Reddit mentions of NETGEAR Nighthawk X4S Smart WiFi Router (R7800) - AC2600 Wireless Speed (up to 2600 Mbps) | Up to 2500 sq ft Coverage & 45 Devices | 4 x 1G Ethernet, 2 x 3.0 USB, and 1 x eSATA ports

This is an AC2600 router, and is the update to the previous Nighthawk X4 model. Comes with a dual-core 1.7 GHz processor and supports MU-MIMO.

So far the reviews are good (currently ranked #1 in its category on SmallNetBuilder) and range as well as connectivity has been much improved over its predecessor. Overall, a pretty solid router and a great option for people looking to upgrade.

Be warned though: the router doesn't currently support custom firmware like Tomato or Merlin, and the version of DD-WRT it runs now is said to be unstable. If that doesn't matter to you, I think this is a great router.

EDIT: Sorry to everyone who missed out but the deal appears to be "dead" for now -- Newegg raised the base price to $235, making the final price $205. Newegg does change its prices pretty frequently based on stock or demand, so check back later if they drop the price again. The code EMCENFK32 should be good until September 22, 11:59 PM.

If not, the router is currently available for $200 via Amazon and Best Buy. $200 is still a very good price, see price history here.

R7800 is $200 on Amazon US.

Look I have nothing against Ubiquiti products. But most of the time, for most users, consumer products like Netgear R7800 are more suitable than Ubiquiti APs.

to be honest, none of those are really good for what you need, you need a better wifi.

a home network router is usually three devices in one,

• a router (small computer in the class of a raspberry pi),
  
• a switch (to get you more ethernet ports)
  
• a wifi accesspoint
  
  In some cases manufacturers will even add a modem.
  
  What you need is an accesspoint, ... (or a home router that can be configured as an accesspoint). It allows wireless clients (stations) to connect to the wired lan.
  
  It doesn't do any routing/nat/firewalling/... all it does is broadcast an SSID, allows devices to connect, and whenever it receives a packet over wireless, forwards it to the wired lan, .. whenever it receives a packet from wired lan, forwards it to the wireless client. That's it.
  
  ---
  
  What you could also probably do, is have a cascading setup, where you never connect directly to the Huawei, but have something like this:
  
  [huawei 192.168.1.1]----[192.168.1.2 new wifi router 192.168.2.0/24]---))) all other wired and wireless devices
  
  On your router, before connecting it to anything, you'd reconfigure the lan ip range to something non-conflicting with huawei, like 192.168.2.0/24 .. and you'd configure the wan ip to a static ip. Then on the huawei, you'd setup a DMZ, which in homerouters is used to mean, "forward all ports" to 192.168.1.2 (your router). Then you'd connect the two.
  
  This setup would also make sense considering the way things are now, your ISP practically has control over your firewall.
  
  ---
  
  list of hardware that's generally liked around here and considered worthy spend of money:
  
  
• https://mikrotik.com/product/cap_ac (coming out in march)
  
• https://mikrotik.com/product/hap_ac2 (coming out in march)
  
• https://mikrotik.com/product/RBwAPG-5HacT2HnD (replace with cap ac in march)
  
• https://mikrotik.com/product/RB962UiGS-5HacT2HnT (replace with hap ac2 in march)
  
• https://mikrotik.com/product/RB750Gr3 (use hap ac2 in march)
  
• https://www.ubnt.com/unifi/unifi-ap-ac-lite/ (just an ap, needs a unifi controller software)
  
• https://www.ubnt.com/unifi/unifi-ap-ac-pro/ (bigger antennas than lite - slightly more sensitivity)
  
• https://www.ubnt.com/unifi-routing/usg/ (just a wired router works with unifi controller)
  
• https://www.ubnt.com/edgemax/edgerouter-x/ (poor mans version of RB750Gr3)
  
• https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-Archer-AC1750-Smart-Router/dp/B00BUSDVBQ (cheap wifi router, slow cpu, older versions well supported by opensource, newer versions have similar hardware so could be supported one day)
  
