Sells for about 50 euros locally.
TP-Link in generall has served me so well on a budget that I find it hard to justify paying more.
Yeah, was also considering the C6 because..why not? It has multiple gbit ports, dualband wifi , good reviews and is affordable. Currently at 36,99€ on Amazon.
I would still advise to go for a WiFi 6 model. May seem overkill now, but in 2 years most devices will make use of it. Less congestion and better coverage. It works great for me. And that AX10 is just 20 EUR more expensive.
In all fairness, that C6 (and direct predecessor C5) has been on the market for almost 10 years now.
What is the exact advantage of Wifi 6 now? Asus website has an animation where Wifi 5 sends a packet to one enduser-device after another, while Wifi 6 sends multiple packages to various different devices simultaneously. But yeah, the AX10 also looks good.
Practically wifi 6 is more efficient. It uses OFDMA multiplexing. This makes for a wifi connection that's more stable and speeds that are more evenly divided over devices. Thankt to OFDMA and BSS Coloring the coverage is also better. Especially important in an apartment (less noise from your neighbours).
Most devices support BSS Coloring, for OFDMA you need wifi 6 capable devices. Most mid-range and high-end smartphones already support this, as do most newly sold laptops. So if you don't have any capable devices now, chances are you will have these in the next years.
I see it more as buying a future proof router now.
Future proof hardly ever makes sense. Just burning money. Unfortunately.
I get the idea, but when you sum up all the pros and cons, I think it's better to buy cheaper, then get a new one in 3-5 years, once most of your equipment supports the new protocol.
Of course, if the price difference is symbolic and/or the newer model has other options you fancy (aside from future-proofing), then it makes more sense.
Yes and no. If I buy new equipment I usually do so for at least 5 years. So future proofing is definitely no waste of money here.
Furthermore, with routers, a newer model usually means a faster SoC, sometimes more memory so performance is usually better.
But I have to admit that I don’t have a low end lifestyle. I usually like to pay a bit more, but I have the funds to back it up. Just don’t ask what my network setup at home cost me.
Future proof hardly ever makes sense. Just burning money. Unfortunately.
I get the idea, but when you sum up all the pros and cons, I think it's better to buy cheaper, then get a new one in 3-5 years, once most of your equipment supports the new protocol.
Of course, if the price difference is symbolic and/or the newer model has other options you fancy (aside from future-proofing), then it makes more sense.
Yes and no. If I buy new equipment I usually do so for at least 5 years. So future proofing is definitely no waste of money here.
Furthermore, with routers, a newer model usually means a faster SoC, sometimes more memory so performance is usually better.
But I have to admit that I don’t have a low end lifestyle. I usually like to pay a bit more, but I have the funds to back it up. Just don’t ask what my network setup at home cost me.
I definitely see the point, buying something that will be considered a good standard for years to come.
Normally, I would also agree to go for something that is a tad more expensive than going cheap. Us being two students, hoewever, the costs of moving kinda add up (washing machine, fridge, shelves, sofa, desk, bed...), so it's currently not within our budget. Likely to upgrade later, even if that means we now have to rent the modem for the next 24 months. Some of the suggested wifi routers seem like they will still do their job just fine
Sells for about 50 euros locally.
TP-Link in generall has served me so well on a budget that I find it hard to justify paying more.
Yeah, was also considering the C6 because..why not? It has multiple gbit ports, dualband wifi , good reviews and is affordable. Currently at 36,99€ on Amazon.
I would still advise to go for a WiFi 6 model. May seem overkill now, but in 2 years most devices will make use of it. Less congestion and better coverage. It works great for me. And that AX10 is just 20 EUR more expensive.
In all fairness, that C6 (and direct predecessor C5) has been on the market for almost 10 years now.
What is the exact advantage of Wifi 6 now? Asus website has an animation where Wifi 5 sends a packet to one enduser-device after another, while Wifi 6 sends multiple packages to various different devices simultaneously. But yeah, the AX10 also looks good.
Practically wifi 6 is more efficient. It uses OFDMA multiplexing. This makes for a wifi connection that's more stable and speeds that are more evenly divided over devices. Thankt to OFDMA and BSS Coloring the coverage is also better. Especially important in an apartment (less noise from your neighbours).
