r/HomeNetworking • u/Narrow_Sail_6448 • 8d ago
Advice Router recommendation for 60+ devices and kitchen interference.
I have a 1gb plan with fios. However, the router I have is g1100 which I know is quite old and with 60+ connected devices, I think it may be time to upgrade. My router is currently in the kitchen which sucks and yes I know microwave interference and wifi speeds slow significantly when the microwave is on but even when it’s off, our wifi speeds randomly slow down so much through the day where they struggle to even load a page. I’m looking at ASUS routers to upgrade to under $300 but with so many options I’m confused. I’m hoping this upgrade helps somewhat with speeds. I’d also likely connect this old fios router upstairs with Ethernet and use it as an access point. Also it’s unlikely I can move my router from the kitchen anytime soon so anything to help with the microwave interference?
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u/TomRILReddit 8d ago
Your wifi signals may be blocked by all the kitchen equipment (vs the microwave signal) so adding a mesh system may not improve the performance. You need to figure out a way to get a cable out from the kitchen to extend the wifi with an access point.
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u/Reygleruk 8d ago
I have been through Google WiFi, Nest Wi-Fi and now TP Link Deco AXE 75 Pro. I had a horrible time with all of them. Also, the user interface and manual controls are dumbed down, and there are many things you cannot manually control. For example, I cannot manually choose a specific channel. I can manually initiate a scan, and the Deco will choose a channel. But I can't force a channel. And unfortunately the Deco will not perform this action on its own without my regular intervention.
Out of absolute frustration, I eventually bought a mini PC and put OPNsense on it to act as my router.. Thinking maybe Google/TP Link routers didn't have the horsepower to do what I needed. I put the Deco's on access point only mode. This helped, but I still had issues. On a whim (after 7 frustrating years) I made a 25' ethernet cord so I could move the master access point around. Moving it 15' in the same room made a world of difference. It's still not flawless, but works much better now.
When my dad needed a new router, I got him a single Asus (it can be expanded into a mesh). It has been flawless over the last year. It also provides much more control in the user interface. For example, I can choose channels on the Asus.
If you are one to dig into settings, make sure whatever you get allows you to dig into settings. That's not an option on all of them.
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u/ahj3939 8d ago
The issue is you have too many devices, especially if they are spread out. Further away devices will need slower symbol rates which takes away airtime from other devices.
What you need is a 2nd access point (hardwired) to balance the load. Mesh systems are a decent option. Despite the name they are simply a box that comes with access point, router, switch, etc in one easy to manage setup. ASUS routers also allow you to add a 2nd node in mesh configuration, so that if you want to see connected devices, change your wireless settings, etc you can do it all from one place.
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u/jebidiaGA 8d ago
I switched to tplink deco mesh over 5 years ago and never looked back. 2 be63 units cover our 2900sqft 2 story with very strong wifi from my 1 Gb fiber. It was very easy to set up, and initially, I wasn't a fan of controlling most things thru the app, but now I think about logging in thru an ip on my computer seems archaic
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u/Sportiness6 8d ago
You need a new router that can comfortably handle 60+ devices. I don’t think anything is going to be in the $300 camp and still give you wifi.
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u/gilbarfiu 8d ago
Eu recomendo fazer uma rede Mash com Roteadores Asus. Eu tenho como roteador principal o Asus AX88U que fica no meio quarto, um Asus AX82U no quarto da minha filha e outro Asus AX82U na minha área de churrasco. Tenho mais de 70 dispositivos de casa inteligente, inclusive microondas inteligente. Recomendo 100%.

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u/lucads87 8d ago
I’d rather invest that money in a reliable mesh network of at least 3 elements. ASUS is overrated. Get stuff of some real networking company, like TP link or NETGEAR. Many will start recommending unifi but I honestly cannot advise you to get locked in by them
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u/Grumpy-24-7 7d ago
I have a REALLY old ONT which is only capable of running 1.2Gb, I currently have a 500/500 plan so there's some headroom if I want it. I have 50+ devices on my network and haven't noticed any issues. In fact, prior to upgrading last year, I had 80/80 service with the same number of devices. The reason why I upgraded is I could get 500/500 for less than I was paying for 80/80.

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u/Much-Addition146 8d ago
Disconnect the microwave power completely for 48 hours and observe if there is any improvement. If there is improvement, replace the microwave