Finally ditching my Aiprort Extreme network that served me well all these years. Also changing cable service and buying a modem / router. I know this isn't a help desk, but any suggestions for a SIMPLE, reliable 200mps cable modem/router combo or separates that plays well with Mac?
Your cable company will probably supply you a modem router. If you are forced to rent it then definitely buy a pure modem.. whatever is on the compatible list with your cable company. Then buy yourself a router. That is much better combo than standard handout stuff.
Asus high end routers are very good.. anything from RT-AC68U and above. The firmware is pretty common feature wise between them.. with newer AX models now coming out like RT-AX88U. The new wireless standard will give you no improvement over AC with older clients and even most new ones do not yet support AX so buying the most expensive to ready for latest standards is not recommended.
Synology RT2600AC is also popular as Extreme replacement.
I would expect 3-4year lifespan for most domestic routers so spending heaps on AX or Game models is really not worth it. Middle of the road. $200-400 is fine.
Most other brands I have tried, TP-Link, Netgear, Linksys, Tenda, etc have very basic firmware. And it is updated rarely if at all. They work OK for most people with very simple needs. And are usually a bit cheaper for same specs cf the Asus or Synology.
A lot of people are now moving to better grade gear like Ubiquiti. It is more expensive by say 50% but is semi-pro and more reliable with better lifespan. It does require a lot of learning to be useful. So for most people I would say Asus.
Note that not all routers play well with Apple protocols, Bonjour, Airplay etc. Asus and Synology have worked well for me. As does Ubiquiti. I have run into issues with some of the others.
Also for really good wireless over whole house mesh products are now also available. The routers tend to be very simple but wireless works without needing to run ethernet over the house.
The AirPort Express can be configured to "join" virtually any third party Wi-Fi network, so once you have your new network set up with the new equipment, you can reset the AirPort Express back to factory default settings and then set it up again to "join" your new network.
If possible, use ethernet to the Express. It can save a lot of headaches.
If you have issues with airplay once you upgrade the router/s post back with details and we can help out.
For now, Express is still a unique product and as purely airplay box is great. Apple want you to buy homepod but many people have far superior older HiFi systems. The alternatives like Apple TV require HDMI input to the amplifier.
Thanks LaPastenague! The only real "Apple" feature I use, and I use it a lot, is Airplay (Airport Express with the SPDIF digital audio output).
Airport