• https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-Nighthawk-X4S-R7800-100NAS-Compatible/dp/B0192911RA (really good router, good opensource support)
  
• https://www.amazon.com/Linksys-Dual-Band-Wireless-Anywhere-WRT1900AC/dp/B00KEK4Q5Q (good router, really good opensource support)
  
• https://www.amazon.com/Linksys-Dual-Band-Wireless-Tri-Stream-WRT3200ACM/dp/B01JOXW3YE (good router, really good opensource support)
  
  Opensource support is relevant for security and longevity of the device, .. mikrotik and ubiquiti products generally are supported for at least 5 years, and are fairly popular.
  
  ---
  
  > In regards to my EEE PC, I've heard rumours that you can re-use a computer as a router, so would it be worth using it as a WiFi AP instead
  
  yes this is assuming the specs / performance are better than a modern router, in your case the 901 doesn't have a good wifi, and has only one 100mbps wired port, it's also has a 10 year old early atom as a cpu.
  
  folks using computers as routers are either buying ryzen these days, or buying 5 year old refurbished core i5 thin clients and stuffing more gigabit nics .. generally accesspoints are the way to go for wifi, usually the pc doesn't deal with wifi in those setups.

Get this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0192911RA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_3FyRAbDTMRQ6M?th=1&psc=1
There is no need for an extender, try to avoid it at all costs. This router also has exceptional range. If you do need it in the end, you can buy the same extender that was offered, but I said buy it without it and see if you need it.

I use this as my primary WAP: https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-Nighthawk-X4S-MU-MIMO-R7800-100NAS/dp/B0192911RA/ref=sr_1_8?s=pc&ie=UTF8&qid=1467814135&sr=1-8&refinements=p_89%3ANetgear

\^
This is important


If internet only, then the following are solid choices

• Asus RT-ac88u, RT-AC3100 ($221), RT-AC3200 ($180)
  
• Synology RT2600ac ($200)
  
• Netgear Nighthawk X4s (R7800) - ($168)
  
  If you have TV service, then things get more complicated.

Not sure what you paid but i got the AC1900 a little less than a month ago and the 2600 is now on sale for slightly cheaper than what i paid. I just set up the return and ordered the 2600.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0192911RA/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Don't know about the Guest network but i can tell you the vpn service seems broken. Might be firmware related from what i've read.

Netgear.

inb4 r/HailCorporate

I'm not sure what your budget for this equipment is as DOCSIS 3.1 equipment seems a bit pricey at the moment.

But I've used the older Docsis 3.0 version of this modem since 2014 with COX. I've had to reboot it all of maybe 4 times over the years. Mine was Motorola Branded but it looks like the exact same modem with a new label and updated hardware.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N6SKK1G/

I recently installed one of the higher Netgear nighthawk routers in a small business that wanted to expand their wi-fi in the building. I can't find the exact model I installed but I'm fairly certain it was this router. This thing was nuts, the 2.4 GHz band punched through 3 floors and went way out to their parking lot. 5GHz band didn't go quite as far (as expected) but was crazy fast when I was in a reasonable distance to it.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0192911RA

Self installation of this equipment is super easy.

1. Unplug the Coax from your existing modem.
   
2. Plug in the Coax to your new modem and connect a laptop or desktop pc to the ethernet port with a short cable.
   
3. Call Cox support and tell them you want to activate your own modem. Read them the MAC address and any other information off of the new modem, it is located on a sticker on the modem itself as well as may be on some paperwork that comes in the box.
   
4. They'll activate it and then ask you to confirm internet works on your attached computer.
   
5. Once that is all set you can hang up with them, unplug your laptop and plug that ethernet cable into the yellow port on the router.
   
6. Then it looks like Netgear has some handy app to set these things up, I usually do it myself in the web config but the app will work fine even if you've never set up a router before.
   
7. Once you are done, confirm your new wifi works and test the range. Remember that 2.4 reaches farther but is slower. 5 is faster but does not reach as far.
   
