The Synology 6600AX I have does support external storage and Time Machine, although I have not used this feature. It has a single 5Gbps USB-A port, so it won’t be fast.
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Interesting…whenever we end up upgrading I will take a look at them as well.
They (Netgear) issued a firmware update in 2022 or late 2021 that basically bricked the ability to login to the web interface and configure the things. They still work fine…but neither the web interface or the app will connect to them for configuration.
This is well documented on their website…and according to them the only solution is to factory reset and re setup the things…and according to the forum there it is only sometimes successful. Resetting the router to factory default won’t affect the currently installed firmware so there explanation is somewhat suspect. Too bad…because otherwise it’s a pretty decent system.
Well, I’m not sure why that never affected me, since I’ve been using Orbi mesh routers since 2018, and I’ve never had any problem configuring via either the web interface or the mobile app. It sounds like you’ve already decided to get a different router, but you’ll have to set that up fresh anyway, so I’m not sure why you don’t try resetting your existing Orbi first.
As always, you won’t find too many people who haven’t had problems posting on forums, so I wouldn’t judge how prevalent or persistent the problem is amongst the general population by what you see at support. Before I got my current WiFi 6 router last year I did research on various tech sites and places like Consumer Reports and Wirecutter, and your post is the first I’ve heard of the firmware issue with Orbis, which again didn’t affect either of my Orbi mesh routers.
Our Orbi mesh works fine, but configuration was hit and miss in terms of access.
Very happy with the speeds which closely match our wired Macs.
I’ve personally not got nothing hints that and will likely pick a good week and try. The problem is that the ‘fix’ doesn’t always work…and if it doesn’t then we have no internet or LAN until I buy something else and configure it…and bride-unit won’t like that. I could order a replacement just in case and send it back if not needed…but I don’t like to take advantage of the vendor (Amazon most likely) like that. If/when I do try the reset…I have an old TP Link I will configure ahead of time and power down so that I can get back online for bride-unit quickly because happy wife, happy life ya know.
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I’ve been using a Synology WiFi router for a couple of years. I’m no expert but it seems like a solid piece of hardware with a robust user interface. Synology does update their router software (including spam detection, etc.) on a regular basis. You can do far more with the device than I need or am really comfortable configuring. It was recommended to me by a networking guy on one of the Apple forums a while back.
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I was going to offer to help until you started saying “bride-unit”.
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It’s time to replace your old router by Kim Komando
Jan 14, 2025
A French company. Thomson >Technicolor > now Vantiva
see here: Vantiva - Wikipedia
Their routers are AFAIK not sold in the US, but see here for their UK routers:
https://www.mythomson.com/uk_en/network-devices
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I replaced my last-generation AirPort Extreme with a Synology router. It certainly doesn’t skimp on features, including the ability to set up separate wireless networks with separate SSIDs, limit how much bandwidth a network or device can hog, and otherwise manipulate what can connect to where. A good option if you must use some connected devices that you don’t exactly trust.
I also like that the Synology can be fully locally-administered, with no vendor account or cloud connectivity needed. The desktop UI is a full-blown desktop environment, complete with a task-dock and multiple, windowed apps, in your browser. It’s quite something. It could certainly be overwhelming, and it’s nothing at all like the old AirPort Utility. Certainly not a typical router admin page that looks like something out of 2002.
All of Synology’s routers can, I believe, be connected to other Synology routers to form a full-fledged mesh network. Though that will likely cost more than buying a purpose-built set of mesh nodes from another vendor.
My US ISP provided me with a Thomson router. I haven’t used it, so I have no opinion of it, and if I did, said opinion would probably be (Techni)colored by the custom firmware the ISP loaded on it.
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Are there other routers that are perhaps more basic and simple to administer (think AirPort Utility), but do not require a phone app or vendor account or any other such shenanigans?
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After 52 years together and 48 married…I’m still very, very happy to call her my bride.
As the aged knight in the Indiana Jones movie said…I chose…wisely. 
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It would be wonderful – but unlikely – if Apple would reenter this market.
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I can do all the administration for my Asus Zen mesh via a web browser that interfaces to the router, not the vendor. They also have a mobile app that communicates directly with the router. I can’t remember whether I needed to use the app for the initial setup. They have some optional apps for content screening and performance analysis that work with outside vendors.
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I STILL use Airport Extremes in my setup. I have 4 Airport Extremes scattered around the house, all with ethernet wired connection to my Cable modem. I came to this solution after years of battling. The original airports were not made to survive the development of wifi, but the Extremes have 5gig radios, which is quite satisfactory for my purposes. After flashing old Buffalo routers with Tomato and WRT, Apples airports were great. They still “just work”. They can be had for $30-$50 in on-line markets. Pulling the ethernet cables was worth it.
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There is also speculation about Apple entering the market.
https://9to5mac.com/2024/12/12/apple-reviving-its-discontinued-airport-router-has-never-looked-more-likely/
Related: I don’t recall the specific brands/models, but I have encountered routers that can be configured out-of-the-box using a web browser, even though the documentation that comes with the router seems to suggest that a phone app and an account with the manufacturer are required.
For example, many new routers include a printed “Quick Start” guide in the box that only has instructions for initial setup through a mobile app. In contrast, you’ll often find a more detailed manual on the manufacturer’s website that includes instructions for configuring a new router via a web interface. Always check the full documentation before assuming you need to give up your privacy!
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I’m using the last Airport Extreme model that Apple produced. I bought it when Apple announced that they would no longer be making the AE. It is still working fine, but I wonder if it is still secure and safe to use. It hasn’t received any firmware updates since v. 7.9.1. Is anyone aware of any security issues with Apple’ Airports?
I have many WiFi devices connected and a few wired ones too. It may not be the fastest WiFi router out there or have all the new bells and whistles others have, but is is fast enough for my needs, faster than my internet service allows, good enough for local networking and simple to setup.
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I bought my Airport Extreme to enable full IPv6 support on Comcast Business Internet in early 2013. It is still heart of my home network. There are no published security alerts or even rumors of any. The proprietary configuration process (Airport Utility), lack of documentation, and small population - mostly home users, has removed it as a malware target. Too much effort to reach generally unproductive targets.
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