AX router recommendations?

[congster2]

I’m using 2 old asus routers. Both are budget, in the <200 bucks range.
I keep having this cpu 100% usage problem, and I hard reset the router to deal with this. Frankly I’m tired of it. I read that it could be due to the auto band scanning function that is causing the issue, and it plagues even higher end routers like the 88 series ones. As far as I’m concerned, I shouldn’t have to turn off such a function.
I was wondering if folks here could recommend me a non asus ax router than can handle “heavy” load? On average I have about 20 devices connected by wifi or cable at any time. At this point, I’m prepared to shell out for a higher end model.

 

[xiaofan]

I’m using 2 old asus routers. Both are budget, in the <200 bucks range.

I keep having this cpu 100% usage problem, and I hard reset the router to deal with this. Frankly I’m tired of it. I read that it could be due to the auto band scanning function that is causing the issue, and it plagues even higher end routers like the 88 series ones. As far as I’m concerned, I shouldn’t have to turn off such a function.

I was wondering if folks here could recommend me a non asus ax router than can handle “heavy” load? On average I have about 20 devices connected by wifi or cable at any time. At this point, I’m prepared to shell out for a higher end model.

What are your Asus routers? "Auto channel selection" issue seems to be mentioned in the following article. But I think it may no longer present in the new generation Asus AX routers.
https://www.speedguide.net/faq/asus-router-one-cpu-core-100-usage-510

At least I have no issues with my Asus RT-AX82U (a mid end version below RT-AX86U/RT-AX88U). I have constantly around 15-20 devices connected, mostly wifi (including a Windows laptop and the Mac Mini M1, both with AX wireless adapter) and a few wired (Singtel TV box and Xbox One S).

RT-AX86U is highly rated in consuer AX routers. Right now it is exclusive to Singtel though (S$17 x 24 = S$408) but the special edition Gundam version is available at S$459.

RT-AX88U old version FW may have issues but now it should be pretty stable already.

Still if you want to go higher end, then you may want to consider wired router plus prosumer or small enterprise APs like Ubuquiti.

You can check out the Ubiquiti thread. Unifi APs are pretty solid. You can use it with a wired router like Ubiquiti EdgeRouter 4 (around S$282 from Lazada Mediapro). They have come out with new Wifi 6 APs.

Unifi AP
https://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/...iti-setup-still-work-progress-5680023-17.html

Edgerouter ER-4
https://www.lazada.sg/products/ubiq...rt-local-distributor-warranty-i258718105.html

 

[xiaofan]

You can consider Netgear as well if you do not like Asus. Their Mesh solution like Orbi RB852 is also excellent.

https://dongknows.com/best-wi-fi-6-routers/

1. The best Wi-Fi 6 router to date: Asus RT-AX86U

On the high end (AX6000)
1. Netgear RAX120: The best looking Wi-Fi 6 router with awesome NAS performance
2. Asus RT-AX88U: The much better clone of the Wi-Fi 5 version
3. Asus RT-AX89X: Arguably the best Asus standalone Wi-Fi 6 router to date

 

[congster2]

Thanks xiaofan. If the issue has been fixed with AX, will still take a look at asus ax86u.

 

[uncle_josh]

Boycott Belkin-Linksys.
Every minute its call home 3 - 4 times

Sent from LG-H930 using GAGT

 

[junjunjun]

i saw recommendation that some models of Asus router buy from taobao (China Version) better if you don't mind without warranty, as China version can perform better....

 

[xiaofan]

i saw recommendation that some models of Asus router buy from taobao (China Version) better if you don't mind without warranty, as China version can perform better....

Yes but only for Asus China version like TUF AX3000, RT-AX82U and RT-AX86U, depending on your risk taking profile. They have the Australia region hack to boost wifi transmission power to have better coverage. Other than this they are basically the same as local version because the Hardware and Firmware are the same.

RT-AX88U China version can be more expensive than local version, since local version f RT-AX88U often got promotion.

Local version is still recommended because of 3 year warranty.

