Time to replace my Verizon Actiontec router?

Mansplainer

I have a rather old Actiontec M1424WR Rev. 1 router. It is producing speeds , when tested on Hoopla, of about 80up and 80 down.

Has the time come to replace this and with what?

I use bridge mode to connect it to a Synology RT 2600ac router which provides me with a decently strong wi-fi signal throughout my 3-floor townhouse. I.e., when streaming TV shows on a TV three floors away from the Synology, films never buffer. I am just afraid that I be missing out. FOMO syndrome, I guess

Would welcome input from more experienced hands.

smith6612

If you don't have Fios TV service, you can simply retire the ActionTec router and use your Synology router as the primary router. The only requirement is that your ONT uses Ethernet to supply the Internet connection, rather than MoCA. Your ActionTec can show you how the Internet connection is being delivered using the front status light indicators. Coax WAN and Ethernet WAN lights are located closest to the power light.

If you need to switch the ONT to Ethernet, I would recommend running a CAT5e or CAT6 cable first. They're cheap to obtain if you want to do it yourself. Afterwards, call Verizon and ask them to switch your ONT to using Ethernet. Once switched, your Synology should just work by plugging it into the ONT.

If Verizon's phone support gives you a hard time with the switch to Ethernet, another avenue you can take is to upgrade your service to 300Mbps, if you're on the 100Mbps or less package. This may also reduce your monthly bill, as it did for my relatives who were on 100Mbps and Coax. As long as your ONT is new enough, you can request a self install, and they will turn on the higher speed and the ONT's Ethernet port in one swing.

With that said, the ActionTec MI424WR is capable of routing at Gigabit speeds, it just has woefully outdated Wi-Fi hardware for today's standards, and is no longer supported by Verizon. I'd guess the 80Mbps/80Mbps limit is with your speed package. Keep in mind that any speed above 100Mbps will require Ethernet, so consider what I mentioned earlier about Coax being used between your ONT and router for the Internet handoff.