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Re: RAX20 vs R7800 in 2019?

p0se1d0n44
Tutor

RAX20 vs R7800 in 2019?

Quick background:  I live in a medium-sized apartment and my family and I usually stream on Apple TV + Roku + a couple of iPhones and/or iPads (not a gamer). My internet plan is 400/20.

 

I was previously using the R7800 router, which worked great but I didn't like the outdated stock firmware (don't use 3rd party f/w). I noticed that Netgear just released the RAX20 router. It is recommended for small to medium homes. I liked it becuse it has an old-school router look, not these 'spaceship' or 'robot spider' looking router that are on the market nowadays. Also the price point is nice for an AX router ($169). Don't want to spend $200+ on a AX router until final draft of AX which not might be in a year or so. 

 

Anyhow I'm getting similar speeds on the RAX20 and the R7800 - but the RAX20 will be getting software updates in the near future while the R7800 has be apparently abandoned. Also IPv6 works properly in the RAX20 while it's broken on the R7800.

 

I'm not a router expert by no means and I wanted the communty's opinion/recommendation regarding these 2 routers please. Which one should I keep - the R7800 or the RAX 20?

 

Thanks in advance.

 

 

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p0se1d0n44
Tutor

Re: RAX20 vs R7800 in 2019?

Thanks for everyone’s insight. Decided to stick with the R7800. Returned the RAX 20. I’m confident I made the right decision. Happy Holidays.

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plemans
Guru

Re: RAX20 vs R7800 in 2019?

In my opinion? I'd keep the R7800 for the time being and wait on the RAX20 firmware to mature. Plus as it matures, prices should drop, features should be added. 

the R7800 is a pretty solid router and functions well. Its mature technology. 

Message 2 of 7

Re: RAX20 vs R7800 in 2019?

IPv6
@p0se1d0n44 wrote:...
the R7800 has be apparently abandoned.

 


What gives you that impression? The R7800 continues to receive firmware updates.

 

A constant flow up updates is often a sign of trouble. They happen because the supplier is fire fighting and racing to eliminate bugs, not because there are upgrades in features.

 

As @plemans says the R7800 is the connosseur's choice when ti comes to routers.

 


@p0se1d0n44 wrote:Also IPv6 works properly in the RAX20 while it's broken on the R7800.

 


Has this caused problems? Or is it just something it would be nice to have?

 

 

Message 3 of 7
p0se1d0n44
Tutor

Re: RAX20 vs R7800 in 2019?

I’m getting very similar speeds with both the R7800 and the RAX20. With having multiple iPhone 11 Pro devices that utilize WiFi 6 - wouldn’t it be best to keep the AX router instead of the AC one?

Realistically I’m not planning on keeping either router much longer. Just until WiFi 6 goes into final draft and all the AX features are useable.

I just like the RAX20 because if it’s small footprint and retro look. I figured since it’s not performing any worse than the R7800 (in my medium apartment) and it’s an AX router that I might be better off with it.

Am I making a mistake here? Is there R7800 really that much superior to the RAX20 (when factoring in the size of my place and range needed)??
Message 4 of 7

Re: RAX20 vs R7800 in 2019?


@p0se1d0n44 wrote:
Is there R7800 really that much superior to the RAX20 (when factoring in the size of my place and range needed)??

 


I'd look at the section of this community given over to the RAX series. 

 

That will explain why die-hards stick with the R7800.

 

They want reliability not bells and whistles.

 

Message 5 of 7
p0se1d0n44
Tutor

Re: RAX20 vs R7800 in 2019?

Thanks for everyone’s insight. Decided to stick with the R7800. Returned the RAX 20. I’m confident I made the right decision. Happy Holidays.
Message 6 of 7

Re: RAX20 vs R7800 in 2019?


@p0se1d0n44 wrote:
I’m confident I made the right decision.


I'm not going to disagree with you.

 

 

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