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Best Router for 70m² Apartment, PLN 500 Budget, UPC 250Mbps: Gigabit Ports, Dual-Band, AC Support

uyodnik 3273 17
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Jaki router do mieszkania 70 m² z UPC 250 Mb/s wybrać w budżecie około 500 zł, jeśli potrzebne są porty gigabitowe, dual-band i obsługa AC, a zasięg Wi‑Fi w bloku z żelbetem jest słaby?

W tym budżecie sensownym wyborem jest Asus RT-AC66U: ma porty LAN/WAN 1 Gb/s, pracuje jednocześnie w dwóch pasmach Wi‑Fi i obsługuje standard AC; RT-N66U odpada, bo nie ma AC [#16663054][#16666352] Jeśli chcesz korzystać z własnego Wi‑Fi, najlepiej ustawić Ubee/Compal UPC w tryb modemu i zbudować sieć na własnym routerze, bo oba urządzenia nie mają zewnętrznych anten i jakość zasięgu bywa różna [#16664822] Warto też pamiętać, że w bloku z żelbetem 2,4 GHz jest zwykle zapchane, a 5 GHz ma znacznie gorszą przenikalność przez przeszkody, więc cudów z samym zasięgiem nie będzie [#16663222] Compal bywa polecany jako zamiennik UPC, ale z wątku wynika, że do 500 Mb/s UPC i tak może wymagać wymiany Ubee na Compal, a przy 250 Mb/s Ubee jeszcze „da radę” po kablu [#16663574][#16663579]
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  • #1 16661553
    uyodnik
    Level 7  
    Posts: 6
    Good morning, I would like to buy a router for about PLN 500 (you know what cheaper is the better :D ) with strong wifi. The apartment is 70 meters high, but in a block of large slabs, where there is a mass of iron in the walls and the UPC router cannot cope. The internet I have is 250 mbps with upc and the new router would be wired to this ubee mess with upc.
    The router should have:
    -gigabit ports
    -dualband
    - AC standard support
    -significant range, i.e. rather external antennas
    - efficient processor and the right amount of RAM, unfortunately, from what I noticed, most manufacturers do not provide this information and then we have routers that offer a lot of services, but in the end they hang up, work unstable because they have too weak these components, for example, like the one with upc where it hangs after firing advanced options from the firewall.
    -should ensure security, i.e. updated software, etc.
    - good if it provided high LAN-WAN performance, now even netia in the block offers 900mbps, so if I changed to something faster, it would not be a problem, and the router should serve years :)
    - usb stuff, no print servers needed


    For me to forget quite important information, 2 PCs will be connected by wire, about 5 for wifi (2 of which are 2.4 GHz, although even if there was a well-functioning 5 GHz network and 2.4 turned off, it would not be a big problem, currently a router with upc it works only at 5 GHz, and laptops have a net shared by old smartphones that support the standard, and it's not behind the glass, but definitely better than 2.4Ghz, because the block is cluttered, there are only 2 networks on 5 GHz)


    I am wondering about the Asus RT-N66U, what do you think about it?

    PS: I also have a question, how is it with VLAN in such routers, is it possible to configure it?
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  • #2 16661863
    aslpg
    Level 12  
    Posts: 25
    Help: 1
    Rate: 8
    Get the latest Compal router with UPC and forget about problems!
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  • #3 16663054
    KOCUREK1970
    Network and Internet specialist  
    Posts: 35131
    Help: 3786
    Rate: 5326
    uyodnik wrote:
    ubee with upc.

    aslpg wrote:
    Get the latest Compal router with UPC and forget about problems!

    How does Compal differ from this Ubee in operation, coverage?
    uyodnik wrote:
    Asus RT-N66U, what do you think about it

    uyodnik wrote:
    AC standard support

    Unfortunately, this one does not.
    The Asus RT-AC66U has it - it has everything you need.
  • #4 16663124
    aslpg
    Level 12  
    Posts: 25
    Help: 1
    Rate: 8
    KOCUREK1970 wrote:
    uyodnik wrote:
    ubee with upc.

    aslpg wrote:
    Get the latest Compal router with UPC and forget about problems!

