There are better reviews on the single unit, not sure why they aren't linked to the two pack.

https://www.amazon.com/Portal-wifi-router-technology-affordable/dp/B01JQROZZS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1490724170&sr=8-1&keywords=portal+wifi

Thanks Shifter. I must admit to being torn. What i am really hoping to avoid is resetting all of the connected devices to my wifi if i end up having to set up a new unit. The Amplifi folks suggested that i can keep my current addresses and their unit works off my current router. Maybe Portal does the same

Mesh networks in the home is probably the solution you're looking for. See:

https://eero.com/
AirTies Wireless Networks
https://store.google.com/product/google_wifi
Velop Whole-Home Mesh Wi-Fi
...

When I set it up, I used the ssid and password that I was using for my old router.

With the portal, some devices just connected, others I had to just retype my password. So far, I am very happy with it.

seems like the Amplifi that i have been looking at is the same as this group.
www.amplifi.com

Thank you Shifter. With my current Ubee modem i figured out how to use both channels, the 2.5 and 5, and gave them different addresses. None of the set up instructions i see talk about setting two addresses for the router. and i am just ignorant enough not to really understand the issue. Maybe i just need to give up on the idea of not resetting the passwords, and buy something that really works

Is a very simple screen on the setup page. Click a button and then name the separate networks and set the passwords.

However, if you decide to broadcast one network with both bands, the connecting device will decide what band to use.

https://support.portalwifi.com/hc/en-us/articles/236025507-Should-I-use-unified-network-name-or-SSID-

I'd recommend determining what standard a, b, g, n, or ac all current devices use and restrict access to the 5 MHz radio to n and ac devices exclusively.

Wifi works at the speed of the slowest connected device.

It's unlikely things like sprinkler controls and detectors use faster standards since they are not transmitting much data. No justification for the cost.

Also most residential cable was set up on 2.4 radios. While dual band modems are becoming more common 5 MHz is still less congested and the channel spreads are larger meaning less likely to get interference / congestion from neighbors.

Thanks for the info in this thread. I had SSID's for 2.4 and 5 set up the same. Changed the name of the 5 last night, connected only the newest devices to it, and noticed a huge pickup in speed.

thank you to all of you guys who took the time to try to learn me on this stuff. After consideration, think i will go with the EERO system. Again, much appreciate the thought and thoughtfulness in the replies.