Replacement for Plusnet Hub 2

[#1]

I'm looking for advice on whether I will benefit from replacing my Plusnet Hub 2 router with the TP Link Archer AX53 (or something else). We have FTTP with a 900Mbps broadband plan.

We live in an old cottage (one floor) with stone walls. Our smart TV is connected to the router via ethernet so that isn't a problem. We both use laptops in different rooms at different ends of the house. The signal in the house is "OK" but could be better but it is mostly enough for our purposes because we don't stream to our laptops and we don't play online games. There are just two adults and not that many devices connected.

More importantly we have wireless security cameras, a brick outbuilding (15 feet away) and a large summer house within WiFi range but about 24 yards away. These do get WiFi but the signal isn't as strong as I'd like and occasionally drops. So I am looking to improve the wireless range and strength. With the stone walls and distance, direct wiring to the outside isn't an option. I'm assuming that getting a better range/strength with a better router for the outside connections will also improve the signal for the laptops inside.

As I understand it, the Plusnet Hub 2 router isn't WiFi 6 and so a new router should give better range/strength. I realise that a mesh set up might be a good option but in the first instance I'd just like to try a better router, ideally one that could be expanded to a mesh set up if necessary.

I have read posts that recommend a mesh system which includes (for example) the TP Link Deco BE65. I would go for that IF there were significant benefits of that. However, a single "main unit" only is £180 compared to the AX53 which is £60. So I don't want to spend unnecessarily and crack a nut with a sledgehammer (so to speak).

So the AX53 seems to be a possible option?

Any advice? Thanks in advance for helpful replies.

[#2 · Accepted solution]

@MXP2025 welcome to the forum

My full fibre product is 900 Mbps and I use a AX53, I'm also on the IPv6 trial.

I have a modern two story house, the AX53 is located centrally in the property I use mainly wireless devices.

For wired devices connected directly to the AX53 a speed test is giving me around 920 Mbps download 110 Mbps upload, the best wireless speed achieved is on a WiFi 6 Samsung tablet 500 /100. 

To my garage I have a powerline adapter kit which includes a WiFi Access Point in the garage; this is used for Ring cameras for the garden and driveway, plus some wizz led lights. The powerline adapter only supports 100 Mbps but I am achieving speed tests of 90 / 90 which is more than adequate for the devices I have in the garage. 

So for me everything works fine

The AX53 does support a mesh system so it allow for expansion.

Problem with wireless as you probably know it's not really predicable, using wireless backhaul between mesh satellites can be problematic so wired would be recommended.

[#3]

I would keep the PN router and add a wired wireless point to the area where wireless coverage is needed.

[#4]

Thank you, that is very helpful. The AX53 (or AX55 which is the same price at the moment) may well be enough to improve things sufficiently. And as you say, being "mesh ready" I can expand as necessary.

[#5]

I appreciate you replying but that's not an option. Getting cable outside at just one location would involve drilling through stone wall which is over 45cm thick.

[#6]

The cabled extension is the "correct" answer but sadly isn't practical.

My suggestion is investigate a mesh system.

Personally I would buy it from a "physical" shop to make returns easier as mesh wireless is very hit and miss.  

[#7]

@MXP2025 

Even though the wall is around 45cm thick it can be drilled and potentially is the best solution. I would ask aroung local companies to see what they say. Try aerial installers, local electricians or even local computer networking companies. May not be the cheapest option but would probably provide the best solution to WiFi externally.

If you do go "outside" you could mount an enternal WiFI Access Point (WAP) powered by "Power over Ethernet" (PoE).

Brian