Linksys - Linksys Velop WHW01

I use a pre-historic Linksys EA3500 (with OpenWrt) for precisely that. It's an 8/64 device, but it works. It's not the smallest (though smaller than its successor, EA4500), but can be had very inexpensively. I also use a Linksys WHW01 (with OpenWrt) as an access point, so I see no reason why you can't use one as a wireless bridge. It's a tiny tower about 3 inches square at base and about 6 inches tall... Equally easy to get on the cheap (in my neck of the woods, that is).

There are no routers that "use OpenWrt" except OpenWrt One, which I have not as much as seen (but people whose opinions I trust above my own say it's good). In all other cases, you have to install OpenWrt on your own. Next, best FOR WHAT? I just spent some quality time with an AppNeta m70: [https://forum.openwrt.org/t/report-openwrt-on-appneta-m70/240382](https://forum.openwrt.org/t/report-openwrt-on-appneta-m70/240382) Lanner NCA-1513 and NCA-1515 are great, but require some taming: [https://forum.openwrt.org/t/bypassing-bypasses-possibly-a-howto/239934](https://forum.openwrt.org/t/bypassing-bypasses-possibly-a-howto/239934) The post is written about the 1515, but it applies to the 1513 as well. Lanner FW-7551 is good: [https://forum.openwrt.org/t/solved-openwrt-on-silver-peak-fw-7551a-sv1/163479](https://forum.openwrt.org/t/solved-openwrt-on-silver-peak-fw-7551a-sv1/163479) but watch out: it's got an Intel Atom C2xxx processor, which, depending on the manufacturing date, may or may not be susceptible to the AVR54 defect. Sophos 105 / 106 / 115 / 125 / 135 are good. My daily driver, which I've had for about three years now, is an old (2015) Sophos SG 115 Rev 1. Rev 1 is old enough to have a spinning hard drive, which I have replaced with a SATA SSD. Out of the box, it was wired-only, so I grafted in a complete wireless subsystem from a defunct 125w unit... Speaking of 125, 125 Rev 1 and 2 (and 135 Rev 1 and 2) have Atom C2xxx processors, so see AVR54 warning above... I just built a monster 125w Rev 3; replaced the stock QA wireless card with an AsiaRF AW7915-NP and even drilled a hole in the case for the fourth antenna. Now half of me wants an expansion module with a second radio, but the other half doesn't want to pay for it... `:)` Over time, I've converted a bunch of mini-PCs and thin clients to the router duty. Those are very good for situations that require high processing capacity (high-speed SQM, next-generation services, etc.). From the less imposing corners of the OpenWrt universe, I've had pretty good time with Linksys WHW01 (which I now use as an access point), as well as Netgear WAX202 and WAX206.

so, In my house I have the cupboard under stairs where the modem lives. I plug one mesh node into that (it acts as the router) then i have two lan ports. one goes to the lounge and the other to my office. Out of the lounge lan port theres a switch that i plug another mesh node into and the TV, hifi, sky box & xbox. Similar deal up in the office where i plug the final mesh node and hardware my gaming/office PC's. this gives me bullet proof wifi around the house and garden seating area plus hardwired pings on my gaming equipment. mesh is a linksys wifi 5 job

Now we’re getting some where! The numbers look good according to: https://devicetests.com/what-is-a-good-ping-speed That’s really good ping time. You will need a mesh wireless system if you are not comfortable with wiring APs, or access points. The APs act as transceivers for a better signal/connection to the WiFi. The mesh system will try its best but, it’s a second best when it comes to wired Ethernet. When choosing a brand, do your research. They all have pros and cons. I have a Linksys Velop mesh system. It’s the ease of the setup that made me it a good choice for me. I got it at a steal, which is a plus!

I ditched my Linksys Velop system for a Unifi Express 7 & Unifi U6 Pro. Much happier with the Unifi system over the Linksys.

I get by right now with some Linksys Velop. You can find some used for $20-$40 a node. They are easy to set up and very stable if done right.

Mesh systems were built for this application. I'm a longterm satisfied Linksys Velop user.

I have just moved to Unifi from Linksys due to the constant issues with the Velop mesh. All wired and seems to be working very well. Even the Mrs is happy

Well, the good part is that any Wi-Fi router should be able to transmit at about 600 megabytes per second minimum. However, you're only paying for 100 megabytes per second into the house. That means anything you're accessing over the internet is not going to be a problem with the cheapest router you can purchase. As has been stated already in other comments, your biggest decision-making should be based on coverage. If you have a large home, it might be best to go with a router that can have mesh devices added to it later if you find that you'll need them. For instance, a linksys, velop line of routers work pretty well.

Linksys Velop was a game changer for my Google Home experience. 4 Refurb nodes. Were inexpensive too. https://www.reddit.com/r/googlehome/s/f0uwyP1uNK