I need suggestions for a wireless router.

Ask yourself, "Do any of my devices support 802.11a?"

If so, get a dual band router.

Do you need a router or a wireless access point?

None of that answered your question. You should look at the wireless card specs in your computers and phones. Personally, I would purchase the dual band anyway to have for future purchases.

Charter. Not sure of the modem model. Fairly tech savvy. No old PCs around.

I read that there is AC and N bands. AC is single band at 5Ghz and N is dual band at 2.4 and 5 Ghz. Am I stating this correctly? AC has greater speed potential for the future but less range than N.

AC rated throughput is only possible on the 5GHz band, but 802.11ac routers are backward compatible with older standards and will be dual-band. You'll only get N speeds on the 2.4ghz. Given the devices you named and the previous router you were using, I figure you are not doing a whole lot of local network activity, mostly internet. The only AC routers that are even remotely worth buying are in the $200+ range, and the technology is still in its infancy. A lot of folks here who own and recommend AC routers probably aren't even using it for anything but N, the majority of which are on the 2.4 ghz band.

You would be better served with the best N900 router you are willing to buy, within reason.

A huge number of tablets and phones use 802.11a. Speed is awesome. Distance is less than stellar.

Can anyone tell the difference between the ASUS RT-N66R and RT-N66U? Is the U just the updated version?

Asus

IMO get a N router rated for the longest range.

Just like I tell people battery life is the #1 feature they should look for on a laptop.. Most routers are going to do the job but your biggest issue will be signal strength.

Eta nothing more frustrating than a great router that craps out when you get to your bedroom or sitting on the back deck.

Nevermind.

Should have read the thread first.