[emanon]

I am using DD-WRT with a Linksys WRT32X in my home. Overall I am satisfied except in the room that's furthest away from the router, the signal strength drops to 2 bars and the speed is cut in half. I have 2 questions:

1) If decide to get a better router to overcome the drop in strength and speed, which router would be better than my Linksys WRT32X?

2) If decide to get an extender or repeater to overcome the drop in strength and speed, which extender or repeater is recommended that plays well with my Linksys WRT32X?

[blkt]

Generally recommend one of these routers also for VPN, WireGuard: R7800, R7500v2, EA8500, R9000, x86.

The extender question is best answered after deciding if a backhaul is going to be wired Ethernet or wireless.

You can buy a second matching model router and use WDS, but likely will be sacrificing 2.4GHz for backhaul.

Off the shelf solutions are EX7300v2 (Ethernet AP mode) or EX7500 (wireless only, tri-band 2x 5GHz radios).

Another router used as an access point can be any model of choice if using wired Ethernet for backhaul link.

[emanon]

I can't lose 2.4GHz because some household members have devices that are only 2.4Ghz. I also would like to be wireless and not have a cable running throughout the house. And yes, I use sometimes use VPN Wireguard at the router level.

From skimming the website the EX7500 looks like a powerful great solution. I'm assuming you listed it because it works well with my Linksys and works well DD-WRT?

[blkt]

Well, you have some decisions to make as 5GHz does not travel as far, or through walls as well for example.

An Ethernet run can be done behind walls socketed at each end so you do not have cable sitting on the floor.

5GHz link can still be done, but placement will have to be much closer together.

I use EX7500 for basement, goes through the additional 5GHz radio but at the expense of signal strength.

I also have an Ethernet cable run, so best of both worlds. A used EX7300v2 or another router is ideal.

[emanon]

I am getting excited about the EX7500. My only concern is whether it will provide a better signal strength in the room furthest away. This is a one-level house, So, the room in question is not in a basement or upstairs However, sometimes the door to the room is closed. I guess there really is not a way to predict how it will perform.

For sure this can be used with existing Linksys and DD-WRT?

I might need to buy it and try it and return it if it doesn't perform well.

[blkt]

https://wikidevi.wi-cat.ru/Netgear_EX7300v2 - https://wikidevi.wi-cat.ru/Netgear_EX7500

The Netgear extenders themselves run stock firmware, and claim universal compatibility.

I bought it used condition for very cheap and only because it is Atheros hardware inside.

The routers I linked above are Qualcomm Atheros, run DD-WRT, WDS, wired AP etc.

Check your local used for sale listings, offerup, craigslist, mercari, ebay and others.

[emanon]

Thanks!!!!!

[Per Yngve Berg]

An extender is just a crippled router with less flash and RAM.

[emanon]

[Per Yngve Berg]

Generally yes, but the EX7500 is the exception.

[emanon]

LOL, I still don't get what you mean. Is the extender good or bad? Is the EX7500 worth it or not.

[blkt]

Most extenders are not tri-band, but as I already said an Ethernet connected router as access point is ideal.