or is it better to get a basic modem and then a good router?
I just don't like getting 2 devices when I can get it all in one :/
What's a cheap, basic, but reliable ADSL Wireless Modem/Router?
Riczter on 27/05/2013 - 14:46
Last edited 27/05/2013 - 15:45
Last edited 27/05/2013 - 15:45
Comments
yes sorry, wireless modem router.. updated title
When you get a Modem/router, I'd suggest you get one the is future proof so that it will work with any NBN install. The NBN doesn't require a Modem. Also to work with the NBN it also needs a WAN or Cable port(these ports function much the same)that is not used for with ADSL2+. Some of the modem/routers can be bridged to work as one like a switch as an extension so your hardware can find each other through your LAN (Local Area Network.
don't disagree with this idea of future proofing, but you mention only NBN. If one holds the router for that long they should also future proof against other features, such as dual band, wireless AC, etc, and then you are getting into some higher prices.
Could be worth getting a simpler all in one for now, eg TP-Link $60, then figure out what else is require down the track.
I wanted reliability most, I got a billion 8700NL, can be had for around 100
Its the most reliable modem/router I have ever had, would have had it at least 12 months, it would be lucky to have been rebooted more than 3 times.I got a Billion 7800N, great modem/router, but keeps disconnecting on me. I'm trying to diagnose if its the router, my computer, or telstra. Telstra is saying its not them. I thought it was utorrent, because it happened the most when I was downloading, but its also disconnected, just for a second or two, while browsing the net, and streaming radio. The DSL light stays on, but the Internet light goes off for a couple of seconds and cant view any webpages… So I need a cheapie to swap in to see if the Billion is at fault or not.
If it is, then I'll be looking for something awesome. No point in skimping on a router :P
in that case, ebay or gumtree.
Have you tried plugging the router into a different power socket?
I noticed that my router (7300n) drops out very often when I connected it to a powerboard that's also feeding power to an electric fan. I disconnected the floor fan and the it improved the stability by a great deal.
I would try the isolation test in tandem with what I call the 'power socket test' (plugging your router into different sockets, using different power-boards and see if it stabilizes).
Thats wierd. It is running off a cheap powerboard off a good powerboard. But It always has been without problems so you wouldnt think it would be that.. But I'll give it a try.
Yes, try not to use a powerboard while testing — plug directly into wall socket. See if that works.
Ok, I'm trying an isolation test now, in tandom with the 'scrimshaw power socket test' ;) also trying a different filter/splitter, and ethernet cable. See how we go…
Damn still dropping out… :(
what firmware are you on?
We've had ours for just about a year now. No problems at all
Just upgraded to h
ok, see how that goes. I think the guys who program billion routers are on whirlpool (also have beta firmwares)
Yeah, still dropping out with the latest official firmware. I'm thinking the best way to prove if its the modem router or not is to try a different modem router and see if the problem still occurs. Once I can confirm its the billion at fault, I can contact Billion for a replacement under warranty.
I have a Billion 7800VDPX modem router and it started having Wireless issues after the latest firmware update. Billion says the device is faulty and I should return it to them. For me, if was working fine, till the time I did the firmware upgrade.
Just read the whirlpool forum before doing the firmware upgrade
I JUST took mine in to PLE for replacement today. The 7800N is a solid unit till it's firmware sh1ts itself. I've never had your issues man. Try updating your firmware. I would say mine has had almost a petabyte transfer through it. I got told they are EOL today so my replacement will quite possibly be the next closest unit which is the 7800NXL. I would take yours back and explain their are issues and that you think it is firmware related from what you have googled and they will most likely return to Billion and swap you out. Billion treat their customers pretty decently in my experience.
Cheers I'll figure out how to do a firmware update and see if that helps. I would take it back, but I was stupid enough to buy it from Shopping Square, so I'd rather gouge my eye out with a rusty fork than deal with their customer support. But I may be able to return it directly to Billion. They have 2 year warranty on most stuff right? Its 16 months old that's all.
Yeah dude 2 years for the 7800N anyway. Definitely give it a go!
Just putting in my 2 cents because the solution to my similar problem was quite a ways from what I was expecting.
My modem/router also kept disconnecting and it was a known good router. I purchased another new router (different manufacturer different specs) and it still had intermittent drops.
I had my ISP come out and check my lines and the contractor that came, plugged a few things on his console and said all was good (Glad I wasn't charged for it, because apparently if no fault is registered, I should have been).
After a few months of no improvement, I had the ISP send out another contractor… This one was quite brusque and no-nonsense but I got the impression that he REALLY knew his stuff. He plugged his console and checked with the exchange and it said I had decent connectivity.
For all intents and purposes he could have packed up and said too bad, there's nothing wrong and left. But no. I explained to him my situation and he sighed and had a peek up the ceiling where the sparky connected the phone line. He saw the low-end quality of the wiring and reckoned that that was what was causing the intermittent problems I was having. He advised having the wiring looked at and bade me good bye and ALSO didn't charge me. Bless him.