8. If everything works as expected for a few days or so, find the closest COX store and return your equipment in person, making sure to get a receipt claiming you returned your equipment so you have proof to contest if they keep charging you a rental fee.

Can you provide the link for the AC2600 Nighthawk being sold new for $89? On Amazon its $229.99. I see the AC1750 for $84.38 though.

EDIT:

Maybe you are referencing the price on Ebay. According to the price policing rules:

>d. Do not use corporate sales or pricing errors as a reference for an item's worth. Microcenter and eBay auction links are not acceptable reference points.

Not sure if that ebay price is considered legit OP or if the rule means if someone is arguing with a price a seller is using.

Keep in mind, I purchased the modem two years ago. It has never failed me once, but I'm sure they have improved on it since then:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AJHDZSI/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

And I bought the router from Best Buy:

https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-Nighthawk-X4S-R7800-100NAS-Compatible/dp/B0192911RA/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1497650111&sr=1-1&keywords=netgear+r7800

I mean, 5G router by netgear, otherwise your better off drilling holes/getting long cables.

https://www.amazon.com/Netgear-R7800-100NAS-Nighthawk-Ethernet-Compatible/dp/B0192911RA

This might be the greatest bot I've ever seen. Who owns it and how can I use it?

Petty attempt

http://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-Nighthawk-X4S-MU-MIMO-R7800-100NAS/dp/B0192911RA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1458177640&sr=8-1&keywords=x4+nighthawk

If you go here and scroll towards the bottom, you'll see Netgear's lineup and feature list of their high-end routers. According to it, the difference between the X4 and the X4S is that the X4S has faster theoretical throughput, slightly farther range, and a faster processor.

Ah gotcha. What would you recommend to replace the EA4500?

I'm eyeing the AC2600 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0192911RA/

Okay, well.. The best way to improve the WiFi is to simply place an access point closer to the bedrooms.

So how difficult is it to put a wire towards the bedrooms?
With that said, most access points don't have much control in terms of parental responsibility. It's possible, but not that easy and often required an extra purchase.

40ft isn't that far for most access points to cover. However, it depends how many walls it needs to go through. Do you have multiple floors?
For my house the modem is in a location that pretty much means it goes through 4 rooms or 7 walls and technically 3 floors. Here it simply can't reach WiFi connection for the most far away rooms. So I've placed 2 Access Points to improve the WiFi. No WiFi issues since.

Just to explain what everything is.

• Modem: in very simple terms this converts the cable (DSL, coax or fiber) from the neighbourhood that comes into your house to 'internet'.
  
• Router: This is the traffic director, when connecting more devices at once. When you want to access a website it is "routed" to load that website.
  
• Switch: most switches are to simply allow you to connect more devices at the same time.
  
• Access Point: this is for wireless connection.
  
  The device you got from your ISP pretty much is an all-in-one unit. It got all the above in it and pretty much does a relatively poor job for all those things.
  
  In my home, I've replaced that unit for a dedicated router (edgerouter) that connects to 1 gigabit switch (cheap) in the office for our printer, NAS & other PCs. Then I have 2 access points for better WiFi.
  
  So I have full control over everything because its connected to the edgerouter. The access points have some control as well.
  
  For your use case though, I understand that you want something simple.
  The only reason why I explain this to you is to provide you with the options.
  
  Anyway, you probably will be okay with this ASUS AC3200 Tri-Band Gigabit WiFi Router or NETGEAR Nighthawk X4S Smart WiFi Router. You have to bridge your current router to this, yes.
  I've looked up the parental control and they both allow timers.
  I'm not very familiar with blocking certain websites, however it should be possible as well.
  Priority to devices gets pretty complicated fast and is something I've never worked with.
  
  If you have any further questions, don't hesitate to ask.

The Netgear Nighthawk X4S is on sale for $131. Has great custom firmware support.

https://www.amazon.com/Netgear-R7800-100NAS-Nighthawk-Ethernet-Compatible/dp/B0192911RA/

It could just be your streaming method, but I have to say that I upgraded my desktop's wireless card and my router and I am never going back to anything besides the "best". I have zero issues gaming at all now.

