topic Re: Alternative router suggestions. in My Router

Alternative router suggestions.

mwwagain — Fri, 22 May 2026 18:18:29 GMT

Any thoughts on suitable candidates to replace the Hub2 ?

My gripes are only having 3 wired ports, no 'real' wifi off switch, and not the best ergonomics on my setup.

For low speed FTTP, but I do shovel data around internally

I have considered just adding a switch which is looks the cheap option and suffer the faff going via the GUI to turn off the hub wifi. Still two devices though.

I need 5+ network ports

Not fussed about the fanciest wifi as I'm 90% wired, but still need some 802B/G at least.

I'd like a real switch to turn off the wifi

QoS might be handy for VOIP (but 'well don't do anything else' has worked fine on ADSL so far)

Inbuilt VOIP a nice to have (avoids an ATA and yet another mains plug)

Not silly price, I'm not keen on the price tag on Draytek 2927's for example.

Re: Alternative router suggestions.

Champnet — Fri, 22 May 2026 18:25:17 GMT

I'd go for an improved Router and a decent switch, if the Router fails then the switch will still keep the internal network runing.....

Re: Alternative router suggestions.

Dan_the_Van — Sat, 23 May 2026 08:34:15 GMT

@mwwagain

might I suggest you use Gemini AI or similar input your requirements and check the results.

Make sure you enter the details of you current connection speed along with any future features you may want.

Many routers for the domestic market only offer 4 LAN ports.

Maybe consider a router with no WiFi some have more than 4 LAN ports, they do come at a cost.

Re: Alternative router suggestions.

mwwagain — Sat, 23 May 2026 11:05:02 GMT

Indeed 3 or 4 LAN is the limit on domestic routers, I suppose most people are using wifi (and wondering why their 'internet' is rubbish).

However some progress if in an unusual way 😀

While the AI merely found where I had already reached, going into the couple of current models the manufacturer blurb helpfully said which models they replaced and why.

As those updates were around wifi updates or dual 2.5GB WAN ports, the older ones suit me fine.

Candidates are

Asus RT AC88U

DrayTek 2927ac

(The ac denoting the older wifi standards)

So off to eBay to look for those models being sold on by gamers !

Any feedback or other suggestions still welcome

Re: Alternative router suggestions.

Spik3y — Sat, 23 May 2026 15:35:20 GMT

The fritzbox seems to be highly recommended in multiple places, but not tried it myself. If its just one extra port can you swap anything onto wifi?

My big a3 printer is in the same room as the router and seems to work equally well on the network with wifi or cable.