Most devices support BSS Coloring, for OFDMA you need wifi 6 capable devices. Most mid-range and high-end smartphones already support this, as do most newly sold laptops. So if you don't have any capable devices now, chances are you will have these in the next years.
I see it more as buying a future proof router now.
Future proof hardly ever makes sense. Just burning money. Unfortunately.
I get the idea, but when you sum up all the pros and cons, I think it's better to buy cheaper, then get a new one in 3-5 years, once most of your equipment supports the new protocol.
Of course, if the price difference is symbolic and/or the newer model has other options you fancy (aside from future-proofing), then it makes more sense.
Yes and no. If I buy new equipment I usually do so for at least 5 years. So future proofing is definitely no waste of money here.
Furthermore, with routers, a newer model usually means a faster SoC, sometimes more memory so performance is usually better.
But I have to admit that I don’t have a low end lifestyle. I usually like to pay a bit more, but I have the funds to back it up. Just don’t ask what my network setup at home cost me.
If you live in a "1st world" country - just multiply every price by 5 and see if you would still consider it worth paying.
If not, then my hat off to you sir. I try to go for higher quality, but the budget is often quite limited.
So I usually try to get the "best bang for the buck." Not always, but most often.
Sells for about 50 euros locally.
TP-Link in generall has served me so well on a budget that I find it hard to justify paying more.
Yeah, was also considering the C6 because..why not? It has multiple gbit ports, dualband wifi , good reviews and is affordable. Currently at 36,99€ on Amazon.
I would still advise to go for a WiFi 6 model. May seem overkill now, but in 2 years most devices will make use of it. Less congestion and better coverage. It works great for me. And that AX10 is just 20 EUR more expensive.
In all fairness, that C6 (and direct predecessor C5) has been on the market for almost 10 years now.
What is the exact advantage of Wifi 6 now? Asus website has an animation where Wifi 5 sends a packet to one enduser-device after another, while Wifi 6 sends multiple packages to various different devices simultaneously. But yeah, the AX10 also looks good.
Practically wifi 6 is more efficient. It uses OFDMA multiplexing. This makes for a wifi connection that's more stable and speeds that are more evenly divided over devices. Thankt to OFDMA and BSS Coloring the coverage is also better. Especially important in an apartment (less noise from your neighbours).
Most devices support BSS Coloring, for OFDMA you need wifi 6 capable devices. Most mid-range and high-end smartphones already support this, as do most newly sold laptops. So if you don't have any capable devices now, chances are you will have these in the next years.
I see it more as buying a future proof router now.
Future proof hardly ever makes sense. Just burning money. Unfortunately.
I get the idea, but when you sum up all the pros and cons, I think it's better to buy cheaper, then get a new one in 3-5 years, once most of your equipment supports the new protocol.
Of course, if the price difference is symbolic and/or the newer model has other options you fancy (aside from future-proofing), then it makes more sense.
Yes and no. If I buy new equipment I usually do so for at least 5 years. So future proofing is definitely no waste of money here.
Furthermore, with routers, a newer model usually means a faster SoC, sometimes more memory so performance is usually better.
But I have to admit that I don’t have a low end lifestyle. I usually like to pay a bit more, but I have the funds to back it up. Just don’t ask what my network setup at home cost me.
If you live in a "1st world" country - just multiply every price by 5 and see if you would still consider it worth paying.
In case of that router, well: yes. Really doesn’t come close to what my home network has cost me. Good to note that it’s also kind of a hobby,
If not, then my hat off to you sir. I try to go for higher quality, but the budget is often quite limited.
So I usually try to get the "best bang for the buck." Not always, but most often.
What strikes me is that new electronics are equally expensive or even more expensive in Eastern Europe for instance. But that’s a very different discussion.
Best bang for buck is never wrong. But I also calculate short term and long term expenses. Buying a cheaper new device every two years might be more expensive than buying one that’s going to cost me more now, but will last longer. Of course I know that’s a privilege not everyone has.
Sells for about 50 euros locally.
TP-Link in generall has served me so well on a budget that I find it hard to justify paying more.
Yeah, was also considering the C6 because..why not? It has multiple gbit ports, dualband wifi , good reviews and is affordable. Currently at 36,99€ on Amazon.
