Help me decide which router to buy...

[bluebird3]

My set up is this. I have....

MacBook Pro
Retina 13” Late 2013
OX 10.9.4
Processor 2.6 GHz Intel Core i5
Memory 8 GB 1600 MHz DDR3

Currently using LINKSYS AC900 dual band model# EA6200 in a residential home.

Nothing else is connected except my my macbook pro and the router is in my bed room. For the most part the connection seems to be solid especially if I stayed in my bedroom, however, as soon as I take my macbook pro into a living room, the connection starts to skips very frequently and often get disconnected. I have an important weekly skype call but it get cut of very often. Especially when using a video call. Now, Iam thinking I would like to try APPLE product to see if this improves. Currently, I am looking at Apple AirPort Extreme Base Station (ME918LL/A) for $180.00? Little pricey, but I suppose I can look into Apple Refurb section. But is it over kill? Does my Macbook Pro work well with this router ? Or should I step down(?) and purchase Apple AirPort Express Base Station (MC414LL/A) $93 instead ? I am really tired of my internet connection get districted with this supposedly GOOD router by LINKSYS.

 

[BittenApple]

I got the refurb Time Capsule and it works great

 

[bluebird3]

I got the refurb Time Capsule and it works great

Wow those are $200-$400??? Are they replacing the airport extreme ?

Mm. I'm not sure about wireless backup system but I guess this unit works like an external hard drive? Been so out of technology.

 

[BrianBaughn]

The TC's router is an AE and I think BittenApple was just commenting on his experience.

Have you considered upgrading your Mac OS? Changes have been made in the wifi software.

Have you done any troubleshooting at all?

 

[Butchie-T]

Consider relocating the router from your bedroom to a possibly better centralized location first. You may find that relocating the router clears up your dropouts and then you are not spending additional coin that may not eventually fix your potential coverage problem.

 

[Weaselboy]

Wow those are $200-$400??? Are they replacing the airport extreme ?

Mm. I'm not sure about wireless backup system but I guess this unit works like an external hard drive? Been so out of technology.

If having wireless backup is important to you, then get either the Time Capsule or get an Airport Extreme and hang a hard drive off the back of it. But if you do not need wireless/networked backup, IMO the Apple routers have little to recommend. They are overpriced, feature poor, and only average in wifi performance.

Small Net Builder has good router reviews so look that over. Give this a read. I agree with the conclusions in that article that the AC1900 routers are the sweet spot right now. See this list ranking AC1900 class routers. From that list, I like the Asus RT-AC68U model. Asus seems to do a better job continuing firmware updates as routers age.

 

[Altemose]

@bluebird3 I highly recommend considering a refurbished AirPort right from Apple. As it is well known, the refurbs might as well be sold as new they are that good! You can browse the selection here. The AirPort is going to be a set and forget type of experience at the expense of the fact that they do not benchmark as high as some AC1900 class routers. If you are striving for the best benchmarks, then the ASUS line is going to be the best bet as they actually support their products with continued software updates unlike Linksys and Netgear to an extent. @Weaselboy is going to be the best authority on knowledge on the ASUS models.

 

[bluebird3]

The TC's router is an AE and I think BittenApple was just commenting on his experience.

Have you considered upgrading your Mac OS? Changes have been made in the wifi software.

Have you done any troubleshooting at all?

No have not had a chance to upgrade my OS... bought my Mac new never really felt need to upgrade since all I have been doing so far with it is check eMail and web Browsing. I know........ Trouble shoot ? May I ask what I need to do?

BTW, I just thought of something.... I remember clicking on MACKEEPER install icon once before and I felt the internet connection started to act up since then. I DID however went on to remove the program following an on line instruction to how to do so. mmmm

 

[bluebird3]

Consider relocating the router from your bedroom to a possibly better centralized location first. You may find that relocating the router clears up your dropouts and then you are not spending additional coin that may not eventually fix your potential coverage problem.

I will be soon moving to a new place. It may improve my connection then also.

 

[Altemose]

BTW, I just thought of something.... I remember clicking on MACKEEPER install icon once before and I felt the internet connection started to act up since then. I DID however went on to remove the program following an on line instruction to how to do so. mmmm

MacKeeper is essentially malware, so I would not dismiss the idea that it would cause connection issues. However, it does sound like a router issue.