What Is The Best Budget Router?

Lto26 on 15/01/2022 - 22:02
Last edited 15/01/2022 - 22:25 by 1 other user

Hi All,

I am new to this forum. So I have LBNCo connection in my apartment (its only 2 years old), the LBN port is located in my parents bedroom inside the wardrobe whilst my room is in the other end of the apartment (the distance is roughly 15-20 meters). However, with the current router I have (it is quite old - TP Link Archer 1600v), the signal doesn't reach my room and I have an extender.

But obviously the speed is quite slow (although I am on a plan with 100Mbps speed i.e. when I WFH and is calling on MS Teams, the connection keeps dropping out). I am thinking of buying a router to see if this improves it. Which router would you guys recommend? I am happy to spend up to $200 (or even $250).

The apartment is about 87 square meters. The length from my parents room to my room is 15-20 meters (roughly)

Please help and thanks in advance!

Computing Wireless Router

Comments

  • Twix on 15/01/2022 - 22:31

    Move the router out of the clothes wardrobe. Does the Wi-Fi signal get any better?

    • to26 on 15/01/2022 - 22:34

      My parents are hesitant to have wires on the floor to put the router in the living room/kitchen area. Even if I leave the wardrobe door open and other the room's door open, nothing changes.

      • scrimshaw on 15/01/2022 - 22:38
        +3

        Your main goal is to reduce the number of obstructions between the router and the destination device, so if you can get the router out of the wardrobe and preferably closer to the centre of your home, you'll be solving 50% of the problem already.

      • Twix on 15/01/2022 - 22:40

        That is what I wanted to know. TP-Link Deco M5 (2-pack) bundle is a favourite around here.

        • to26 on 15/01/2022 - 22:41
          +1

          Sure, I will look at this as well. Thanks

  • scrimshaw on 15/01/2022 - 22:37
    +3

    WiFi range extenders or repeaters generally suck.

    https://www.reddit.com/r/techsupport/comments/64c1lo/why_doe…

    I always recommend to use mesh networks instead of range extenders. They're better as long as the router is compatible with the mesh node you have.

    TP-Link Deco M5 for example is a pretty cheap mesh router that comes in either two or threes.

  • avoidfullprice on 15/01/2022 - 23:29

    In my previous brand new apartment (now would be six years old), the wardrobe also has RJ45 (network cable connector) patch panel. 2x2, and it can patch it to the kitchen, living room and other bedroom. Does your have that patch panel?

    I would say you have thought of that but since you haven't mentioned it I think I might ask.

    Your router might also be overheating in the wardrobe, cashing it to drop out. But that's just me guessing.

    • to26 on 16/01/2022 - 07:55

      Nope, I don't have the patch panel!

      • avoidfullprice on 16/01/2022 - 10:29
        +2

        That's shit. In this case, go with a mesh system with a router + a node to start with.

  • SBOB on 16/01/2022 - 08:09
    +1

    Dedicated wifi access point (eq ubiquiti ap) or mesh wifi system.
    Much better solution for wifi coverage than just another router with inbuilt wifi

  • AndyC1 on 16/01/2022 - 08:48

    A better web site for seeing what the best hardware is for your requirements is: https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/

    Then once you have figured out what hardware then ask on Oz bargain for where to get the best price, but usually google will do the same and be quicker.

  • askme69 on 16/01/2022 - 09:34

    I have maybe 4 or 5 routers in the cupboard, keep upgrading to what is a better tech amd same aituation as yours (better performance in dodgy areas) etc and to be honest. They are all no better than my first one, a cheap arse TP Link WD.

    The best thing i did and it improved the REACH dramatically was a cheap arse TENDA MESH setup.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join