I would still advise to go for a WiFi 6 model. May seem overkill now, but in 2 years most devices will make use of it. Less congestion and better coverage. It works great for me. And that AX10 is just 20 EUR more expensive.
In all fairness, that C6 (and direct predecessor C5) has been on the market for almost 10 years now.
What is the exact advantage of Wifi 6 now? Asus website has an animation where Wifi 5 sends a packet to one enduser-device after another, while Wifi 6 sends multiple packages to various different devices simultaneously. But yeah, the AX10 also looks good.
Practically wifi 6 is more efficient. It uses OFDMA multiplexing. This makes for a wifi connection that's more stable and speeds that are more evenly divided over devices. Thankt to OFDMA and BSS Coloring the coverage is also better. Especially important in an apartment (less noise from your neighbours).
Most devices support BSS Coloring, for OFDMA you need wifi 6 capable devices. Most mid-range and high-end smartphones already support this, as do most newly sold laptops. So if you don't have any capable devices now, chances are you will have these in the next years.
I see it more as buying a future proof router now.
Future proof hardly ever makes sense. Just burning money. Unfortunately.
I get the idea, but when you sum up all the pros and cons, I think it's better to buy cheaper, then get a new one in 3-5 years, once most of your equipment supports the new protocol.
Of course, if the price difference is symbolic and/or the newer model has other options you fancy (aside from future-proofing), then it makes more sense.
Yes and no. If I buy new equipment I usually do so for at least 5 years. So future proofing is definitely no waste of money here.
Furthermore, with routers, a newer model usually means a faster SoC, sometimes more memory so performance is usually better.
But I have to admit that I don’t have a low end lifestyle. I usually like to pay a bit more, but I have the funds to back it up. Just don’t ask what my network setup at home cost me.
If you live in a "1st world" country - just multiply every price by 5 and see if you would still consider it worth paying.
In case of that router, well: yes. Really doesn’t come close to what my home network has cost me. Good to note that it’s also kind of a hobby,
If not, then my hat off to you sir. I try to go for higher quality, but the budget is often quite limited.
So I usually try to get the "best bang for the buck." Not always, but most often.
What strikes me is that new electronics are equally expensive or even more expensive in Eastern Europe for instance. But that’s a very different discussion.
Best bang for buck is never wrong. But I also calculate short term and long term expenses. Buying a cheaper new device every two years might be more expensive than buying one that’s going to cost me more now, but will last longer. Of course I know that’s a privilege not everyone has.
I'm not talking about electronics prices.
I'm talking about price-to-pay ratio.
I.e. a high-quality router taking a full monthly pay VS one week's pay VS 4 hours of work etc.
In other words: different perspective based on incomes and budgets (as seems to be the case with Ympker now, in his current situation).
@bikegremlin said:
I'm not talking about electronics prices.
I'm talking about price-to-pay ratio.
I.e. a high-quality router taking a full monthly pay VS one week's pay VS 4 hours of work etc.
An effect that is amplified because (at least within Europe) electronics are priced equally in high income countries as they are in lower income countries. Which is what I meant.
In other words: different perspective based on incomes and budgets (as seems to be the case with Ympker now, in his current situation).
Which I totally understand.
But the title of this thread still says "below € 100" and the routers I recommend are both very much below that price point. If the title said "below € 50" or "as cheap as possible" I wouldn't have made these recommendations.
I don't feel like dragging this one, but there seems to be at least some kind of misunderstanding here and I certainly don't care to be lectured about financial differences. Because I know that very well, growing up in a relatively poor family. But € 100 is still € 100.
@bikegremlin said:
I'm not talking about electronics prices.
I'm talking about price-to-pay ratio.
I.e. a high-quality router taking a full monthly pay VS one week's pay VS 4 hours of work etc.
An effect that is amplified because (at least within Europe) electronics are priced equally in high income countries as they are in lower income countries. Which is what I meant.
In other words: different perspective based on incomes and budgets (as seems to be the case with Ympker now, in his current situation).
Which I totally understand.
But the title of this thread still says "below € 100" and the routers I recommend are both very much below that price point. If the title said "below € 50" or "as cheap as possible" I wouldn't have made these recommendations.