 

[yusoffb01]

I’m using 2 old asus routers. Both are budget, in the <200 bucks range.
I keep having this cpu 100% usage problem, and I hard reset the router to deal with this. Frankly I’m tired of it. I read that it could be due to the auto band scanning function that is causing the issue, and it plagues even higher end routers like the 88 series ones. As far as I’m concerned, I shouldn’t have to turn off such a function.
I was wondering if folks here could recommend me a non asus ax router than can handle “heavy” load? On average I have about 20 devices connected by wifi or cable at any time. At this point, I’m prepared to shell out for a higher end model.

I hate that 100% cpu usage issue. have to restart every week. doesnt recover by itself. think it affects higher end quad core models too because when first core stuck at 100% the others idle, everything still slows down

anyway you can get huawei ax3. it has quad core 1.4Ghz. has a simple app to control from phone.

get intel ax210 for your laptop

 

[jasonho]

here's my 2 cents :

Beside you consider (and believe) a single AX router to solve all your problem, I do suggest the following :

- if you have lan points around your house, you may want to look at wired mesh setup. This should give you both coverage and performance results.

- else it's still good to consider Mesh setup for wireless backhaul (depending on your house layout). You may to look at tri-band esp if you have Wifi 6 devices

Currently Asus AiMesh 2.0 (that comes with Feb firmware update) is pretty stable and easy to setup.

PS : I have yet to encounter the 100% CPU issue on my AX88U and XT8. It did happen to my previous older ac Asus routers.

 

[BradenHeat]

I hate that 100% cpu usage issue. have to restart every week. doesnt recover by itself. think it affects higher end quad core models too because when first core stuck at 100% the others idle, everything still slows down

anyway you can get huawei ax3. it has quad core 1.4Ghz. has a simple app to control from phone.

get intel ax210 for your laptop

interesting, this is a first

could be windows 10 driver or some rouge app ?

if you have a clean no other software installed laptop/ desktop, does it show ?

as for routers going 100% cpu, i can wager a guess is likely to be some app scanning done, i mean, the only time when a chip is being used is high download of contents and different format?

 

[commandowolf]

interesting, this is a first

could be windows 10 driver or some rouge app ?

if you have a clean no other software installed laptop/ desktop, does it show ?

as for routers going 100% cpu, i can wager a guess is likely to be some app scanning done, i mean, the only time when a chip is being used is high download of contents and different format?

It depends, lower end routers with bad firmware coding can result in cpu pegged at 100% and dropping internet, requiring hard reboot. The tp link archer C6 on the newer firmwares all face this issue, can trigger just by running a speedtest on 1Gbps plan everytime. Older firmware did not have the issue.

 

[BradenHeat]

It depends, lower end routers with bad firmware coding can result in cpu pegged at 100% and dropping internet, requiring hard reboot. The tp link archer C6 on the newer firmwares all face this issue, can trigger just by running a speedtest on 1Gbps plan everytime. Older firmware did not have the issue.

Ahhh might explain those past issue I heard from pals with TP links lol

Posted from PCWX using iPhone13,4

 

[junjunjun]

I am only on M1 500 mbps, if i buy those super good router which claims to have better speed, will i benefit if i am only on 500 mbps? Any router recommendations for 500mbps internet subscription?

 

[xiaofan]

I am only on M1 500 mbps, if i buy those super good router which claims to have better speed, will i benefit if i am only on 500 mbps? Any router recommendations for 500mbps internet subscription?

Wireless router and Internet Plan may not need to be linked, depending on what you need and your budget.

Internet plan: 500Mbps and 1Gbps are more meaningful for local websites. 500Mbps is good enough for most of the people, there are no much difference between the two in terms of user experiences. Take note most of the international sites can not sustain even 100Mbps and Netflix 4k only requires 25Mbps

Wireless router: performance vary a lot, directly affecting the user experiences. Buy the better one you can afford, no matter 500Mbps plan or 1Gbps plan. Yes 500Mbps may limit the SpeedTest data (which is more for troubleshooting purpose and not really affecting user experiences in reality, if you hit 450Mbps or 900Mbps).

There are many power users who are on 500Mbps plan, using higher end routers.

Higher end routers: better feature, better quality, better stability, faster speed for local clients (say speed between your PC and NAS).

It is the same for home network, some power users have 10Gbps home network (fast intranet communication), but then still use 500Mbps or 1Gbps plan (good enough internet access).

