Routers

Thinking about getting a new router. The Cisco Valet plus has to be around 5-6 years old. I suspect the newer versions are much faster and have wider ranges.
Maybe this one..

TP-LINK AC1900 Wireless Wi-Fi Dual Band AC Router (Archer C9)

You done any reviews or have any thoughts?

Faster isn't available for the internet even with an AC router.
The AC router only runs the same as g on your laptop
anyway 'cause it doesn't have AC.  On your computer that's
plugged in it doesn't speed up anything.

I don't think you can get any benefit from upgrading the Cisco
as long as it's still working.  The AC is about 10 times
faster wirelessly than the n if you have AC on the computer
or laptop but only over your lan if you're transferring files from
on PC to another over your lan wirelessly.

None are faster than plugged in with the cable.
Your PC is b/g/n and so is the Cisco so they use n.
You may or may not remember a year or so ago when I
bought two routers with just b/g for about $10 each 'cause
even those are faster than Comcast or other providers.

Never had a TP but I think they're about mid quality.

I'd stick with the Cisco as long as it functioned and not try
to be pre-emptive.

Good info Thump. I just found this link today and it addresses more of my concerns (streaming to my Roku (connected to living room TV). We actually have very little stopping / transferring/ reconnecting issues when we stream to the Roku but it's just often enough to make me consider a switch.
The range of the Valet seems a little weaker than it should be out on the porch (tablet/ phone) but might not be any better with a new router as you noted.

http://livingwithbeth.com/roku-wifi-problems-fix-roku-wifi-connection-flash/

It's not weaker than it should be, just weaker than you want it.
Output is limited by law.  The Cisco is as up to date as you
can get without switching all your devices to AC as well as
your router.  USB adapters are available but probably not on
the Roku.

One possiblility (if it's not Charter) is to get a set of the wall
plug in internet thingys.  Plug one in next to where the router
plugs in and hook it to the router.  Plug the other in next to the
Roku and hook a wire up to it.  Or, it can be plugged in anywhere
in the house.  It runs the internet over the electritic wires.

There's also wireless extension devices we talked about when you
were choosing the Cisco but you didn't want to fool with that.
Checked newegg, looks like they're all out of stock.
"Powerline ethernet adapters" was the search term I used.
Oh well, sometimes you can reposititon the router for better
coverage.  Higher is better.

You could get a long cat 5e cabler and strectch it to the Roku
from the router to see if it's Charter or not but you probably
wouldn't want to really wire it up permanently.

Saw this today, on sale but still pretty high:

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LINK