[OldeBullDust]

I’m planning a new/revised home network, and would appreciate any advice/comments from experienced Mac users here.

1st. I’m looking at a Synology rt2600ac router. Numerous reviews give it a good rating, and the SRM (Synology Router Management) appears to be very capable and easy to use.
This will replace an ancient D-Link ( which replaced an Airport Extreme, fried by lightning)

Anyone here have any experience with this router?

2nd. I will attach an external HD to the router (USB 2/3) as a NAS-like server for my large iTunes video library (3.5 TB±). Synology has a Media Server add-on to facilitate this.

3rd. Rather than messing with iTunes, I’m looking at using Plex and another media player called Infuse ( by Firecore) which is reported to be able to play almost any format video without transcoding. I believe both should be installed on an Apple TV 4th Gen.

4th. Apple TV 4th gen. located at the far end of the house — connected with existing ethernet cable . Replaces existing Apple TV 2.

Anyway, I plan to build this out over the coming summer, ( have to cash-in my collection of empty wine bottles to pay for it all), but in the mean-time I would appreciate any sage advice from our learned members.

 

[wonderings]

I have had good success with ethernet over power line. If you do not have an ethernet connection already where you want it for the Apple TV this is an easy solution and I get full speed connection with it.

 

[OldeBullDust]

@ Wonderings
Thanks for the quick reply. However I have two ethernet cables to the other end of my home, so I will make use of them first.
I want the Synology router in part for the better/stronger WiFi for our iPads & phones (correct old D-Link just not capable of reaching all corners). Would like to sit out in the sun-shelter on the side deck this summer and still browse the net.
I considered power line some time ago, but was advised that due to the frequent (brief/intermittent) outages, it would not be the best solution.
It might be different now with the newer hardware.

 

[wonderings]

@ Wonderings
Thanks for the quick reply. However I have two ethernet cables to the other end of my home, so I will make use of them first.
I want the Synology router in part for the better/stronger WiFi for our iPads & phones (correct old D-Link just not capable of reaching all corners). Would like to sit out in the sun-shelter on the side deck this summer and still browse the net.
I considered power line some time ago, but was advised that due to the frequent (brief/intermittent) outages, it would not be the best solution.
It might be different now with the newer hardware.

I never have outages with it. I went that route as I live in a 100+ year old house that did not have ethernet running through it and the wifi network dropped considerably where my TV is so streaming was pretty painful. This fixed things for me giving me a direction connection.

I tried adding some airport express stations to spread the signal out but every time you do that you lose some of your speed. Optimal coverage, from what I have red, is through those mesh networks. Have not used them but it seems to be the way to go to get great coverage all over.

 

[OldeBullDust]

@ Wonderings
The outages I was referring to were the Hydro electric. The power supply is bit better these days, and we have a whole house generator now, so we don't get multi-hours in the dark anymore.
However, we still get a number of quick/rapid breaks in the power, not long enough to trigger the generator, but enough to make the UPS chatter a few times, and upset some household equipment.

Yes, I've read that the new mesh systems are very good. I guess I would consider that if we still have any areas with little or no wifi coverage, but I'm hoping the Synology can cover everything.

 

[pm-r]

I’m planning a new/revised home network, and would appreciate any advice/comments from experienced Mac users here.

1st. I’m looking at a Synology rt2600ac router.

It seems that you've already picked one of the best of the lot!!!

Synology Router RT2600ac
Blazing-fast Wi-Fi with up to 2.53Gbps combined wireless bandwidth to supercharge your Internet experience. RT2600ac is a powerful wireless router for homes and small offices seeking to understand, control, and secure their network. Now coming with mesh Wi-Fi technology, its coverage becomes easily expandable with additional Synology MR2200ac.

https://www.synology.com/en-global/products/RT2600ac

CNET: The best router any savvy user could ask for.

My bold...



- Patrick
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