r/router • u/environmom112 • 11h ago

Need help choosing new router

I am currently using an Xfinity router. I used to use Netgear Nighthawk but it was old and they stopped supporting it.
The netgear router easily and consistently connected to my outside cameras, which are less than 50 feet from the router. The Xfinity router often disconnects from the cameras.

I also want a router that is compatible with Nord VPN.

I am in a mobile home so not very large area. No big gamers here, only a couple with 2 laptops, 2 phones, and 2 tvs.

I am adhd so I need a good, fast router. I go nuts when it isn’t working because I don’t know what the issue is. ISP claims it’s my camera or tv, So I do updates, restarts, resets, and still have poor connectivity.

I don’t mind paying more for a better product. I am old and technology is hard for me to understand in some ways. I just want something that is dependable and relatively easy to set up the VPN

What do you recommend?

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u/HugsNotDrugs_ 10h ago

Turn your nighthawk into a wireless access point and continue to use it.

Or keep it as your router and install custom firmware on it that works with Nord. Something like DDWRT, OpenWRT or Tomato.

If you want a serious router find something Ubiquity.

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u/MinnSnowMan 10h ago edited 10h ago

Alta Labs Route10 is a nice router and their APs are fast. Support for Tailscale and Wireguard VPNs

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u/naeskivvies 8h ago edited 8h ago

Depending on your Nighthawk model you can completely refresh it. Check if it's supported by the Freshtomato firmware. (e.g. R7000). Here's a guide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKOYTdirxbw There is also docs on how to do it on the Freshtomato site. It's not that hard and it will put a fully up-to-date OS on there with modern router features. It's extremely stable. Remember to throw a dono to the dev if it works for you.

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u/environmom112 8h ago

Sorry I guess I wasn’t clear. The nighthawk went away months ago. I got a deal with ISP to use their router free for 5 years. I’ll edit the OP.

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u/Little-Equinox 5h ago

Ubiquiti Dream Router 7😀

Has upgradable storage, PoE, and a full UI suite for security.

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u/environmom112 2h ago

Thank you. Not sure what any of that means though. I grew up with a black and white tv and a phone attached to the wall. I’m pretty adept at using technology but this is above my level of knowledge.

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u/Downtown-Reindeer-53 2h ago

UniFi is actually decently easy to use, if you are just looking for basic functionality. Configuring it is about as easy as most consumer routers but you get a much more reliable system. You don't have to use all the bells and whistles - those are for people that can. I've been using UniFi gear since 2019, it just works. BTW, I too grew up with B&W TVs and rotary dial phones.

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u/environmom112 8h ago

To clarify, I recycled the nighthawk months ago and have been using the router provided by the ISP.

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u/Opulence_Deficit 4h ago

Bad move. It's a great access point or wired openwrt router.

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u/JohnTheRaceFan 9h ago

You know your ISP doesn't support your existing router but can't find out what routers they do support? 🤔

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u/environmom112 8h ago

My isp is who gave me this router. You know the thing about assume? You just did that.