Recommendations - AC Router with USB Modem Support or Built-in LTE?

airborne

airborne

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Hi Guys, I'm looking for a new router, I'd like to get the upgraded speed and range that AC wifi gives but the router must support 3G/LTE usb modems(ie USB port that supports modems) or have an LTE modem built-in.

What can you recommend, budget hopefully around R1200?

Edit, gigabit lan would also be great, perhaps a necessity?
 
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The router doesn't need an ADSL modem built-in but it wouldn't hurt to have one for future redundancy
 
Icemanbrfc said:
Dual Band router?

There is the Tenda AC15 for something like $80 online, but not sure on the brand.

Also below the Asus AC51U


http://www.loot.co.za/product/asus-rt-ac51u-dual-band-ac750-wireless-router/bfyc-3678-g220
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Ya Ac dual band wifi.
Thanks, that's a good one and within my budget!
Also Asus is probably better than the Tplink routers I've been using up to this point.

Has anyone actually used that model, stability/real world range?

Edit, just noticed it doesn't have gigabit lan. How badly will that affect mobile device(laptop etc) to pc(plugged into the router via wired lan file transfers?

At the moment with a Tplink 300mbs N router with gigabit lan I get 5-9MBs transfer speeds pc(wired lan) to laptop(connected via wifi), I'd want those speeds to increase.
 
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I just ordered the N17U by Asus, but not AC dual band.

However, the Tenda i think is dual band and has a gigabit lan, but not sure if anybody sells them here.

The Asus AC51U im pretty sure is an older model router, but based on your budget, i cant think of many dual band routers that are in that price bracket.
 
DA-LION-619 said:
Do not buy Tenda, you will regret it.
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I just mentioned Tenda due to his budget. Cant think of a dual band router in the R1200 price bracket. Cheapest ive seen might be one of the Archers or maybe one of the Asus at around 2 grand.
 
Icemanbrfc said:
I just mentioned Tenda due to his budget. Cant think of a dual band router in the R1200 price bracket. Cheapest ive seen might be one of the Archers or maybe one of the Asus at around 2 grand.
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Didn't mean to diss your recommendation but I haven't come across a single Tenda product which hasn't given issues. From their routers to their wireless adapters.

OP rather spend that extra amount and go with something more reliable like TP-LINK or ASUS.
 
DA-LION-619 said:
Didn't mean to diss your recommendation but I haven't come across a single Tenda product which hasn't given issues. From their routers to their wireless adapters.

OP rather spend that extra amount and go with something more reliable like TP-LINK or ASUS.
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Didnt look at it as a diss :) it was just the cheapest i could think of based on his needs and price range.
 
At R1k that Asus is perfect, how will the lack of gigabit lan affect file transfers from a pc wired lan to laptop on dual band wifi?
 
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airborne said:
At R1k that Asus is perfect, how will the lack of gigabit lan affect file transfers pc wired to laptop on dual band wifi?
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It would be slower, but you might try and transfer wirelessly over the 5Ghz band? Im not 100% clued up on this to be honest, but again, for the price on the Asus N51U router, its a pretty solid price. The N17U im getting is around R1900, and its only a single band router, but does have a gigabit lan though.
 
Icemanbrfc said:
It would be slower, but you might try and transfer wirelessly over the 5Ghz band? Im not 100% clued up on this to be honest, but again, for the price on the Asus N51U router, its a pretty solid price. The N17U im getting is around R1900, and its only a single band router, but does have a gigabit lan though.
Click to expand...

I'll +1 the ASUS - they make excellent modem/ router combos.
 
Icemanbrfc said:
If done over wireless, its going to probably be slower, than over a gigabit lan connection. Again, i could be wrong, but at R1000 maybe take the risk and see?
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File transfer speeds - Gigabit to 300mbs wifi vs normal lan to AC dual band wifi, which will be faster.
 
airborne said:
Any idea on the file transfer speeds?
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WiFi speeds depend on your setup. The home layout, interference, what channels are used etc etc.
I never really tested throughput speeds to be honest, most of my file transfers over LAN are done over ethernet as they're ProRes files that are around 300GB.

If you want solid WiFi don't look at consumer products. Get a cheap but decent modem and hook up a Ubiquiti UAP.
 
IOPS said:
WiFi speeds depend on your setup. The home layout, interference, what channels are used etc etc.
I never really tested throughput speeds to be honest, most of my file transfers over LAN are done over ethernet as they're ProRes files that are around 300GB.

If you want solid WiFi don't look at consumer products. Get a cheap but decent modem and hook up a Ubiquiti UAP.
Click to expand...

Appreciate the input but can you shed some light on the question I asked.
The 2 routers would be in the same location so the question re speed is all else being the same which will be faster?

How do you connect a usb modem to a Ubiquiti UAP, last I checked they have lan only, no USB?
 
airborne said:
Appreciate the input but can you shed some light on the question I asked.
The 2 routers would be in the same location so the question re speed is all else being the same which will be faster?

How do you connect a usb modem to a Ubiquiti UAP, last I checked they have lan only, no USB?
Click to expand...

Ubnt UAP is an AP, your modem/router would handle the 3G failover.
 
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airborne said:
Appreciate the input but can you shed some light on the question I asked.
The 2 routers would be in the same location so the question re speed is all else being the same which will be faster?

How do you connect a usb modem to a Ubiquiti UAP, last I checked they have lan only, no USB?
Click to expand...
As said, over a wifi connection, file transfers could go either way, either slow, or quick, depending on setup, hardware and some other factors.

Im pretty much sure, if you hooked up 2 routers over a gigabit lan setup, the transfers will be quicker. Thus, rather pay a bit more for a dual band with gigabit lan, or just one with one and not worry too much about the 5Ghz band. Although, generally for file transfers, the 5Ghz band is considered quicker.

Its a tough one, but at the end of the day, spending a bit extra will just future proof you.
 
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