Please Help!AC1900 , wants stronger and faster signal, should I add EX8000 or switch to Orbi?

[davivascaino]

Hey guys,

I live in a 3 story house: basement (where my router and modem is, I can't move it), first floor and second floor. I am very happy with my AC1900, that thing is a beast, going strong for the past 4 years, no issues. firmware is up to date. 

I do notice that the signal drops a bit in the first floor, which makes the performance a bit worse at times, with fluctuating speed /download data. in Second floor, I don't have much signal for 5g, but I don't use that much in the second floor anyway, so not a HUGE deal. 

however, I was thinking about making the signal stronger at least in the first floor, so there is less fluctuation of speed and I can increase perfomance (more wifi bars, faster right?)

What should I do? Switch to Orbi RB53, or add EX8000? Which one would lead to a better performance?? Or should I just get astronger router and that will be enough?

Thank you again , really appreciate your help!!!

[FURRYe38]

What is the size of your home? Sq Ft?

What is the Mfr and model# of the main host router that the NG extender would be connected too?

[davivascaino]

My house is 4800 sq ft.

I think I added the router model on the first post, but it is the nighthawk R7000 (or AC1900) from few years ago.  Do you need any more info? it is already updated to the latest firmware. 

Thanks !!!

[FURRYe38]

30 feet is recommended in between them to begin with depending upon building materials when wirelessly connected.

The EX7000 or 8000 would be good to try out. I have had a R7800/XR450 and EX7700 up and running placed at 40 feet in between with out issues. 

[davivascaino]

so with your setup, do you get full bars mostly everywhere?/ that means the speed performance is more stable no matter where you are?

I just want to understand if the Orbi offers any advantages if I already have a good router (R7000) 

[FURRYe38]

Yes for a 5000sq ft home. 

Orbi offers MESH and wired and wireles back haul support. Tri band ruoter.

The R7800 is only dual band.

AC1900 WiFi†
- Band 1: 600Mbps @2.4GHz + 256
QAM support
- Band 2: 1300Mbps @5Ghz 11ac
• Simultaneous Dual Band WiFi
- Tx/Rx 3x3 (2.4GHz) + 3x3 (5GHz)
- IEEE®
802.11 b/g/n 2.4GHz + 256
QAM support
- IEEE®
802.11 a/n/ac 5.0GHz

The 50 series Orbi is Tri band.

AC3000 (1733 + 866 + 400Mbps)†
• Simultaneous Tri-band WiFi
- IEEE® 802.11b/g/n
2.4GHz – 256QAM support
- IEEE® 802.11a/n/ac
5GHz – 256QAM support

[davivascaino]

so if money is not an issue, upgrading the whole system to orbi is a nobrainer?? Any advantages of keeping my R7000 and add EX8000 other than price?? thanks again for your help

[FURRYe38]

Sure. 

You would be limited by the wireless speed rating of the R7000. If thats IS working for you and you don't see any need to upgrade to some thing different, then the R7000 and EX would be something to continue with. Both R7000 and 50 series is getting up in age and though NG is still releasing FW for each, the next generation is coming around. RAX routers with WIFI 6 is out. Orbi with WIFI 6 is coming either this year or next. Up to you if you want to keep what you currently have or maybe wait. 

[davivascaino]

perfect, I will wait a bit then, I can manage with my setup for now. If I get a killer deal on the orbi 50, I get it, otherwise I will wait for the new version.

thanks again my friend

[FURRYe38]

Of course, find a great deal on an Orbi, why not. 

Enjoy.