[Solved] Best Router Options for PLN 300: Archer C7, Wi-Fi, Print Server & Network Drive Support

Hello

Parents need a new router. their budget is about PLN 300.

The sketch shows the layout of the apartment. In addition to the Wi-Fi connections that are marked, there are also phones (at least 3, sometimes 8).

rodzic..PNG (11.53 kB)You must be logged in to download this attachment.

At the moment, it is not possible to move the router.

In addition to computers (3 pcs - 1 for 100% cable, one WiFi, the last of both options), there are two TVs and a printer - it will be connected via the network, so at least one USB port will be needed (preferably two - it is possible that there will be a network drive).

Initially I thought about Archer C7 - will it be a good choice?

1. The maximum amount that I can spend on the purchase: ~ 300 PLN
2. Connection type: Optical fiber to the box in the corridor, twisted pair to the flat (NETICO)
3. What plug is the cable ending with: RJ45
4. Number of computers to be divided: 3
5. QoS: YES
6. Split bandwidth: need not have
7. Additional requirements: Print Server (brother dcp j132w), network drive
8. What will the device be used for: home network, multimedia, netflix, hbo go, WoT online games, WoW
9. How many floors will it possibly have to cover the range *: 1 (skyscraper, reinforced concrete load-bearing walls)
10. The equipment I currently have: DLINK DIR-635

It's very good that you have a D-link. Why are you changing it? Broke down? Is it tare, free? Or maybe you need a better range and connect more devices? If the latter, then maybe buy a better antenna, maybe a repeater, or a second router of the same brand.
I had no coverage at home - thick walls, some crap router - because not mine, but I added a d-link repeater - it never hangs, it works smoothly and steadily. If anything hangs up - it's a router, which is simply Chinese.

The router is already malfunctioning. Every few minutes the WIFi network is lost and they don't have internet, the router needs to be restarted. He served his years, first with me, then with my parents. Apparently his time has come. So it's time for a change.

Seriously ? for almost 100 visits, nobody has any advice?

I will say this. It will be cheaper and faster if you do not use a cable to locate the Internet. However, if you must, I would limit the cables as much as possible.
I am a fan of cables myself, but when it comes to saving money, that's what I would do - unless you already have cables installed, it's a different story.
The second thing, if you need to have cables and change the router, buy something brand-name and the cheapest option, if you have thick walls, will be a d link or tp-link with good antennas. What model doesn't really matter. These companies don't crap. The limitation is money. The more you give, the better you are.
I have access to the internet wirelessly. A tragic Chinese router - over which I have no influence. Notorious restarts when several devices are working. For example, a TP link repeater. It has been working for a year - it never crashed. It has 1 connector for a cable that I did not use and several devices work under wifi.

rijkaard wrote:

almost 100 visits, nobody has any advice?

Buy Asus. But do not expect that you will cover it with one equipment (these are not the times anymore).
TP Avoid links.

Check if you absolutely need a router, because maybe the supplier has already installed one for you, and then it's better for you to buy a switch + a good quality access point.
The easiest way to check is by logging into your current router and reading the IP address on the WAN interface. If it is from a private pool, it makes no sense to install an additional router and create multiple NAT.

First of all, thank you for the answers

barzwiszc93 wrote:

It will be cheaper and faster if you do not use a cable to locate the Internet.

Unfortunately, the devices for the cable would have to be equipped with WiFi cards (stationers) to work without cables. Additional cost.

barzwiszc93 wrote:

The second thing, if you need to have cables and change the router, buy something brand-name and the cheapest option, if you have thick walls, will be a d link or tp-link with good antennas. What model doesn't really matter. These companies don't crap. The limitation is money. The more you give, the better you are.

the available amount is PLN 300. Good antennas - most of the specifications show the strength of 5dBi in the ones I am reviewing, the only difference is the number of antennas.

KOCUREK1970 wrote:

Buy Asus. But do not expect that you will cover it with one equipment (these are not the times anymore).
TP Avoid links.

A colleague above recommends tp-link, and you advise against - and be smart here . And what about Asus will you recommend?

IC_Current wrote:

The easiest way to check is by logging into your current router and reading the IP address on the WAN interface. If it is from a private pool, it makes no sense to install an additional router and create multiple NAT.

The d-link has just replaced the router given by the service provider. Some Chinese parents had. D-link has been working for them for two years, but as I wrote, it's not working, that's why the exchange.

From the last viewed:
Asus RT-AC1200G + router - 4 antennas unfortunately not removable (one more than in e.g. c7) the price is also included
D-Link AC1200 DIR-825 - as above
TP-LINK Archer C1200
TP-LINK Archer C7 (V5)
TP-LINK Archer VR400

what about the five for / against ???

rijkaard wrote:

The colleague above recommends tp-link, and you advise against it - and be wise here. And what about Asus you will recommend?

Even this:

rijkaard wrote:

Asus RT-AC1200G +

Very good reviews, stable with good coverage, frequent software updates, patching security holes, etc.

I have used and are using the FritzBox
it is a typical DSL router with VoIP gateway,
with the ability to change the LAN output to the WAN input
connected to the Arris CM820 modem (Multimedia)

= you must also remember that each equipment has its own
"life time" means that the lamps are still lit there,
the time comes and it needs to be replaced.

Thank you for your help.

Nowadays, who advises against connecting stationary devices with a cable? There is nothing more stable - and flipping all the equipment that does not require it on wifi is a voluntary search for trouble. Cable is the only sure thing in ICT networks. If you plan to lay cables or have them, you connect everything stationary to the cable.

hermes-80 wrote:

Nowadays, who advises against connecting stationary devices with a cable? There is nothing more stable - and flipping all the equipment that does not require it on wifi is a voluntary search for trouble. Cable is the only sure thing in ICT networks. If you plan to lay cables or have them, you connect everything stationary to the cable.

I have no such intention One costs extra, two, worse quality :)

After talking with the parents - the router was purchased - it was Asus RT-AC1200G +.

I'll hook it up for them today

Thank you for your interest in the topic
greetings