I was looking at the orbi ax6000 router, but it looks like they dont have parental software & it can not be split into 2 bands. I need the parental software because I have timers on my son’s devices. I was looking at the linksys velop, ax4200, but seems like there are a lot of negative reviews. So I’m looking for some suggestions. I have a router & extender connected via ethernet & my house is not big, but my router & extender are old. Again any suggestions would be appreciated.
Thanks
Dom
the thing is sooner or later said son is going to figure out how to get around said timers.
I’m happy with my Asus zenwifi ax mini mesh system. They are tiny and not too expensive. You can have wired backhaul, but you’ll need a 1gig switch. You’ll need a switch anyway because there’s only 1 LAN port on the main router. I can’t speak on parental controls, but I believe they’re there.
@Awestun I hope you are wrong, but if he does, then I’ll do it the old fashioned way… I’ll remove the power cord.
@johnconstantelo I think asus has a model with 4 ethernet ports. I’m using a switch with my extender. I’ve seen good reviews for the asus.
Yup, they sure do. Its the next mesh system up from the mini.
what type of devices are you trying to control?
I miss the old days where you could buy 1 router with every option for 1 price… wait I’m showing my age…lol.
Everything. I have some tvs hardwired & 1 wifi. Smart home, alexa, phones & laptop. My PC’s are hardwired.
oh that wont stop em, he will find a power cord from something else in the house that works.
@Awestun you got me there. So far so good… he doesn’t know how.to bypass anything so I’m safe for awhile at least.
@johnconstantelo I thinks the next model up for asus is zenax? Pricey but i have some gift cards to offset the price. Only negative thing I read about the asus was it’s not easy to setup.
I did like the linksys velop ax4000, but there were way to many negative reviews.
Here’s my favorite for most situations under 2,000 square feet:
https://www.bestbuy.com/site/tp-link-archer-ac2300-dual-band-wi-fi-5-router-black/5844804.p
And this is a good budget option in the same line:
Both use the same tether app which has good parental controls.
Note that both of these are Wi-Fi five, not Wi-Fi six. These are not Wi-Fi mesh routers, so if you have dead spots they may not work for you. And both are only WiFi routers, you still need to have a modem.
Yeah, its north of $500, but its not too bad to set up. Others are easier, but the asus isnt that bad.
@JDRoberts I just read up on that but it’s not wifi6, but I like the price . I would still have to buy an extender because I have router on 1 end of house & extender on other end.
you are probably good for a while until he discovers google is his friend to figure things out.
Tp-Link Deco X20 is supposed to be good https://youtu.be/GA7U5tX5Jk0
I’m running this TP-Link Archer AZ 11000 It’s WiFi 6, has extensive security features and parental controls plus 8 Ethernet ports. Costco recently had it for $279.00 I believe but it’s back up to $299.99.
Wow, that’s a beast!
Funny @JDRoberts ! It is a bit of a beast, but I’m very happy with the performance. I work from home and I wanted something rock solid. It has a few features that were really import to me. One is the automatic reboot schedule. I find that it really helps stability. I haven’t been able to load the CPU or memory (which are displayed in the cheesy “gamer” UI. Another is the added anti-malware features, ALG, SPI and other firewall enhancements. I also use the free DDNS that TP-Link offers built in to the router. I almost forgot to mention that it has a bandwidth monitor so you can easily see your Internet upload/download usage.
That looks interesting, but I have to see if they make an extender that works with it.