I don't feel like dragging this one, but there seems to be at least some kind of misunderstanding here and I certainly don't care to be lectured about financial differences. Because I know that very well, growing up in a relatively poor family. But € 100 is still € 100.
Don't want to cause any turmoil here. Both of you are correct. Like @debaser said, the budget specified is below 100€ so any suggestions up to that price are totally fine and welcome. The idea from @bikegremlin to not spend more than is really needed regarding the moving situation and costs adding up isn't bad either. That is to say, while cost shouldn't be the deciding factor as long as it stays below 100€, it isn't wrong to save money if a economically more affordable device will also do a good job.
Love all of your comments and help, so no need to argue
@Ympker said:
Don't want to cause any turmoil here.
And neither do I. But being accused of being insensitive of peoples budget usually gives me a very nasty itch. Because while I do have more than enough money now, it didn't always used to be that way.
Might have overreacted, but the message is clear. Of course, @Ympker, I should've understood your position a bit better. This context was a bit lost on me.
@bikegremlin said:
I'm not talking about electronics prices.
I'm talking about price-to-pay ratio.
I.e. a high-quality router taking a full monthly pay VS one week's pay VS 4 hours of work etc.
I don't feel like dragging this one, but there seems to be at least some kind of misunderstanding here and I certainly don't care to be lectured about financial differences. Because I know that very well, growing up in a relatively poor family. But € 100 is still € 100.
It's written communication in a foreign language.
I'm not arguing. Nor accusing - as you noted in another reply.
Your input is good - I was just offering a different perspective.
I.e. it wasn't intended as an insult or an accusation.
Edit:
For what it's worht, the perspective change is what I'm guilty of.
I would have recommended a more expensive option if the current budget situation wasn't so explicitly and repeatedly stressed by Ympker.
OPNSense or pfsense on a cheap corporate SFF desktop like OptiPlex 3020, Lenovo m73, etc.? (Those are super old 4th-gen chips; newer is fine, too.) Add a I340-T2 or I350-T2 PCIe NIC. Separate AP.
I've personally had good luck with ASUS RT-AX92U....but outside of specified budget.
@BlaZe said:
Using TP-Link Archer C60 v2.0 for a year.
There are always around 20ish devices connected to the router (my desktop - wired, rest are wireless like cameras, mobiles, printer, etc.) and the router stays ON 24x7
Stable AF!
Noooo. That's a 100mbps eth device...while OP has 250mbps internet.
(.C60 is a good choice for openwrt though in niche cases where the 100mbps isn't an issue.)
MikroTik hAP ac3, not sure exact prices, but should be close to €100 ...
With RouterOS 7 it should have Wifi6, WireGuard etc. https://mikrotik.com/product/hap_ac3
@havoc said:
I've personally had good luck with ASUS RT-AX92U....but outside of specified budget.
@BlaZe said:
Using TP-Link Archer C60 v2.0 for a year.
There are always around 20ish devices connected to the router (my desktop - wired, rest are wireless like cameras, mobiles, printer, etc.) and the router stays ON 24x7
Stable AF!
Noooo. That's a 100mbps eth device...while OP has 250mbps internet.
(.C60 is a good choice for openwrt though in niche cases where the 100mbps isn't an issue.)
I think it's 300Mbps. Gotta check it out though lol. Haven't bothered even looking at the router since its installation a year back.
Moving at the end of August where I will then decide on a router (and easily return it within 14-30 days if not to satisfaction). Thanks for all the suggestions so far!
Lol, didn't know that one. I think that won't do since I would also need some gigabit LAN ports, so a Router is preferred, but looks nice.
I also still have a TP Link RE650 AP/Repeater (which is fairly powerful) lying around. Could also consider using a Gigabit switch to get the additional Gigabit LAN ports and use the RE650 for Wifi without any additional router. Hmm, may give this a try, too. Thanks for the idea!
So that would be:
ISP modem --> gigabit port to gigabit switch with 5 Gigabit LAN ports. Use RE650 as a WiFi repeater/AP for strong wifi.
You're confusing wifi speed and eth ports. It's quite common for routers to have far higher radio throughput than the cable part can handle. Since internet comes in over the cable the lower of the two matters
Mikrotik is a good tweakable (proprietary linux) router, but their wifi is shit out of the box.
