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[WhiteLighter]

I've been searching the net with the line "DIR-645 vs DIR-850L" hoping to find something to compare with but no luck, yet.  I guess thats my question, I've had this router DIR-645 for about 2 years now I think and I have no complaints.  With this new 802.11ac stuff coming out, would it be a good idea to upgrade to the DIR-850L, I can get it through Dell for $89.  Seems to look like the DIR-645, has the same gigabit ports and smartbeam.  Oh yes, the dual band thing, I suppose that is a good thing but will any of my devices utilize it.  So yes or no? get the DIR-850L or stay with the DIR-645.  I think my nexus 5 is the only wireless device I am using right now that would even use the 5GHz band. 

[FurryNutz]

Well it kind of depends on your network needs and support of your client HW. If you only have one device that supports AC or 5Ghz modes then maybe beneficial, however it may not be if you don't use these new features a lot. However having a dual band router helps future proof you some so if you do get AC or 5Ghz supporting devices later on down the road, then you'll be ready.

If the router works then one option is to just keep it. If you find a new router for cheap then thats good too. Another option is if the 645 works well, you could keep it and add on a 5Ghz or AC supporting D-Link model DAP and use it as your primary Wifi source while still using the 645 as your main host router. However these can be more costly then a router. $89 is good for the 850L. Check places like NewEgg, Amazon or Tiger Direct for price comparison before buying.

Wireless Router Buying Guide

Let us know what you decide to go with...

[WhiteLighter]

Thanks FurryNutz for the information.  I think for the time being I'll stay with the DIR-645.  Considering I currently only have 1 device that would benefit from the dual band and no AC devices (as of yet).  I also forgot to mention I have another wireless G router connected to one of the DIR-645's LAN ports with the DHCP off to extend the wifi to the other side of the house/back yard.  I have the DIR-645 set as N only which helps with the speeds of all the N devices in the home and then the G for all the older devices that don't support N.  Even with all the devices in the home I haven't seen any problems.  yet.  3 smartphones, 1 tablet, 2 wireless laptops, 1 wireless desktop, 1 wireless smartTV and then the rest are connected directly to the LAN ports.  I get 55 megabits/sec download from my ISP so technically speaking, I'm not even utilizing the maximum N speeds anyways.  <---I think I'm correct in this assumption? 

[FurryNutz]

Depends on what you are doing on WiFi and wired. Different applications, operations and streaming does different things and uses different connections and bandwidth. If all is working well for you now. You'll be ok for now then.