Noob networking question

[WhatsTheWifiPassword]

Quick and noobish question:

 

I have a modem/router which only has the old band wifi (no ac) 

If i were to get a dual band router, would I be able to use dual-band (AC) ? 

 

[Electronics Wizardy]

yep

[Tabs]

5 minutes ago, WhatsTheWifiPassword said:

Quick and noobish question:

 

I have a modem/router which only has the old band wifi (no ac) 

If i were to get a dual band router, would I be able to use dual-band (AC) ? 

 

Dual band means it operates on both the 2.4ghz and the 5ghz bands; it doesn't necessarily mean that it supports AC.

 

You can get dual-band routers that support only n speeds, which are still decent, but not amazing especially if you're used to gigabit access to network content.

[WhatsTheWifiPassword]

 

1 minute ago, Electronics Wizardy said:

yep

great thanks 

[kirashi]

6 minutes ago, WhatsTheWifiPassword said:

Quick and noobish question:

I have a modem/router which only has the old band wifi (no ac) 

If i were to get a dual band router, would I be able to use dual-band (AC) ? 

1 minute ago, Tabs said:

Dual band means it operates on both the 2.4ghz and the 5ghz bands; it doesn't necessarily mean that it supports AC.

You can get dual-band routers that support only n speeds, which are still decent, but not amazing especially if you're used to gigabit access to network content.

Exactly this. ^^^ A dual band wireless access point may only be Wireless G and N still if cheap enough. You'll want to ensure you're spending enough money to get a decent router or wireless AP that supports Wireless AC.

[WhatsTheWifiPassword]

2 minutes ago, kirashi said:

Exactly this. ^^^ A dual band wireless access point may only be Wireless G and N still if cheap enough. You'll want to ensure you're spending enough money to get a decent router or wireless AP that supports Wireless AC.

looking at the ASUS RT-AC1200G AC1200 Dual-Band Wi-Fi Router with four 5dBi antennas and Parental Controls on newegg 

 

modem at the moment : arris sbg 6400

[Tabs]

3 minutes ago, WhatsTheWifiPassword said:

looking at the ASUS RT-AC1200G AC1200 Dual-Band Wi-Fi Router with four 5dBi antennas and Parental Controls on newegg 

 

modem at the moment : arris sbg 6400

Yep, that is both dual band and supports AC. It should be a large upgrade over your current configuration, however:

 

You'll need to keep using your current router as a modem, since the Asus router can't directly act as one. If your current router doesn't have a modem mode, it might take a bit of configuring to properly configure it on your network.

 

If you only need AC access, you might be better served with an AC access point instead of a full router, as it will cost less and be easier to set up.

[Tabs]

@WhatsTheWifiPassword

 

I just found a support document you will need - it discusses changing the modem into Bridge mode which is the same as Modem mode (different nomenclature, same purpose).

 

https://arris.secure.force.com/consumers/articles/General_FAQs/SBG6400-v1-3-x-Bridge-Mode-Setup/?l=en_US&fs=RelatedArticle

 

The first point is important - NOTE 1: If the device is leased the option may not be available to enable Bridge Mode.

 

You will want to check this before purchasing the Asus router, since without this function on your current device you'll have a much harder time configuring your network, and some applications may fail to work at all - it will be a configuration known as a "Double NAT" and it very rarely works properly.

[WhatsTheWifiPassword]

1 minute ago, Tabs said:

@WhatsTheWifiPassword

 

I just found a support document you will need - it discusses changing the modem into Bridge mode which is the same as Modem mode (different nomenclature, same purpose).

 

https://arris.secure.force.com/consumers/articles/General_FAQs/SBG6400-v1-3-x-Bridge-Mode-Setup/?l=en_US&fs=RelatedArticle

 

The first point is important - NOTE 1: If the device is leased the option may not be available to enable Bridge Mode.

 

You will want to check this before purchasing the Asus router, since without this function on your current device you'll have a much harder time configuring your network, and some applications may fail to work at all - it will be a configuration known as a "Double NAT" and it very rarely works properly.

1 whats the major difference between an access point and a router 

and 

2, so does that mean when it is bridged, the modem/router acts as a modem and whatever is connected to it via ethernet is the router? 

[Tabs]

3 minutes ago, WhatsTheWifiPassword said:

1 whats the major difference between an access point and a router 

and 

2, so does that mean when it is bridged, the modem/router acts as a modem and whatever is connected to it via ethernet is the router? 

1. An access point only has the ability to connect devices wirelessly - it still requires a router on the network to handle things like DHCP (handing out addresses to clients), routing of traffic and firewalling.

 

2. In this case, that is correct yes. Only one Ethernet port will work in Bridge mode, so you'll connect the Asus' WAN port to that one on your current router. At that point, your Asus router will do all the functions your current router does, and your current router will turn into a modem only, linking your Asus router to the internet via your cable connection.