I have that exact same ASUS PCE88 and this router and I'm getting great speeds from the comination of them. I feel that range plays a huge factor in whether your wireless experience will be good or not, and the ASUS card and router combo completely eliminate any issues related to that.

From my phone, I can pick up my 5GHz band pretty far outdoors from my router. My desktop with the ASUS PCE88 ends up picking up networks that my laptop(with an Intel 7260) can't even see.

I used to have so many wireless issues, but now I have absolutely none. I'd say upgrade if you have the money to spend and want the "fastest".

On another note, let me load up a live boot of Antergos on my desktop and I'll let you know if the ASUS card is recognized at all.

EDIT: No wireless was recognized. But Google is saying there are drivers out there. https://blog.cooperteam.net/post/2017-11-10-asus-ac88-wifi-on-linux/

Just got us one of these:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0192911RA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Awesome router, amazing speed. Great coverage.

I guess I should have posted an update, but I did fix the issue. After trying a bunch of stuff on the XB6, I decided to buy a new router, and use the XB6 solely as a modem. Once I did this pretty much all my network issues were fixed. After doing a lot of research I believe it has something to do with the UpNp on the XB6 which is what opens and closes ports automatically which when playing any online game it's pretty important. The UpNp on the comcast XB6 just seems to be really crappy, since I bought the new router I haven't had a single issue, and its been about a month now. The router I ended up buying was the NETGEAR Nighthawk X4S, you probably could get something cheaper, but do a bit of research beforehand. This router is pretty good with supporting gigabit service, and the wifi range is pretty good on it as well. I was having issues from disconnects in a bunch games, and the thing that pretty much caused me to buy a new router was whenever I played PUBG, after the pre game lobby ended I would never be in the plane, I would have to restart the game to be able to play, it was super annoying. I also have a business line, through Vonage in my house that was not working at all, when I upgraded, my internet, but as soon as I got the new router that was fixed as well. So if your having similar issues I highly recommend getting a new router. If you do this let me know and I'll tell you how to convert the XB6 to a modem only, and get rid of all its router functionality. Hope this can help you out.

Link to router: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0192911RA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Get this for a couple bucks more. There is an Amazon Warehouse one for cheaper that I'm sure is fine. I bought mine as a refurb works great. 1.7ghz processor vs 1 ghz, both dual core.

NETGEAR Nighthawk X4S AC2600 4x4 Dual Band Smart WiFi Router, Gigabit Ethernet, MU-MIMO, Compatible with Amazon Echo/Alexa (R7800) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0192911RA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_dIjdBb0VBPVB5

For gamers, this router gets recommended here because it has real QOS features:

https://www.amazon.com/Netgear-R7800-100NAS-Nighthawk-Ethernet-Compatible/dp/B0192911RA

NETGEAR Nighthawk X4S Smart WiFi Router (R7800)

If you have roommate/spouse who will be using internet at same time, that might help. (I don't have one of these so can't say how QOS works, I just see it recommended by people here who know what of they speak.)

Literally just went through this! I had the cm700 modem and it would drop connections to Comcast frequently. I went through a couple modem/ router configurations starting with the R7800 and at one point had the Netgear AC3200 router. Having gone through $500+ in networking gear I can recommend the R7800. I’ve got the Netgear R7800 sitting behind the Arris SB8200 and it seems to be a great combo. Handles my roommates and I across the apartment streaming and gaming at the same time. Each of us has a few devices over WiFi and then I’ve got some devices over eth. Dynamic QoS seems good and the UI is decent.

