Router to replace Sky SR203?

[MattGriff88]

Hi,

I have Sky Gigafast with a SR203 router.

Have around 50 devices connected and it seems to be struggling with the demand especially at the furthest point of the house.

I want to try and replace the router to see if things improve. Any suggestions on what to get?

I have done a little research and a lot suggest the Asus RT-AX86U. Is this the one to get or something else?

Thanks 

[Chrisee]

@MattGriff88 Asus routers are popular replacements for Sky hubs as they are relaively easy to set up.. and the AX-RT-86U is a common model chosen.

However which router is right for you will depend on what you want to do and your budget. In many homes you will need more than a single router to get decent WiFi in every room therefore budgetting for mesh extenders might be sensible than buying a more expensive model of router.

A lot depends on the number of simultaenous users rather than number of devices. A household with several kids wanting to game while the adults want to stream video has different requirements from a smaller household with lots of IOT kit. While downloads are faster if you have fast WiFi in every room apps like Netflix or online games can only use up to 30Mb/s when being used so paying a fortune to get 800Mb/s in the spare room is pretty pointless.

[MattGriff88]

Thanks for the reply.

I have 4 children each playing PS5/Xbox some are in the furthest point of the house from the house. Games are played online regularly and also Netflix/Streaming. 

I'm open to suggestions on what the best solution is.

[MattGriff88]

Furthest point from the router that should say.

We also do a lot of downloading where speed is critical so would help if we could get the fastest speed possible to the furthest point without having to run cable.

[cookiemonsteruk]

@MattGriff88 

The asus rt ax86u is a mid range gaming router so combining that with a few asus rt ax56u or  rt ax 58u would allow the ps5 to work as part of the wifi 6 mesh although ethernet would be better. Xbox would connect using a wifi 5 ac mesh but would be advisable to at least get a wifi ethernet bridge working between the xbox and the nearest asus aimesh node

[MattGriff88]

Ok sounds good.

I have been looking at the Asus XT8 x 2. Would this be a better option?

[cookiemonsteruk]

@MattGriff88 

Aye thats a good option , should cover 4400 sq ft with 2 or add a 3rd one to ensure all consoles can get ethernet back to the nearest aimesh node

Another one to look out for is the asus rt ax88u.  The adaptive qos on the asus router app will allow you to prioritise between gaming, streaming etc packets on all the models