The Benefits of Investing in High-End Wireless Routers: Netgear Nighthawk X10 and Asus RT-AC88U

Are you seriously considering upgrading your router to a more expensive model like the Netgear Nighthawk X10 or Asus RT-AC88U? After all, your router is only as good as your internet connection if that's all you use it for. But in reality, if you're just streaming videos and playing some casual games, you might not need a top-of-the-line router. Continue reading to find out if these high-end routers are worth the investment.

Understanding WiFi Versions: 5, 6, and 6E

Today, there are three popular versions of WiFi available: WiFi 5, WiFi 6, and WiFi 6E. Within any version of WiFi, the differences are quite small. The extra features don't significantly improve performance.

One way to test this is to turn beam forming and spatial streams on and off. According to the SmallNetBuilder, tests concluded that the differences are minor.

However, when moving from one version of WiFi to the next, you can see significant improvements. Both the router and the computer must support the WiFi version to gain these advantages. If the computer does not support the higher version, the network will still work but be limited by the performance of the slower standard.

WiFi 5: Basic Performance

WiFi 5 allows binding up to 4 channels together in the 5 GHz band. Each channel has 20 MHz bandwidth and supports roughly 100 Mbps. This adds up to a theoretical maximum speed of 500 Mbps. In the US, there are 8 bands, and most people use either the upper 4 or the lower 4 channels. In high-density housing, competition for the channel can lead to occasional delays.

WiFi 6: Increased Speed and Efficiency

WiFi 6 allows binding up to 8 channels together, achieving gigabit speeds. You and your neighbors are using the same channel. Therefore, competition for that channel has doubled.

WiFi 6E adds additional channels in the 6 GHz band. This is often advertised as "triple band." However, there are WiFi 5 routers that support two 5 GHz radios, providing gigabit speeds and reduced channel competition.

Are These High-Speed Benefits Worth It?

Most families never use more than 100 Mbps. The majority of gaming requires less than 10 Mbps, while streaming HD video only needs 10 Mbps and 4K video requires 25 Mbps. So, will the higher speed really make a difference to you?

A year ago, I upgraded my internet service from 100 Mbps to 300 Mbps to save money. To my surprise, I couldn't tell the difference in performance. Plus, if you need better connectivity, an Ethernet cable is a fantastic option. It provides a dedicated link at gigabit speeds with full-duplex capability. With minimal competition, no packet collisions, and very few lost packets, it's a very cost-effective solution—often less than $75.

Conclusion: The Right Router for Your Needs

While high-end wireless routers like the Netgear Nighthawk X10 and Asus RT-AC88U offer impressive features and performance, they might not be necessary for everyday use. If you're looking for the best possible performance, these routers can certainly provide that. However, it's important to consider your personal needs and budget before making a decision. High-speed might not always be essential, and sometimes other solutions can offer the same performance at a lower cost.