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.
I have the Asus RT-BE86U and it is great! 10 metres from the router, I can get speeds of up to 1.6 Gbps. It also an easy to use management interface with just about everything you need.
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!
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.
Top WiFi Routers on Reddit
1
GL.iNet
GL-MT6000 (Flint 2)
91% positive of 199 users
OpenWrt enthusiast's choice; good value, but lacks 6GHz.
6ixTek