    How does Compal differ from this Ubee in operation, coverage?
    uyodnik wrote:
    Asus RT-N66U, what do you think about it

    uyodnik wrote:
    AC standard support

    Unfortunately, this one does not.
    The Asus RT-AC66U has it - it has everything you need.


    I advise you to read the UPC COMPAL CH7465LG specification and to use the AC benefits you must also have this standard on the receiver side.
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  • #5 16663222
    KOCUREK1970
    Network and Internet specialist  
    Posts: 35131
    Help: 3786
    Rate: 5326
    aslpg wrote:
    I advise you to read the UPC COMPAL CH7465LG specification

    What kind of magical power does Compal have, what wouldn't Ubee have?
    I got acquainted with the specifications of both - and what is the conclusion (getting to know the specifications of these devices) for an ordinary consumer?
    aslpg wrote:
    to use the AC benefit, you must also have this standard on the receiver side.

    Achieving even 200 Mb in block buildings is already a challenge: 2.4 GHz is collapsed and 5 GHz has much lower permeability through obstacles, so often "no madness".
    This is wifi - nobody with it / in it guarantees anything (and it is even often indicated in the regulations and contracts for the service).
  • #6 16663386
    uyodnik
    Level 7  
    Posts: 6
    I will try to replace the router from upc with compala and so and so in December, then I will also give up completely the stationary one and try something cheaper, and if not, for example, vectra has a nice offer, 150 mbps net, tv and much cheaper than upc. But as for the compala, I don't know if another router that does not have external antennas can do it in my block:
    As for AC support, all smartphones and TV support them, so there should be no major problems with that.
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  • #7 16663574
    KOCUREK1970
    Network and Internet specialist  
    Posts: 35131
    Help: 3786
    Rate: 5326
    uyodnik wrote:
    I will try to replace the router with upc with compala and so in December,

    There is no such need - Ubee can easily handle up to 400 Mb.
    Unless you intend to use the 500 Mb option (yes, yes, this speed will be available from 28/08/2017, although not everywhere at once, but UPC introduces 500 Mb), then you have to change Ubee to Compal.
    uyodnik wrote:
    much cheaper than upc

    UPC has retention options AFTER the notice is given ;) .
  • #8 16663579
    aslpg
    Level 12  
    Posts: 25
    Help: 1
    Rate: 8
    Compal for me (through two reinforced concrete walls) gives 140 to 170 Mb / s in the net test at a distance of about 10 m. I have UPC 250 and tested with iPhone 6 at 5 GHz.
  • #9 16663947
    uyodnik
    Level 7  
    Posts: 6
    This ubee works only at 5 GHz, even the dualband is not there, as I turned off a few options there, it works somehow, but I just heard that this compal is definitely better. If for me compal would work the same as I write aslpg, I would probably not even need an additional router too much, currently ubee just behind 2 walls in the room at a distance of about 10 meters has a problem to squeeze 20 mbps (and how is 1 wifi device in in that place, more will turn on, the internet practically stops, even on the lowest quality yt buffers indefinitely)

    And 500 mbps, if they give a decent upload with 50 mbps, it would really be an interesting offer, if it will be available with me and the price will not scare me away. I want to give up fon and take a smaller tv package + I looked at the price lists from upc where people posted on some forum, I have one of the most expensive offers :( Somehow, it may be possible to speed up the net without paying extra :D TV is hardly watched anyway, and I don't even have a stationary one :P
  • #10 16664822
    KOCUREK1970
    Network and Internet specialist  
    Posts: 35131
    Help: 3786
    Rate: 5326
    uyodnik wrote:
    ubee works only at 5 GHz, so there is even no dual band

    It does - only that both networks do not work simultaneously (either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz).
    uyodnik wrote:
    I've just heard that this compal is definitely better. If for me compal would work the same as I write aslpg, I would probably not even need an additional router too much

    Do not be influenced by what is with someone.
    Compal works great for some, epilepsy for others.
    Both devices (Ubee and Compal) do not have external antennas.
    Compal has problems with the PUMA6 chipset (you can find info on the net).
    If you already have Compal or Ubee, then in modem mode and own router and build a wifi network at home on your own equipment.
    uyodnik wrote:
    I want to give up fon and take a smaller tv package + I looked at the price lists from upc where people posted on some forum, I have one of the most expensive offers

