NETGEAR is aware of a growing number of phone and online scams. To learn how to stay safe click here.

Forum Discussion

kakarott's avatar
Nov 22, 2018
Solved

Best router for > 40 connected devices

Hello,

a) I'm looking for a router which can connect 40 devices or more (wirelessly, simultaneously). Any suggestion on the cheapest router for that?

 

b) I'm eyeing the D7000 Nighthawk or the R7000 Nighthawk. How many devices can that each connect to (wireless) simultaneously? Would these routers be an overkill? I'd be using this in a ~1000 sqf apartment

  • kakarott's avatar
    kakarott
    Nov 28, 2018

    Thanks for the advice! Turns out each manual uses different word for device/client/node (I did a CTRL + F). From the manual:

     

    Nighthawk D7000 : The modem router can support a maximum of 256 clients:

    • Maximum number of wired clients: 128
    • Maximum number of 2.4 GHz WiFi clients: 64
    • Maximum number of 5 GHz WiFi clients: 64
    • In a WiFi network, the maximum number of clients is limited by the amount of WiFi traffic that is generated by each client.

    Nighthawk R7000 : Maximum computers per wireless network : Limited by the amount of wireless network traffic generated by each node (typically 50–70 nodes).

11 Replies

  • I think people tend to go overboard with expensive routers. Your apt at 1000 square ft. will not need much for coverage. For your 40 devices, it all depends on what they are. Remember, a fast WIFI is only as good as the service provided. That 100-200Mbit coming in will not benefit from 1750 Mbit WIFI. The fast WIFI helps the connected devices such as gaming devices where you could have several interconnected. Just don't forget that everything is still restricted by your service speed. Also, in an apartment setting interference from neighbors can be a problem. Wired Internet is the best here. Computers and TVs that can be wired is preferred.

     

    As to your question, unless you are doing something special, almost anything will work. I have a dirt cheap R6020 that handles 3 streaming TVs, several phones, ion Robot vacuum and a few other things. One TV is wired for the interference issue. Good luck.

    • kakarott's avatar
      kakarott
      Tutor

      My ISP already provided a modem : Technicolor CWA0101 CM (couldn't find that model's specs in their website nor general internet)

       

      I found a good second hand deal for a D7000 (model + router model), which is why I was considering it aside from the R7000 (router only). I suppose I can connect it to the Technicolor modem (only as a router) ?

       

      Anyone know how many users/devices either D7000 or R7000 can have connected wirelessly (simultaneously) ?

      • TaterSalid's avatar
        TaterSalid
        Virtuoso

        Again, unless you are talking hundreds there shouldn't be a problem with the count. Someone said consumer grade routers were limited to 255. Don't quote me on that. The real problem is what those devices are and are they all trying to work at one time.