TL;DR: Get the Netgear R7800 and the Arris SB8200

EDIT: Formatting and links

So something like a combination of these?:
https://www.ui.com/edgemax/edgerouter-x/ Edgerouter X for upstairs ethernet connection
https://motorolanetwork.com/cable-modem/mb7621.html MB7621? (Modem) https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-R6700-Nighthawk-Gigabit-Ethernet/dp/B0192911RA?th=1 Netgear AC2600 Router (I think that would be big enough, but might upgrade, the house is 3200 with basement, 2300 without)

I just bought the Netgear X4S (R7800) for work. It has OpenWRT/LEDE support, though it's outside your price range in CAD. Just another option to consider.

My own - using a R7800. I also use my own modem - a TC7650. It's basically just a rebranded CM600.

The tech's description sounds ridiculous to me. I assume you can change anything you want because once returned I'd guess they factory reset equipment before it goes back out.

Is this the one your talking about https://www.amazon.com/Netgear-R7800-100NAS-Nighthawk-Ethernet-Compatible/dp/B0192911RA

I like the low latency for gaming you mentioned, but not sure what qos/sqm are and how that would affect me.

This is the router often recommended here as the best single unit:

https://www.amazon.com/Netgear-R7800-100NAS-Nighthawk-Ethernet-Compatible/dp/B0192911RA

Off of this: ethernet cable to game consoles, TV, your plex server, etc. For wireless: run a cable to areas with weak coverage, add a TP Link eap225 or Ubiquiti access point.

Since you have a bit of a budget: think about running ethernet cables from where the router is to your non-moving devices.

Cables can go in attic/under floors/in walls. If you have old phone jacks, wires run in walls for sure, you can use those pathways for ethernet cables.

I'd start by looking up a list like this,

https://www.techradar.com/news/networking/routers-storage/best-router-9-top-wireless-routers-on-test-1090523

Found a gaming router list also,

https://www.techradar.com/news/the-best-gaming-routers

​

I'd personally suggest going with one that has antennas for the best possible wifi. I picked up a Netgear r7500v2 back in 2015 that I've been really happy with. Thing covers my entire single story brick house including the garage and yard. I'd go with a newer model by this point of course.

*Similar to what I have,

https://www.amazon.com/Netgear-R7800-100NAS-Nighthawk-Ethernet-Compatible/dp/B0192911RA/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=netgear+r7500v2&qid=1563548660&s=gateway&sr=8-1

Ideally for 170? Thats kinda a strech, considering 5+ years is really aging the router too, but heres a hugeee 70 dollar discount that should do you really well for a pretty long time.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0192911RA/ref=twister_B07VCGC77R?_encoding=UTF8&th=1

Well, I don't know wtf is going on at Amazon right now but these $200-$300 routers I've had my eye on are on massive discounts today.
129.99
NETGEAR Nighthawk X4S - AC2600 4x4 MU-MIMO Smart WiFi Dual Band Gigabit Gaming Router (R7800-100NAS) Compatible with Amazon Echo/Alexa https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0192911RA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_XxGgAb7T6H509


This thing is 159.99 for God knows what reason. Pretty sure it's a spaceship.
NETGEAR Nighthawk X6 AC3200 Tri-Band Gigabit WiFi Router (R8000) Compatible with Amazon Echo/Alexa https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KWHMR6G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fAGgAb06RB6N6

Netgear nighthawk a2600 for $105 says 131 but 20% coupon is applied at checkout



NETGEAR Nighthawk X4S Smart WiFi Router (R7800) - AC2600 Wireless Speed (up to 2600 Mbps) | Up to 2500 sq ft Coverage & 45 Devices | 4 x 1G Ethernet, 2 x 3.0 USB, and 1 x eSATA ports https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0192911RA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_HKLlDbC95EJ17

https://www.amazon.com/NETGEAR-Nighthawk-X4S-MU-MIMO-R7800-100NAS/dp/B0192911RA

>I was researching higher-end ASUS and Netgear routers but then I stumbled across the Ubiquiti AC Pro.

The Asus and Netgear are consumer-level devices. The Ubiquiti device is an access point. What functionality are you really looking for? You probably don't want to be running consumer-level gear for a "high number" of devices.

Who will be installing and maintaining this equipment and the networks?