    Offers with 3 services are CHEAPER in maintenance offers than the same without Fona.
  • #11 16666019
    uyodnik
    Level 7  
    Posts: 6
    @ KOCUREK1970 and dualband is not that both bands can work simultaneously?
    From what I saw on another forum and compared with the price list, for example, taking select TV +250 mbps is about PLN 10 cheaper than the same with an additional phone, but still consultants with upc like to press the phone and offer the most expensive as possible :(
    And to try with compal, it probably won't hurt, if I take the router without a technician (in the sense that he will mount himself and log in to this page with upc there), even if it will work worse than ubee, I will give back the compala, leave ubee and that's it, somehow deal with them He'll probably get along, a lot of people praise this compal on the Internet, and 2.4 and 5Ghz can walk simultaneously.
    Preferably, you would not take any equipment from upc, invest in a good router, but unfortunately this box must be from them :(

    And now I can not test the compal because if they change it for me, the contract for another 24 bellows will be extended, and since in December it is definitely better to wait, or they will offer something better or I will go to vecrtra, where the package is just right for PLN 70 for me. It is a pity that vectra does not currently have an offer for more than 150 mbps: /

    Coming back to the main thread -> Asus RT-AC66U will be the best choice for around PLN 500?
    Because cisco or microtik is not the price range?
  • #12 16666352
    KOCUREK1970
    Network and Internet specialist  
    Posts: 35131
    Help: 3786
    Rate: 5326
    uyodnik wrote:
    and dualband is not that both bands can work simultaneously?

    Dualband allows you to work in two ranges (not necessarily simultaneously).
    uyodnik wrote:
    upc consultants like to hit the phone and offer as expensive as possible

    In September you write your letter of termination and I guarantee that you will find a very good offer.
    uyodnik wrote:
    Asus RT-AC66U will be the best choice for around PLN 500?

    It has 1 Gb LAN / WAN ports, works in two wifi ranges at the same time and is nice.
    uyodnik wrote:
    Because cisco or microtik is not the price range?

    Cisco with wifi AC, LAN / WAN 1 Gb - it's already closer to PLN 700 ...
    And Mokrotik - here you must have the knowledge to set anything in it.
  • #13 16666876
    aslpg
    Level 12  
    Posts: 25
    Help: 1
    Rate: 8
    KOCUREK1970 wrote:

    uyodnik wrote:
    Asus RT-AC66U will be the best choice for around PLN 500?

    It has 1 Gb LAN / WAN ports, works in two wifi ranges at the same time and is nice.


    Compal has the same and is also nice (tastes are not discussed).
  • #14 16666914
    uyodnik
    Level 7  
    Posts: 6
    What does it look like to talk about?
    TP-LINK Archer C2600, how do you think this router is related to this asus ac66u? From what I have seen, it has a better 512 MB RAM processor, I do not know how much the router should currently have to work fairly well when no print server or ftp services are used, but I think the processor and RAM have a little more to say than look :P

    It's hard to choose a router when someone is average on the subject, manufacturers can only brag about crap, probably the only option is to buy, test and give back, but which store will allow it and how long it will all take ... :(
  • #15 16666915
    KOCUREK1970
    Network and Internet specialist  
    Posts: 35131
    Help: 3786
    Rate: 5326
    aslpg wrote:
    Compal has the same and is nice too

    Compal nice :D
    Neither put it, nor screw it anywhere, just such a standing white pile :D
    Or maybe it still has external antennas like this Asus? :D
    Of course, about the fact that on Compalu (as well as on Ubee in modemorouter mode) you have a public IP on the modemorouter and not on the client's end device, I don't have to say?
    uyodnik wrote:
    TP-LINK Archer C2600 how do you think this router relates to this asus ac66u

    Read reviews about these devices on Morele.net
    I would take Asus blind.
  • #16 16666934
    aslpg
    Level 12  
    Posts: 25
    Help: 1
    Rate: 8
    KOCUREK1970 wrote:

    uyodnik wrote:
    Asus RT-AC66U will be the best choice for around PLN 500?

