RT-AX1800S

I would definitely upgrade the router first. It is ancient and, as you've noticed, capped by its 100 Mbps Ethernet ports. Any modern WiFi 6 or better router will run circles around it. If you're generally happy with the coverage of your current router except for the speed, then this budget ASUS mode

Even FTTC should be getting you better available speeds than what you got. It's hard to imagine they're running DSL from the fiber on the curb to your home. You should get a decent router regardless of your Internet speed, for a few reasons. First, longer term firmware support. Buying a NEW WiFi 5 r

I ended up getting ASUS RT-AX1800S (It's a Taiwanese company). It was manufactured in 2025 and made in Vietnam. Works great, nice web interface and fast speeds. Met all my concerns/budget requirements.

I made sure to check and adjust everything in the Wi-Fi app to no avail. I ended up purchasing my own router (ASUS RT-AX1800s) and putting it through PPPoE passthrough mode. It fixed everything!

Yes, it's a great upgrade. WiFi 6 instead of WiFi 5. Tri-band (2.4ghz and two 5ghz bands). Much faster ports (2.5GB & 10GB, either can be used for WAN or LAN) and then 4 other gigabit LAN ports. More memory. Faster CPU. Increased security (with addition of WPA3 - clients need to support it to use it