So the router recommendation is in reality the same between 500Mbps and 1Gbps plan.

 

[jasonho]

I am only on M1 500 mbps, if i buy those super good router which claims to have better speed, will i benefit if i am only on 500 mbps? Any router recommendations for 500mbps internet subscription?

What are your usage (Netflix, gaming, websurfing, bT?)and clients (wired , wireless - Wifi 6 or Wifi 5)?

Eg I was previously using AX88u but due to my flat layout, I dont get good wireless signals on all rooms. So i change to a Asus wireless Mesh set and my rooms are getting 400Mbps++ speed on wifi 5 clients. My issue is more of a coverage that a single powerful AX router cannot resolve.

You have to determine whats usage and issue you facing now - Speed? Coverage? house layout/clients?

Lets put it this way, if you are already getting 400-500 speedtest, chances are its more of a want than a need. And since you are 500Mbps network, try to ignore all those AX/160mhz wifi for now (even if you have those AX clients). Reason is those powerful AC routers are good enough for your connections.

Then again, I am always told by my wife, if I can afford and I want, just buy la . No point losing sleep or growing a few white hairs over it.

 

[XiaoFu99]

I am only on M1 500 mbps, if i buy those super good router which claims to have better speed, will i benefit if i am only on 500 mbps? Any router recommendations for 500mbps internet subscription?

If on a tight budget, go carousell and find Asus RT-AX55 which users are dumping after signing up. I got it @ $100 and now probably less than that. Exclusive to M1 but comes with 3 years warranty.

Even with my notebook running on AC only, I can get 4xx Mbps for both download and upload for M1 500Mbps plan.

Sent from Samsung SM-G965F using GAGT

 

[xiaofan]

Quick recommendation for lower budget below S$150.

1) sub S$50 (no AX except Huawei AX3)

SingTel user only (ONT or ONR users): SingTel Mesh Router AC1900

All ISP including SingTel: Linksys EA7500 v2 and EA8100 from Starhub, both rated AC2600

All ISP excluding SingTel ONT users (okay with SingTel ONR users): Huawei AX3 AX3000 (no local warranty)

2) sub S$100

Asus RT-AX55 AX1800 from M1 (around S$100, best value)
Asus RT-AC2600 from M1 (not AX)
TP-Link AX10 AX1500 (around S$79 during promotion)

All ISP excluding SingTel ONT users (okay with SingTel ONR users): Huawei AX3 Pro, Xiaomi AX1800, Redmi AX6 and AX5 (no local warranty)

3) sub S$150

TP-Link AX20 AX1800 (around S$119)
Linksys E7350 AX1800 (around S$139)
Netgear RAX20 AX1800 (around S$145)
TP-Link AX50 AX3000 (around S$149)

From Taobao: Asus TUF AX3000 (no local warranty)

All ISP excluding SingTel ONT users (okay with SingTel ONR users): Xiaomi AX3600 China set (best value, no local warranty)

Xiaomi AX3600 China set actually works with SingTel ONT users as well if you know how to gain SSH access.

 

[wadthefish]

I am running tuf AX3000 , but due to bad wifi in the main bed room i would like to run aimesh wired backhaul as i have a lan port in one of the room and place the node there. do i need to get another ax3000 for optimal performance?

can i also run a wired connection to my pc from the node as well at the same time?

any recommendations for the node?

 

[XiaoFu99]

I am running tuf AX3000 , but due to bad wifi in the main bed room i would like to run aimesh wired backhaul as i have a lan port in one of the room and place the node there. do i need to get another ax3000 for optimal performance?

can i also run a wired connection to my pc from the node as well at the same time?

any recommendations for the node?

Asus RT-AX55 which you could AiMesh with it.

Yes, you can run a wired connection from node to PC which I'm doing it right now.

Sent from Samsung SM-G965F using GAGT

 

[xiaofan]

Below S$200 with the ongoing promotion now.

Asus RT-AX56U AX1800 at around S$179

Asus RT-AX58U AX3000 at S$199 promotion price, usual price S$229 (good value)

TP-Link AX73 AX5400 at S$184
D-Link DIR-X5460 AX5400 at S$193

Linksys E8450 AX3200 at around S$165