New router recommendation

[tomsliwowski]

So I have been running a 4th generation Apple Airport Extreme as my primary router for the last 4 years. It's been nice and stable but as I've switched more load to the wireless side it's starting to show its age.

 

I am looking to replace it with something more capable of current and future wireless load.

 

My requirements are :

1) The best 2.4GHz and 5GHz range possible

2) A stable firmware

3) Possibility of installing a 3rd part firmware (Gargolye/OpenWTR, DD-WRT, etc)

 

Attached is a PDF diagram of my current network layout.

 

I am looking at the Linksys WRT1900AC, the Netgear Nighthawk or the Asus AC68U but I am open to any suggestions.

 

Comstar-Network.pdf

[regios287]

I think the routers that u have listed are the top routers available currently.

[qwertywarrior]

do not buy the Linksys WRT1900AC its a waste of money

www.smallnetbuilder.com

 

buy the nighthawk or the Asus AC68U if you have the moeny

[tomsliwowski]

Went ahead and bought the Nighthawk because of a killer deal on it I saw on dealnews:

 

http://dealnews.com/search.html?search=nighthawk

 

Basically after rebates it comes out to be $120, couldn't pass that up.

[regios287]

Is that site real?
 

---edit--

 

if u click shop now, it takes u to newegg for $199

[tomsliwowski]

Is that site real?

 

---edit--

 

if u click shop now, it takes u to newegg for $199

 

Right, the deal is from newegg, dealnews just breaks down the steps needed to get the $80 off.

[gt2416]

I would say just buy a cheap/stable ac router, pair it with a old laptop running pfsense and you got yourself a cheap yet beast of a router.