Best WiFi 5 Router?

sktn77a wrote:

I considered getting the latest and greatest WiFi 7 router but I only have wifi 5 clients

Does Netgear have a reliable wifi 5 router still or have they moved on?

WiFi 6 ("AX")  was launched back in 2019, so I think all vendors have moved on.

WiFi 7 came out in early 2024, so about 2 years old.  There are still WiFi 6 routers out there, and some good deals as they are being phased out.

sktn77a wrote:

I'm looking to replace all 3 with a wifi router with equal or better range

If you are using all three in the same location, then I suggest getting a mesh router.  

Range is limited by power regulations, interference from competing wifi, and home construction details.  If you can give us more details on the house (number of floors, sq feet, etc) and coverage issues you have now, then we could offer more tailored advice.

Maybe see if you can narrow down why the devices are having issues with the 5Ghz band to see if the router maybe faulty or something else? 

What devices are having issues? 

What is happening? 

What channels are you using? Auto? Try setting manual channel 1, 6 or 11 on 2.4Ghz and 40 to 48 channel on 5Ghz.

Is Smart Connect enabled? 

Using ISP DNS or Custom DNS? 

Is IPv6 enabled or disabled? 

What Firmware version is currently loaded?

What is the Mfr and model# of the Internet Service Providers modem/ONT the NG router is connected too?

Any Wifi Neighbors near by? If so, how many?

Can take a look at newer generation routers here as there a few to  choose from that may fit your needs: 

https://www.netgear.com/home/wifi/routers/

sktn77a wrote:

I have three (3) Netgear R7000 wifi 5 routers.  All 3 are having issues with the 5GHz band intermittently dropping (design issue with the R7000)?  I'm looking to replace all 3 with a wifi router with equal or better range (range, not features, wifi 6 or wifi 7 are the most important for my applications and wifi 5 speeds are perfectly adequate for my needs).

All devices on 5GHz having issues (cameras, OTA tuner, laptops, firesticks).  I've thought of trying a different channel on 5GHz, currently 153.  No smart connect, ISP DNS, IPv6 disabled, latest (last) firmware, Google fiber with google fiber jack, no strong signals but the usual neighbors.

If it were me, I'd pick up a used Orbi. You can get last gen's  AX mesh systems for pretty reasonable prices. Even if you don't need the extra capability, it provides some updates, improved performance, and enhanced security. The RBK763 can usually be picked up refurbished for under $200