[GTALUG] Help with choosing a WiFi router

[David Mason]

Sorry, I mis-spoke. I actually am just looking for an AP.

I have a (Debian) gateway machine that is connected to the wireless, the Internet, and the file server via 3 separate wired ethernets. I don’t like the idea of commercial software connected to the Internet.

I was looking at TP-Link Archer C7 AC1750 Dual Band Wireless AC Gigabit Router https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B00BUSDVBQ?ref_=ams_ad_dp_ttl for $80 (I have Prime).

Are there just APs that are better price/performance?

Thanks again

../Dave
On Mar 31, 2019, 8:56 AM -0400, James Knott via talk <talk at gtalug.org>, wrote:
> On 03/30/2019 11:10 PM, D. Hugh Redelmeier via talk wrote:
> > | From: David Mason via talk <talk at gtalug.org>
> >
> > | We’ve had a DLINK DIR-628 for quite a while.
> >
> > There's a new standard since then: 802.11ac. Confusing, because there
> > already were 802.11a and 802.11c.
>
> That's why 802.11ax is called WiFi 6.  They've assigned other numbers,
> such as 5 to 802.11ac.
> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEEE_802.11ax
>
> However, it's getting to the point where the improvements don't benefit
> individual users much.  For example, MIMO improves performance for
> multiple users more than individuals.  The main benefit for individuals
> would be somewhat greater distance, due to beam forming or focusing the
> signal in one direction.
>
> >
> > There's been a race to be able to claim speed in wireless routers.
> > They use multiple antennae to allow multiple devices to be supported
> > at one time (beamforming?).
> >
> > <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IEEE_802.11ac>
> >
> > These advantages depend on the clients supporting 802.11ac.
>
> 802.11ac is becoming common these days.  My Pixel 2 phone, which I
> bought over a year ago supports it.
> 802,11ax supports MIMO in both directions, whereas 802.11ac only on
> transmit.
>
> >
> > Enthusiast routers have gotten more expensive and look more like
> > aggressive alien space ships. Just look at this one:
> >
> > <https://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIADGE5R87033>
>
> They are also capable of much more.  Some support mesh, where multiple
> APs can work together to provide seamless coverage over a large area.
> >
> > I like the idea of OpenWRT but don't actually use it. Even though
> > I have two wireless routers, I only use them as APs -- the routing
> > functions are not used. So my advice about consumer wireless routers
> > is pretty theoretical. For gateways (including the routing function),
> > I use little PCs running CentOS or Fedora.
>
> I prefer separate APs and routers.  Many APs support power over Ethernet
> (PoE), so you don't have to worry about having power near where the AP
> works best.  Mine's at the top of the wall in my laundry room, which
> puts it roughly in the middle of my condo.
>
>
> O'Reilly has some good WiFi books, by Michael Gast.  Recommended reading
> if you really want to learn about WiFi.
>
> ---
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