Ubiquiti is a proprietary crap router, but their Unifi wifi APs are good.
You'll have to give more and combine.
Or you'll have to use Mikrotik and know how to tune the wifi for max performance or max range (still won't beat Unifi), your choice.
Or get something like Huawei AX3, cheap (not cheapest) WiFi6 device, next, next finish setup, not tweakable, lots of CPU and fast wifi/cable speed, low strenght wifi signal, but still fast speeds. Plus it contacts friends from China.
Due to budgeting reasons and lots of accumulating investments for the flat, I gave my old Asus RT-AC58U a try and what can I say? Bought it in 2019 and it maxes out the 250/40 Mbits line flawlessly, given that on LAN directly at the modem I get 210 Mbits.
Comments
Yes and no. If I buy new equipment I usually do so for at least 5 years. So future proofing is definitely no waste of money here.
Furthermore, with routers, a newer model usually means a faster SoC, sometimes more memory so performance is usually better.
But I have to admit that I don’t have a low end lifestyle. I usually like to pay a bit more, but I have the funds to back it up. Just don’t ask what my network setup at home cost me.
I definitely see the point, buying something that will be considered a good standard for years to come.
Normally, I would also agree to go for something that is a tad more expensive than going cheap. Us being two students, hoewever, the costs of moving kinda add up (washing machine, fridge, shelves, sofa, desk, bed...), so it's currently not within our budget. Likely to upgrade later, even if that means we now have to rent the modem for the next 24 months. Some of the suggested wifi routers seem like they will still do their job just fine
Ympker's VPN LTD Comparison, Uptime.is, Ympker's GitHub.
If you live in a "1st world" country - just multiply every price by 5 and see if you would still consider it worth paying.
If not, then my hat off to you sir. I try to go for higher quality, but the budget is often quite limited.
So I usually try to get the "best bang for the buck." Not always, but most often.
Detailed info about providers whose services I've used:
BikeGremlin web-hosting reviews
In case of that router, well: yes. Really doesn’t come close to what my home network has cost me. Good to note that it’s also kind of a hobby,
What strikes me is that new electronics are equally expensive or even more expensive in Eastern Europe for instance. But that’s a very different discussion.
Best bang for buck is never wrong. But I also calculate short term and long term expenses. Buying a cheaper new device every two years might be more expensive than buying one that’s going to cost me more now, but will last longer. Of course I know that’s a privilege not everyone has.
I'm not talking about electronics prices.
I'm talking about price-to-pay ratio.
I.e. a high-quality router taking a full monthly pay VS one week's pay VS 4 hours of work etc.
In other words: different perspective based on incomes and budgets (as seems to be the case with Ympker now, in his current situation).
Detailed info about providers whose services I've used:
BikeGremlin web-hosting reviews
An effect that is amplified because (at least within Europe) electronics are priced equally in high income countries as they are in lower income countries. Which is what I meant.
Which I totally understand.
But the title of this thread still says "below € 100" and the routers I recommend are both very much below that price point. If the title said "below € 50" or "as cheap as possible" I wouldn't have made these recommendations.
I don't feel like dragging this one, but there seems to be at least some kind of misunderstanding here and I certainly don't care to be lectured about financial differences. Because I know that very well, growing up in a relatively poor family. But € 100 is still € 100.
Don't want to cause any turmoil here. Both of you are correct. Like @debaser said, the budget specified is below 100€ so any suggestions up to that price are totally fine and welcome. The idea from @bikegremlin to not spend more than is really needed regarding the moving situation and costs adding up isn't bad either. That is to say, while cost shouldn't be the deciding factor as long as it stays below 100€, it isn't wrong to save money if a economically more affordable device will also do a good job.
Love all of your comments and help, so no need to argue
Ympker's VPN LTD Comparison, Uptime.is, Ympker's GitHub.
And neither do I. But being accused of being insensitive of peoples budget usually gives me a very nasty itch. Because while I do have more than enough money now, it didn't always used to be that way.
Might have overreacted, but the message is clear. Of course, @Ympker, I should've understood your position a bit better. This context was a bit lost on me.
It's written communication in a foreign language.
I'm not arguing. Nor accusing - as you noted in another reply.
