Hello Nancy,
I am a total amateur and, thanks to the guidance from people here, I got brave and bought my own router. It is Archer C7 AC 1750.
If you're considering an Archer, perhaps this amateur perspective data will help:
Set up was very easy, although I skipped the fancy features, such as remote access.
It is a nice unit with very good coverage from the basement in this 100 + year old house, constructed similarly to what you & Nick described. I did have to experiment around with antenna positions until signal was good everywhere we wanted it. (The antennae come off so you can use extension cables, but I learned here that there are trade-offs in doing that.)
I also learned here, that higher is better for signal coverage-
Signal is not so great in the back yard, but it has to go up one floor and pass through a metal-lath-and-plaster wall, so that's understandable. Experimenting with the unit on the second floor gave great coverage to the yard- as well as far down the street. I believe that is because the signal is going down instead of up.
Extra Security, as Ashwin mentioned-
It has (2) 5GHz networks & (2) 2.4 GHz guest networks. I put the less secure items (television & treadmill) on the guest network. The 2.4 networks can not access the 5 GHz networks or items unless you specifically allow it. They all can have separate passwords, too.
While trying to figure out some of the fancy (optional) features, I did contact technical support twice. They were prompt, helpful and accurate- so that's a good sign.
It's been 11 months of ownership and I have had no glitches. I do have it set to automatically re-boot itself once per day to clear the cache. I'm sure that helps eliminate problems.
I would imagine you will be pleased with an Archer unit and if you have trouble with set up I know the people here will help out- they always are generous with advice and education.
I hope my "Amateur's Perspective" is helpful to yoy with making a decision.
Enjoy This Day!
Paul