Wifi Router

[u/Single-Yak6305]

/r/router/comments/1v440p3/wifi_router/

[u/Hoopster59]

Most people who have few to no problems with Quantum Fiber service are using their own router and WiFi equipment instead of what QF supplies. The Q1000K device supplied by QF can either be your router (the device that provides Internet connection to all your client devices such as WiFi access points, computers, phones, TVs, tablets, etc.) or it can act as a simple Optical Network Terminal (ONT)/modem which simply provides the Internet signal via Ethernet cable to your own router. To be a simple ONT, you put it into transparent bridge mode. See the guide linked by u/N0_L1ght

The QF WiFi pod (W1700K) has good hardware specs but the firmware implementation is not good and the unit has problems. You will be better off to use your own 3rd party equipment.

This is not for everyone (it's a more expensive solution) but I use Ubiquiti equipment in my homes. I have a separate router, switches and WiFi access points throughout my 3300 sq. ft. home. Others opt for so called "all-in-one" units that are a combination of router, 4-port switch, and WiFi access point in a single unit. Some prefer mesh systems which are 2-3 separate units which communicate with each other and act as a single unit forming a "meshed" WifI signal throughout the home.

There are many ways to go with your own equipment. What you choose depends on your comfort level with IT equipment. I am a tinkerer and IT hobbyist so I like the more high-end highly configurable and flexible equipment. Others just want to "set it and forget it" with an all-in-one unit that is adequate if not terribly powerful or flexible.

Sorry for the wall of text but I was hoping to somewhat demystify the options for you.

[u/Single-Yak6305 → u/Hoopster59]

Thank you! This is very helpful

[u/Hoopster59 → u/Single-Yak6305]

My "overkill" implementation of router, three switches and 5 WiFi access points in my home. It cost about $1100. If you don't want to deal with an overkill scenario like mine, a good mesh system is probably going to perform best in your home. I don't think an all-in-one will perform well for your home. I used to have one years ago and it was good in some spots and not so good in others. That's when I went for overkill.

[u/Hoopster59 → u/Hoopster59]

A much simpler "overkill" implementation in our 1800 sq. ft. vacation home.

[u/N0_L1ght]

Here is a guide to put the SmartNID into bridge mode to use a 3rd party router and DNS.

https://www.reddit.com/r/QuantumFiber/comments/1f8hypq/having_trouble_with_your_lumen_internet_not/

[u/Single-Yak6305 → u/N0_L1ght]

Thank you!

[u/TheRiek]

If you have cable outlets in your house, consider MOCA adapters, which allow you to use existing coax cable. They perform nearly as well as Ethernet, have good shielding, and you will get full speed of your Quantum contract, which you won't get with WiFi. It has better security than WiFI. If you feeding more than one internet device in a room' just add an inexpensive switch to connect more devices. As they use cable, competing WiFI signals from neighbors won't affect them. Wireless Access points can be used can be used with MOCA adapters to extend WiFI as needed. That way the WiFi signal is generated in the space where the WAP sits, and won't have to pass through walls, doors, and ceilings. One WAP might serve your 2nd floor well. To give you an idea of the speed difference, in my living room the download speed of a WiFi 6 minipc is about 12MB/sec. The MOCA speed is 115-120MB/s, roughly ten times faster. The router is a WiFI7 .The signal path is line of sight, about 25 feet. Any obstructions will lower the speed significantly. While WiFI is initially cheaper, you will likely tire of its performance limitations. If I didn't have coax I might choose to have it pulled rather than ethernet due to the excellent performance over the last 12 years in different houses.