Reddit reviews TP-Link AC1200 Wireless Wi-Fi Gigabit Router (Archer C5)

Good gigabit router : TP-Link Archer C5 - $77

Updated version : TP-Link Archer C1200 - $95 on sale at $70

Very good gigabit router : TP-Link Archer C7 - $90

The TP-LINK Archer C5 is a good cheap router.

If you have more in your budget, I'd go with the C7

And then, even better (imo) but more expensive, the Asus AC68U

https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-AC1200-Wireless-Gigabit-Router/dp/B00JZFG6QS

The mobo doesn't have a receiver. If you're talking about the Gigabyte adapter, it's probably better than most external receivers. Go to device manager to disable the device.

The Linksys WRT54G is the cheapest router that "gets the job done". It's slow but stable, durable and reliable. Think "Nokia of routers".

Then you've got 3 potential TP-LINK routers:

Basic N router: TP-LINK TL-WR841N.
Basic dual band N: TP-LINK TL-WDR3500.
Basic dual band AC IPv6: TP-LINK Archer C5.

This guy works well, I have 150Mbps down and 10-15 devices connect to it. Also supports my Chromecast just fine. It sits upstairs in a 2BR condo and reaches every corner of the unit.

http://www.amazon.com/TP-LINK-Archer-C5-Wireless-Gigabit/dp/B00JZFG6QS

http://www.amazon.com/TP-LINK-Archer-C5-Wireless-Gigabit/dp/B00JZFG6QS

with budget of $80.. You will be looking at used market.

This and this are typical inexpensive setup. People usually pay a little bit more for the both.

Three options.

the first/PCIe one is the cleanest as the device will live in the computer and make the desktop act like a laptop in respect to how wireless networks function.

• wireless ac via PCIe
  
• wireless ac via PCIe
  
  The second/USB one is pretty much the same but will have less performance due to antenna diversity and the USB interface.
  
  
• Wireless ac via USB
  
• Wireless ac via USB
  
  
  The third/router is probably the most ideal as it will allow the computer to continue using the onboard ethernet, and give you additional ports to plug other things into. It does have the complexity of having to switch the router into bridge/client mode, but that isn't very hard.
  
  
• Router in bridge mode
  
  As of now the OnHub/GF equipment doesn't interop directly. They are separate business units, and operate independently. It's possible they will integrate in the future but as of now they are on distinct paths from each other.

I pay $59.99 for http://imgur.com/ubNp9bg
I pay for the modem rental, I never have throttle issues I have a 300GB Data Cap but it doesn't count for the first three months so you can use unlimited.

As of next month ill pay $30 more for unlimited data.

I would opt to not rent the modem if you have your own or plan on getting one.

If you need a suggestion this one
http://www.amazon.com/ARRIS-SURFboard-SB6141-DOCSIS-Cable/dp/B00AJHDZSI/ref=sr_1_1?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1458157585&sr=1-1&keywords=Modem

Paird with

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JZFG6QS?psc=1

I don't pay for cable TV nor plan on it now that Playstation Vue is in my area and cost way last for exactly what I want and need.

I suspect that your router is part of your problem. The WNR3500Lv2 isn't powerful enough for the fast internet of today. I'd suggest plugging directly into your ISP modem/router and see what sort of speeds you get. I'm guessing it'll be better.

If it is better plugged in direct to the ISP device then its definitely your router that is the bottleneck. I'd suggest an upgrade to something like the TP-Link Archer C5, TP-Link Archer C7 or Netgear R6300v2. All should be a big upgrade over the WNR3500Lv2 for a minimal investment.

Most here like separate devices, Modem and Router/WiFi

Modem

Router/WiFi

Those work good, should last a long time.....If your service speed is higher than 340 Mbps you may require a different modem....also if your house is big you may require an additional AP (Access Point) for WiFi coverage.

This is a great review site for networking stuff.

http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/

Best reviewed AC1200 router $90
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JZFG6QS?ie=UTF8&tag=small0c-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00JZFG6QS

Best reviewed AC1750 router $130
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00N2ROH0C?ie=UTF8&tag=small0c-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00N2ROH0C

If you go with a good higher AC router, you start pushing even closer to $200.

But check out that website, see some reviews. A 3rd ranked in any given AC category router will be solid, but who knows, might be a good bit cheaper.

I'm using a TP-Link Archer C5 on a 100mbit down/10mbit up network.

Did you know Amazon will donate a portion of every purchase if you shop by going to smile.amazon.com instead? Over $50,000,000 has been raised for charity - all you need to do is change the URL!

Here are your smile-ified links:

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JZFG6QS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

---

^^i'm ^^a ^^friendly bot

Thanks for the tips. I ended up getting this router and my wired speed went from 80 Mbps to 200. And my wireless speeds doubled

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JZFG6QS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Thank you for your replies. I may need a new router.. how is this one: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JZFG6QS/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?tag=slickdeals09-20&ascsubtag=8c805c307ee611e6a3d90a5bf7764e230INT&ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&sdsrc=staff

I might get that but this router also has got great reviews at half the price seems like a newer model and uses the same ac technology. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JZFG6QS/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_8D3Qub1WZRQ75

http://www.amazon.com/TP-LINK-Archer-C7-Wireless-1300Mbps/dp/B00BUSDVBQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1420523880&sr=1-1&keywords=archer+c7

C7 seems a little better? About same price.

http://www.amazon.com/TP-LINK-Archer-C5-Wireless-Gigabit/dp/B00JZFG6QS

Looks good though.

