Question 1

Can you use a range extender with this device?

Accepted Answer

It is super easy to add a Synology MR2200 (about $100 on Amazon) as an additional access point, with either a wireless or wired backhaul.  The advantage is that your mbps isn't cut in half as it is with range extenders, and you are managing the network as one mesh system.

I currently run the RT2600ac as a mesh system with two additional MR2200s as access points.  One MR2200 connected wirelessly with 350mbps connection.  The other is connected via wire to a concrete garage with 980mbps connection.

Question 2

Can this router handle plex streaming over wifi on 4 tv's at the same time?

Accepted Answer

I use it on to stream Plex and Netflix on 5 separate devices at the same time, but have combined this router with Synology's MESH network devices. Works like a charm in a 3,000 sqf house on 2 separate floors.

Question 3

Looking for a secure and inexpensive vpn as well as firewall. anyone using this for a small office group vpn? easy to self configure?

Accepted Answer

Secure, VPN, Firewall.  This device does all three but it really depends on the needs of those three topics.  Synology updates their firmwares often to mitigate security issues, you can check their updates here in their release notes: ( https://www.synology.com/en-global/releaseNote/RT2600ac#ver_7779-1 ).  This is something you don't see often with other router manufacturers.  I suggest going thru their website to see if it meets your needs.

As for "inexpensive", this is very subjective word but considering the length of time they support their products with firmware updates, and the consistency of their updates, I do believe this to be "inexpensive".

As for myself, after owning other brand name routers (D-Link, TP-Link, Asus, and Netgear), and changing every year because of problems, I'm definitely sticking with Synology.

Question 4

I have a 3800 sq ft 2-story house (1900 sq ft up and down). Will this router come with a range big enough to cover the whole house?

Accepted Answer

It may work, but that's a pretty large place. I'd really be looking at something like an Eero.  A Mesh type Wifi Network.  This is exactly what they are designed for.

There's a lot of factors that go into how good your signal will be in the place you live.   Eero and these other MESH systems generally have an app that you run on your Smartphone to help you place these things in the best locations.  Eero generally comes with 3 units.  1 is the main unit that the cable modem or DSL modem would plug into, and then the 2 remote units.  It'll have you walk around your house to figure out the best location for the other 2 units.  You don't want to use a Wifi Extender.  That's old tech and in effect cut your Wifi speed in half.   1900 sq feet for just 1 story is almost pushing it for a single router.

ASIN	B01N5MPTG1
Antenna Location	Business, Home
Antenna Type	Retractable
Best Sellers Rank	#36,955 in Computers ( See Top 100 in Computers ) #634 in Routers
Brand	Synology
Built-In Media	1 x AC power adapter, 1 x Quick Installation Guide, 1 x RJ-45 LAN cable, 4 x Antenna, 4x Antenna, 1x RJ-45 LAN Cable, 1x RT2600AC
Color	black
Compatible Devices	Laptop, Personal Computer
Connectivity Protocol	wi-fi
Connectivity Technology	802.11ac, Ethernet
Control Method	App
Controller Type	vera
Coverage	Wide coverage
Customer Reviews	4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars (3,475)
Data Transfer Rate	2.53 Gigabits Per Second
Frequency	5 GHz
Frequency Band Class	Dual-Band
Global Trade Identification Number	00846504002498, 04711174722327
Has Internet Connectivity	Yes
Has Security Updates	Yes
Is Modem Compatible	No
Item Dimensions L x W x H	28L x 16.9W x 7.7H centimeters
Item Type Name	Router
Item Weight	699 g
LAN Port Bandwidth	1000 Mbps
Manufacturer	Synology
Maximum Upstream Data Transfer Rate	797 Megabits Per Second
Mfr Part Number	RT2600ac
Model Name	RT2600ac
Model Number	RT2600ac (US)
Number of Antennas	4
Number of Ports	5
Operating System	Synology Router Manager (SRM)
Other Special Features of the Product	WPS
RAM Memory Installed	0.51 GB
Router Network Type	Wireless Router
Security Protocol	WEP, WPA/WPA2-Personal, WPA/WPA2-Enterprise, WPA2/WPA3-Personal, WPA3-Personal/Enterprise, OWE
UPC	846504002320 846504002498
Unit Count	1 Count
Voltage	120240 Volts
Warranty Description	1 year warranty
Wi-Fi Generation	Wi-Fi 5
Wireless Compability	802.11ac

Synology RT2600ac – 4x4 dual-band Gigabit Wi-Fi router, MU-MIMO, powerful parental controls, Threat Prevention, bandwidth management, VPN, expandable coverage with mesh Wi-Fi

Details

Details

Description

Specifications

Common Questions