Better to buy WiFi extender or a whole new router?

buy a whole house wifi mesh system like the AmpliFi or Netgear Orbi

I'd try raising your current one to a higher position. Or even buying a longer Ethernet cable and trying to raise it and bring it closer to the center of the house.

Another idea, download an app that will tell you what channel your neighbors wifi routers are on, and change yours to a less busy channel.

I have an Asus AC66u on my desk in my back bedroom and I get a signal 3 or 4 houses down from my own.

Powerline adapter plus another router.

Another vote for mesh systems. My Plume system has been fantastic.

So stick with the Archer C5? It’s only a year old and would hate to replace it so soon for one of these new mesh systems.

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Ubiquiti access point

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Looks like there’s different kinds on amazon. So I can buy one of these and stick it in say my kitchen and it’ll reach the dead zone areas such as the bedroom and backyard?

i mean you are doing much heavy routing i would not think.

I would get the uap-ac-lr-us. they are 110 on amazon but i just bought mine fore 70 NIB on ebay. I would turn off your wifi antennas on your router and just use the AP at your wifi. This on AP should cover any normal size home if in a central location.

Granted a hard wire cat 6 cable will need to be ran if you plan to have it in a different location than the router.

Love how you seem to know exactly how wifi will perform in everyone's house somehow. I was slow to move to a mesh setup as well but after I wasted money "upgrading" to an R8000 router I am glad I did. If I has listen to a condecending clown like you I would still be fighting wifi dead spots all the time.

It's OK to have an opinion but don't assume yours the the only one.

Well, it depends which is why i take exception to ramrod's assertion that anyone recommending a mesh system is trying to validate their expensive purchase.

Do you want the easiest to setup and manage solution knowing wifi will "just work"? Mesh is a good option, however within the mesh systems there is still some variation on how easy they are.

I recommend reading through this review for a good overview: LINK


It IS likely possible to fix your wifi issue with a cheaper extender or AP solution but you have to decide how much tweaking/setup/configuration you are willing to do. Although it is also possible that you could spend that time/money and still end up with wifi deadspots.


My personal experience is with Plume wifi which is why I recommend it. It is the most flexible of the mesh systems due to the small pod design which can be plugged in wherever needed. Also, phone calls from wife/family while I am traveling asking why the wifi doesn't work have dropped to zero which was a big consideration for me.


The bottom line: I can now stream 4k anywhere inside or outside my home with no issues at all and can always add more pods/move them around should my needs change in the future.

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I had an older ASUS dual band router and was thinking of replacing it with a mesh system like Google's. Instead I went with a better router (Netgear AC 1750) and am really happy with it. I have solid coverage throughout my house at roughly 2100 sq ft even with less than optimal router placement. I've heard really good things from friends/co-workers about the mesh systems, but I think you pay a bit of a premium. If you can swing the cost, then go for it and you'll likely be set. I could have afforded to go that way, but am happy I saved about $180 for more than adequate performance and features.

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This.

A really nice router solves 90% of wifi issues, and is usually cheaper than mesh. Mesh will be great in 5-10 years, but the tech isn't there for multi-4k streaming/gaming/etc.

A nice router+a not as nice router covers my entire property with solid wifi, including a basement and backyard.

FWIW, I think sometime down the line mesh will be built in to devices like echos and what not, most likely bouncing signals from a better central router. Making mesh-dedicated devices themselves obsolete. Never skimp on a router it's now the most important non-built in household item outside of the refrigerator, air conditioner/heater, television and oven.

Is a Mesh System better than a good traditional router with wired APs?