    It has 1 Gb LAN / WAN ports, works in two wifi ranges at the same time and is nice.


    Compal has the same and is also nice (tastes are not discussed).
  • #17 16666968
    KOCUREK1970
    Network and Internet specialist  
    Posts: 35131
    Help: 3786
    Rate: 5326
    uyodnik wrote:
    No, I guess that's what you know, but it doesn't really matter to me,

    What do you expect in a $ 30 operator hardware?
    It has to work and it does - no one else is interested in it (they mentally still in 2000, they think that their equipment is enough for WP, and they are right, enough for that ... ;) ).
    uyodnik wrote:
    Some time ago, on the 120mbps net, I already tested 2 routers up to about PLN 300,

    The problem here is ALWAYS practically only wifi - but the laws of physics have not changed yet.
    uyodnik wrote:
    probably the only option is to buy, test and give back, but what store will allow it and how long it will all take ...

    But don't expect a golden answer (because that's just impossible).
    Just buy and test.
    Current equipment cannot have radio power greater than 100mW, and wifi networks are growing everywhere.
    There are devices that you can send even in crowded ether and 500 Mb - only that it costs several thousand zlotys.
    The location of the equipment, the shape of the apartment, the number of walls and what is in them, the thickness of the walls, microwave ovens, radio Internet antennas - all this and more have a significant impact on radio waves.
  • #18 16667483
    uyodnik
    Level 7  
    Posts: 6
    I read opinions all the time on various forums or stores and it's hard to decide for some people everything flies beautifully, and for others routers for PLN 700 do not give advice: X

    So now I am wondering whether or not to increase the budget and how to add it to RT-AC68U, instead of 1 600 MHz core we get 2 800 MHz cores, usb 3.0 (I will not use it anyway)
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Topic summary

✨ The discussion revolves around finding a suitable router for a 70m² apartment with a budget of PLN 500, specifically for a UPC 250Mbps internet connection. Users recommend the Compal router as a potential upgrade from the Ubee model, citing its better performance through reinforced concrete walls. The Asus RT-AC66U and TP-LINK Archer C2600 are also mentioned as viable options, with emphasis on features like gigabit ports, dual-band support, and AC standard compatibility. Concerns about the performance of both Compal and Ubee routers in dense environments are highlighted, along with the importance of having external antennas and robust hardware specifications. Users suggest testing different routers to find the best fit, as experiences vary widely.
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FAQ

TL;DR: In a 70 m² slab-block flat, users reported 140–170 Mb/s over 5 GHz at ~10 m; “Compal … gives 140 to 170 Mb/s … at about 10 m.” [Elektroda, aslpg, post #16663579] Why it matters: This FAQ helps UPC 250 Mb/s customers pick and set up a dual‑band AC router under PLN 500 for reliable coverage in reinforced‑concrete apartments.

Quick Facts

What’s the best sub‑PLN‑500 AC router for a 70 m² apartment on UPC 250 Mb/s?

Forum consensus points to Asus RT‑AC66U: gigabit WAN/LAN, simultaneous dual‑band, and AC support. It meets the stated needs and offers a stable feature set for apartments of this size. If you later upgrade speed, its gigabit ports are ready. One poster summed it up: it “has everything you need.” [Elektroda, KOCUREK1970, post #16663054]

Is the Asus RT‑N66U enough for AC and dual‑band needs?

No. RT‑N66U lacks 802.11ac, which you requested. Consider the RT‑AC66U instead, which adds AC and checks your gigabit and dual‑band boxes for UPC 250 Mb/s service and beyond. [Elektroda, KOCUREK1970, post #16663054]

Compal vs Ubee from UPC: which gives better Wi‑Fi and stability?

Results vary by apartment. Some users see strong 5 GHz speeds on Compal, while others report issues linked to the Puma 6 platform. Both models use internal antennas. A reliable path is to set the UPC unit to modem (bridge) mode and run your own AC router for Wi‑Fi. [Elektroda, KOCUREK1970, post #16664822]

What real speed can I expect through two reinforced‑concrete walls on 5 GHz?