Your input is good - I was just offering a different perspective.
I.e. it wasn't intended as an insult or an accusation.
Edit:
For what it's worht, the perspective change is what I'm guilty of.
I would have recommended a more expensive option if the current budget situation wasn't so explicitly and repeatedly stressed by Ympker.
Detailed info about providers whose services I've used:
BikeGremlin web-hosting reviews
4 days ago I got the following router, for just 1€. I wrote OpenWRT on it, and it's ready as backup. This is low-end.
Stacksocial link (aff) containing a gift of $10 after your first purchase.
OPNSense or pfsense on a cheap corporate SFF desktop like OptiPlex 3020, Lenovo m73, etc.? (Those are super old 4th-gen chips; newer is fine, too.) Add a I340-T2 or I350-T2 PCIe NIC. Separate AP.
I've personally had good luck with ASUS RT-AX92U....but outside of specified budget.
Noooo. That's a 100mbps eth device...while OP has 250mbps internet.
(.C60 is a good choice for openwrt though in niche cases where the 100mbps isn't an issue.)
MikroTik hAP ac3, not sure exact prices, but should be close to €100 ...
With RouterOS 7 it should have Wifi6, WireGuard etc.
https://mikrotik.com/product/hap_ac3
I think it's 300Mbps. Gotta check it out though lol. Haven't bothered even looking at the router since its installation a year back.
Fuck my memory! ngl I'm getting old.
ExoticVM.com - Find VPS in exotic locations!
Moving at the end of August where I will then decide on a router (and easily return it within 14-30 days if not to satisfaction). Thanks for all the suggestions so far!
Ympker's VPN LTD Comparison, Uptime.is, Ympker's GitHub.
If you're as stingy as I am and can live with a really stupid AP - grab one of those AC 4x4 APs at your local o2 store.
https://www.o2online.de/e-shop/o2-homebox-satellite-repeater-details
Working fine in AP mode. 3€.
Lol, didn't know that one. I think that won't do since I would also need some gigabit LAN ports, so a Router is preferred, but looks nice.
I also still have a TP Link RE650 AP/Repeater (which is fairly powerful) lying around. Could also consider using a Gigabit switch to get the additional Gigabit LAN ports and use the RE650 for Wifi without any additional router. Hmm, may give this a try, too. Thanks for the idea!
So that would be:
ISP modem --> gigabit port to gigabit switch with 5 Gigabit LAN ports. Use RE650 as a WiFi repeater/AP for strong wifi.
Ympker's VPN LTD Comparison, Uptime.is, Ympker's GitHub.
You're confusing wifi speed and eth ports. It's quite common for routers to have far higher radio throughput than the cable part can handle. Since internet comes in over the cable the lower of the two matters
Mikrotik is a good tweakable (proprietary linux) router, but their wifi is shit out of the box.
Ubiquiti is a proprietary crap router, but their Unifi wifi APs are good.
You'll have to give more and combine.
Or you'll have to use Mikrotik and know how to tune the wifi for max performance or max range (still won't beat Unifi), your choice.
Or get something like Huawei AX3, cheap (not cheapest) WiFi6 device, next, next finish setup, not tweakable, lots of CPU and fast wifi/cable speed, low strenght wifi signal, but still fast speeds. Plus it contacts friends from China.
xiaomi ax6s / ax3200 then flash firmware using openwrt
good enough for me
ordered an ax55 in the name of Wifi6 🫢
I bench YABS 24/7/365 unless it's a leap year.
Glad, this thread got others to buy stuff, too haha
Have fun, mate!
Ympker's VPN LTD Comparison, Uptime.is, Ympker's GitHub.
I bench YABS 24/7/365 unless it's a leap year.
Lookin' good! Enjoy
Ympker's VPN LTD Comparison, Uptime.is, Ympker's GitHub.
Due to budgeting reasons and lots of accumulating investments for the flat, I gave my old Asus RT-AC58U a try and what can I say? Bought it in 2019 and it maxes out the 250/40 Mbits line flawlessly, given that on LAN directly at the modem I get 210 Mbits.
This is Wifi:
So everything's working great
Ympker's VPN LTD Comparison, Uptime.is, Ympker's GitHub.