. The app is user friendly with easy access to parental controls. I have a few of them. As I upgraded my main router I just switch the old to wired mesh nodes. What ever you get a dual band , 2.4 and 5ghz, is usually enough. There aren’t a lot of devices that use the 6ghz band. WiFi 6 is the minimum I’d get as there aren’t a lot of WiFi 7 devices either, but it would give a little future proofing. Without knowing a budget, a RT-BE86U has been a solid router for me

I’ve had good luck with ASUS routers. My only thought is if you keep them for long periods which it looks like you do, why not a BE86U? It’s 220, or if you live near a Best Buy they have trade in your old gear for 15% off. Not available on every router tho. But it is on the BE92U, so it would be 187ish

The AX86U was the best router I ever had before I started using more purpose built routers with separate APs. But Newegg is ripping you off for $295 for a 6 year old router. If you're going to spend that much, get the newer BE86U which is just the more modern version of that one, or look for a better deal. Usually the AX86U is in the $170 range which IMO is worth the premium over the AX3000 version.