One user measured about 140–170 Mb/s at 10 meters through two reinforced‑concrete walls using Compal on UPC 250. This aligns with typical 5 GHz behavior in dense blocks. “Compal … gives 140 to 170 Mb/s … at about 10 m.” [Elektroda, aslpg, post #16663579]

Why do I only get ~20 Mb/s behind two walls even on 5 GHz?

Apartment layouts, wall rebar, and multiple active devices can crush throughput. A user saw ~20 Mb/s at 10 meters, and adding more Wi‑Fi devices stalled traffic. Try relocating the router, using 5 GHz channels, or adding your own router in bridge setup. [Elektroda, uyodnik, post #16663947]

Does Ubee support dual‑band simultaneously?

Ubee supports 2.4 or 5 GHz, but not both at the same time on the referenced model. That limits flexibility in mixed‑device homes. If you need simultaneous dual‑band, use Compal or your own AC router that explicitly supports concurrent radios. [Elektroda, KOCUREK1970, post #16664822]

What does “dual‑band” actually mean?

Dual‑band means the router can operate on 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. It doesn’t always mean both bands run at once. As one expert put it, “Dualband allows you to work in two ranges (not necessarily simultaneously).” [Elektroda, KOCUREK1970, post #16666352]

How do I use a better personal router with UPC equipment?

Three steps: 1) Put the UPC Ubee/Compal into modem (bridge) mode. 2) Connect your router’s WAN to the UPC device. 3) Configure your router’s Wi‑Fi and LAN. This avoids operator Wi‑Fi limits and lets your router handle routing and security. [Elektroda, KOCUREK1970, post #16664822]

Will Ubee handle 500 Mb/s if I upgrade, or do I need Compal?

Reportedly, Ubee copes up to about 400 Mb/s. For UPC’s 500 Mb/s option, you should switch to Compal. That aligns with operator rollouts starting 2017‑08‑28, as mentioned by users tracking upgrades. [Elektroda, KOCUREK1970, post #16663574]

Why does my PC not get a public IP when using the operator router?

In router mode, the public IP terminates on the UPC modem‑router. Your devices sit behind NAT and get private addresses. Switch the UPC unit to bridge mode if you want the public IP on your own router’s WAN interface. [Elektroda, KOCUREK1970, post #16666915]

TP‑Link Archer C2600 or Asus RT‑AC66U for this use case?

Specs differ, but one experienced user would “take Asus blind.” If you like Archer C2600’s RAM/CPU on paper, test both in your flat and return the weaker performer within store policy. Real‑world walls and layout decide the winner. [Elektroda, KOCUREK1970, post #16666915]

Is spending more on Asus RT‑AC68U worth it here?

The upgrade adds features like USB 3.0 and a stronger CPU. If you won’t use USB storage or heavier services, RT‑AC66U already fits the 250 Mb/s target and budget. Consider AC68U only if you need extra headroom. [Elektroda, uyodnik, post #16667483]

Do external antennas guarantee better range than Compal/Ubee?

External antennas help aim signal, but power limits and walls dominate. Consumer Wi‑Fi is capped at about 100 mW, and crowded airspace reduces throughput. Placement often beats pure antenna count in slab buildings. [Elektroda, KOCUREK1970, post #16666968]

Any known edge cases or failure risks with operator gear?

Yes. Compal devices based on Puma 6 have reported issues for some users. Others see excellent performance. If you hit latency or stability problems, bridge it and use your own router for routing and Wi‑Fi duties. [Elektroda, KOCUREK1970, post #16664822]

Do my phones and TV need 802.11ac to see AC‑level speeds?

Yes. To enjoy AC benefits, clients must support 802.11ac. Otherwise, they connect using 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz legacy modes and reduce throughput. Ensure your key devices list 802.11ac in their specs before upgrading. [Elektroda, aslpg, post #16663124]

How can I negotiate a better UPC deal when upgrading hardware?

Submit a termination notice before contract end. Users report strong retention offers after notice. Time it near renewal, and discuss equipment swaps during that call for bundled savings. [Elektroda, KOCUREK1970, post #16663574]
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