Wired router for home

[VideoJohn]

Hi!

I'm starting to move to a new apartment and I need a new network set up. Currently I have there a 1Gbit internet and a cheap TP-Link ac WiFi router. Previously I had ASUS RT-AX88U hoping it will tick all my checkboxes and it kinda did, but it died after 2 months use with WiFi issues and I'm sending it back for refund.

So my budget will be around 300-350 EUR/USD to replace it with different solution, but would love to get below that.

 

My requirements:

* I need 8x1Gbps LAN ports (4 of them can actually be slower) I am Raspberry Pi addict and I need 4 ports for them, 2 for TV and 2 for PC

* I need a reasonable ac WiFi - 3 people can watch Netflix and Floatplane at 1080p. Current one is fine for now and I believe it can work in AP mode, but I have no experience with this and actually I have multiple questions regarding it.

* I need port forwarding, possibility to define static IP for wired and wireless clients.

* Can be bought on Amazon.de or locally in Latvia.

 

My initial plan was to buy another AX or maybe AC WiFi router with 8 LAN ports, but looks like most of them have similar issues. I read too many reports regarding 2.4GHz or 5GHz issues on high end routers after few days to few months, no matter what brand. I will not buy ASUS anymore after what I have gone through to get real support from them directly. Thanks at least to Amazon for listening and helping.

 

My current plan is to split my network device roles - WiFi AP and wired router. I have newer done this before so I have come questions.

* An 8 port (or more) wired router. It is hard to find anything now because now everyone calls wireless router just routers.

* I have some wireless devices that need static IP and port forwarding (3D printer, IP camera and so on). I believe it should be possible to configure them in wired router, when devices are connected to WiFi AP? I'm just asking before throwing out money. I already made a mistake with ASUS.

 

Can anyone confirm that I should be able to assign static IP addresses to WiFi devices in Wired router?

And what wired only router can you recommend? No ASUS please!

 

While writing this post I came across Ubiquiti EdgeRouter 10x. UI demo page looks quite complicated compared to ddwrt or any consumer WiFi router UI.

 

Thanks!

 

[Donut417]

1 hour ago, VideoJohn said:

Can anyone confirm that I should be able to assign static IP addresses to WiFi devices in Wired router?

IP assignment is handled by the DHCP server. You can statically assing on any devcie generally. If the device has an interface. Just make sure you choose addresses outside the range of the DHCP server. In some cases you can reserve addresses in your DHCP server for certian devices as well. 

 

1 hour ago, VideoJohn said:

I need 8x1Gbps LAN ports (4 of them can actually be slower) I am Raspberry Pi addict and I need 4 ports for them, 2 for TV and 2 for PC

Good luck with that. The standard is 4 ports. Very few routers will have this feature. You might want to look in to a swtich as well. 

[VideoJohn]

4 hours ago, Donut417 said:

IP assignment is handled by the DHCP server. You can statically assing on any devcie generally. If the device has an interface. Just make sure you choose addresses outside the range of the DHCP server. In some cases you can reserve addresses in your DHCP server for certian devices as well. 

 

Good luck with that. The standard is 4 ports. Very few routers will have this feature. You might want to look in to a swtich as well. 

Thank you for reply! You confirmed what I thought about DHCP server.

 

Regarding router I already mentioned one router Ubiquiti EdgeRouter 10x.

I think I like it. And for USD 100 it is quite nice. 

[Donut417]

6 hours ago, VideoJohn said:

Thank you for reply! You confirmed what I thought about DHCP server.

 

Regarding router I already mentioned one router Ubiquiti EdgeRouter 10x.

I think I like it. And for USD 100 it is quite nice. 

Keep in mind, that some things with Ubiquiti cant be done within the web interface. I think you have to SSH in to the device and do something on the command line. They are considered great routers, but the better they are, generally the more complicated they will be the setup. 

[VideoJohn]

1 hour ago, Donut417 said:

Keep in mind, that some things with Ubiquiti cant be done within the web interface. I think you have to SSH in to the device and do something on the command line. They are considered great routers, but the better they are, generally the more complicated they will be the setup. 

Hi!

Thank you for help! This made me reconsider my last plan and this idea actually is more complicated than actually required. I made decision to simplify architecture completely by removing Wired router completely.

I will use Wireless router as main router, maybe install ddwrt if available for my model, will see. And use two simple network switches.

Two ports will be used to get a cable to each required room, and connect a network switch on each of them. Each will serve a TV, PC and potential Raspberry pi projects in future. Two finished raspberry pi  projects will be connected directry to rest of two wireless router ports. That will also eliminate future cable mess, that was another reason when I started to plan it in real life.

Thank you a lot, needed another smart person to question my ideas.

[PooIs]

TP Link makes some solid products. Try looking at their higher end Archer series routers they have AC (WIFI 5). Pair that with a switch if necessary and you should have a decent setup. If at all possible, put your access point/WiFi router as high as possible and as close to the middle of the house as possible. This will give you the best coverage and range.

[Donut417]

13 hours ago, VideoJohn said:

maybe install ddwrt

Its not for the faint of heart. DDWRT is a bitch and a half to configure. I have expirence in using it. Also, it might make the hardware of your router run harder. In my case I had to use a laptop cooler to cool my router at the time. Or else I could fry an egg on it. 

 

If you still choose the DDWRT route. For the love of god read the Peacock thread over at the DDWRT forums. Its basicallly the how to install. Read it a good 3 or 4 times. Follow it to the letter. Trust me. If you do that than installation should at least go smooth. 

[VideoJohn]

11 hours ago, Donut417 said:

Its not for the faint of heart. DDWRT is a bitch and a half to configure. I have expirence in using it. Also, it might make the hardware of your router run harder. In my case I had to use a laptop cooler to cool my router at the time. Or else I could fry an egg on it. 

 

If you still choose the DDWRT route. For the love of god read the Peacock thread over at the DDWRT forums. Its basicallly the how to install. Read it a good 3 or 4 times. Follow it to the letter. Trust me. If you do that than installation should at least go smooth. 

Thanks, will keep this in mind.