C5 looks like the same price as this one in the OP

https://smile.amazon.com/TP-Link-AC1200-Wireless-Gigabit-Router/dp/B00JZFG6QS?sa-no-redirect=1

For an AC1900, get the Archer C9, it is the same price, but newer model, and it's amazing. AND it's on sale right now, didn't realize that!!! (I bought it when it wasn't on sale).

I typically recommend the Archer C7 AC1750 to people. The Archer C5 AC1200 for people on a budget, but I didn't realize that the C5 and C7 are about the same price now, so might as well get the C7 instead of C5.

Here is a good combo for you. Archer C9 + 16x4 Modem. You should get it while it's on sale! $149.39.

This is what I'm using and it works well.

http://www.amazon.com/TP-LINK-Archer-C5-Wireless-Gigabit/dp/B00JZFG6QS

I also have an expensive EA9200 Linksys tri-band router, but I had some issues with it so I'm not using it atm.

Maybe this one, if you still need it to have gigabit LAN ports at the router

http://www.amazon.com/TP-LINK-Archer-C5-Wireless-Gigabit/dp/B00JZFG6QS

I just have a Linksys EA6100, & as far as connection speed goes I get anywhere from 585-867Mbps on 5Ghz AC. It doesn't have gigabit LAN ports though, but I don't have a lot of devices & none are wired. Haven't done speed tests for file transfers on the WLAN.

Modem

Router

I know very little about networking but i've decided to finally buy my own crap instead of giving those assholes more money. This from what i can tell is a pretty good set up. Its not Extreme but it would fit most normal households and its future proof (right?) Not everyone can spend $200 on a router.

you mean this one: https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-AC1200-Wireless-Gigabit-Router/dp/B00JZFG6QS ?

Wireless card in laptop: Intel Dual-Band Wireless-N 7260
Ethernet: Intel Ethernet I218-LM

Wireless I am getting 120 Mbps, wired I am getting 87 Mbps. On my desktop wired I am getting 81, it is behind one extra gigabit switch.

I guess the wireless in my phone does suck. 120 is still 50% more than 80, however, even though 80 is still markedly more than what I am paying for (~30 Mbps).

Maybe my ISP is just having an issue of some sort. I am certainly surprised my wireless is performing better than my ethernet connection, however. My modem is a Motorolla Aris Surfboard, and my router is a TP-Link Archer C5 (https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-AC1200-Wireless-Gigabit-Router/dp/B00JZFG6QS/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_147_lp_t_2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=205M6828PZ5QES6R91VF).

The ports should be gigabit, but I am still getting better wireless speeds from my laptop.

Maybe I should wait a week to see if the "issue" resolves itself, because currently it seems both of my computers are getting higher than average speeds, and my Arch Linux speeds when wired roughly match that of my W10 desktop when wired. The wireless must just be a LAN issue.

The TP-Link Archer C5 for <$50 is generally considered the best value router. The modem depends on the internet connection you plan to use, for cable this Netgear modem for <$50 is usually considered the cheapest decent one. Do check with your ISP to confirm compatibility. Never ever buy those combo modem-router-in-one boxes, they don't work for shit.

Just some ideas of what you can look into. If your current modem is a router combo you might be able to place it into bridge mode and connect to the WAN port of a router. That might require a call to your ISP.

• NetGear R6220
  
• TP-Link Archer C5
  
• TP-Link Archer C9
  
  All of these would exceed your 8 device requirement. Also it would "future-proof" you if you decide to upgrade from DSL to something faster. They all run off 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands. The 2.4GHz band is better for range as it goes through objects better. However the 5GHz outperforms at shorter ranges and also has less interference from other wireless devices.

Ubiquiti is great, but you don't need to spend a lot of money on a reliable router. TP Link makes nice 5GHz routers for not that much money.

$48 - https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-AC1200-Wireless-Gigabit-Router/dp/B00JZFG6QS

$60 - https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-Archer-AC1750-Smart-Router/dp/B00BUSDVBQ

Thanks again for all the help. Would any gigabit router work, like these:

https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-AC1200-Wireless-Gigabit-Router/dp/B00JZFG6QS

Or

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002YLAUU8/ref=mp_s_a_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1484172720&sr=8-7&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_FMwebp_QL65&keywords=gigabit+router&dpPl=1&dpID=41CDHg%2BLqdL&ref=plSrch

Would I need to get the AC router in order to maximize performance or would the N router work just as well, as long as they're both gigabit?

Also, would wireless speeds go up at all with a gigabit router? Can wifi speeds get close to max (like 100-120) with a better router?