Since I was grasping at straws, I had the in-spec but low quality wiring replaced…. Holy crap!!! Rock solid after that!!
We are in an old house that was pretty dodgily wired up.. The wiring could indeed be the problem… If it is though I probably won't bother getting it replaced coz we are moving out next year.. Cheers for the tip though.
I would say then you could out the modem you have into bridge mode and get a cheapish router like
http://msy.com.au/product.jsp?productId=9950
or http://msy.com.au/product.jsp?productId=10628 would give you gigabit ports for a wired server or desktop
or if you want a little more performance
http://www.umart.com.au/newindex28.phtml?id=10&bid=7&sid=844… gives you gigabit ports and dual band 5/2.4GHz networks (a network on each band at the same time, like 2 routers in one)A while back i managed to pick up a Edimax BR-6475ND for $35pp but sadly that deal didnt last long
If the problem does lie within the Billion though, wouldn't the problem still occur if it was in bridge mode attached to another router?
if the ADSL light is on then it is syncing properly and there is a REALLY good chance that if that is all you ask it to do it should be ok. when you put it in brighe mode all you are asking it to do is connect to the adsl and then pass everything (negotiating the username/password etc) to the other router. I have done the opposite atm lol, my modem stopped syncing so i am using it as an extra access point lol
Also - If i am wrong the worst thign that happens is you need a $25 modem
It is worththe gamble if having gigbait ethernet or dual band matters to you (either way you are ahead if you want those, it is cheaper to buy both than an all in one),
but if you want really basic then http://www.umart.com.au/newindex28.phtml?id=10&bid=2&sid=106… or even http://staticice.com.au/cgi-bin/redirect.cgi?name=UMart%20On… will do for under $40 with branches in east coast capitals
Cool, well I'm getting that cheap $9 router from ozbargain last week, so I'll try and see if that works with my billion in bridge mode.
If it does work like that, does that mean that the billion is faulty and I have grounds to get it replaced, or does it mean something else?
yeah - if it works like that the billion is faulty for sure. you shouldnt be losing ppp if you arent losing sync. can you pastebin a modem log (remove ip addresses etc) for us to have a looksee?
how do i find the modem log? networking is not my area of expertise.
generally in the system menu - i am not billion person i am a pensioner person lol
Haha I'm sure google will help me out. If I get some time I'll take a look tomorrow after work.
Login to Billion by going to
http://192.168.1.254/index.asp
then on the left hand side, hit STATUS and it should expand it's menu to show things like
ADSL Status
ARP Table
DHCP Table
System Log
Firewall Log
UPnP PortmapThese 2 items I've just bolded are of particular interest. ADSL status tells you what your line is like (how noisy the line is, your sync speeds, SNR ratios) You can post this information into whirlpool forums and get perhaps one of their Telstra representatives to help you trouble shoot the issue.
System log gives you a lot of technical info on what is happening. I'm not sure what really goes on in there as it's too technical for me :S but you can use it to pinpoint when exactly the ADSL connection went down since everything is logged with a timestamp and date.
Cheers man. Though I'm thinking I should have taken some copies of that BEFORE I just updated the firmware and restored it to factory settings, coz I'm guessing all of the logs will have been wiped now? … With any luck the firmware update will fix the problem, but I'm not holding my breath..
Nope, still dropping out.
Here's the pastebin. http://pastebin.com/yNnTV96Z At the start the time isnt set, because I had just factory reset the router after a firmware update. Midway down it gains the connection and sets the correct time. Theres a dropout 3/4 of the way down, and a second dropout right at the end.
May 27 23:41:06 daemon pppd[1893]: LCP terminated by peer
Unless I am WAY off - you are being disconnected on the other end, by your ISP :S
(that said - i am no uber expert - its normally something that you would see during login if you got your username/password wrong and they refused to connect, not after 15mins.)Gonna have to get onto telstra then. :( Pretty sure that's in my top 10 least favourite things to do. Did you say there are telstra reps on whirlpool? How do I contact them for advice?
Are you using a business plan or personal?
If business, i set up this guide here: http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/1870695
Just personal.
Usually set up is pretty straight forward as long as you know your telstra username and password, but looks like a handy guide nonetheless.
I have a Netgear ADSL wireless router gathering dust you can have it if you want. I live in north west suburbs of Sydney if you want to pick up. It works fine we changed to cable.
Cheers for the generousity man, but I'm in WA so prob not worth the shipping cost. I'm sure someone else will hit you up for it though :)
Where in WA? South of the river?
Yep. Live in Wattleup, work in Armadale.
Secret Harbour for me. If I get my replacement back from Billion before I move to Karratha you can have my backup Billion modem.
Cool that's awesome man cheers. How soon are you expecting it back, and when do you move? I'll PM you my contact details.
:)
Billion BiPac 7700N R2 4 Port Wireless N Modem Router
http://www.ple.com.au/ViewItem.aspx?InventoryItemID=608507
http://www.cplonline.com.au/networking/modem-modem-routers/b…
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Billion-BiPAC-7700N-R2-Wireless-N…
http://www.globalgroup.com.au/gloshop/customer/product.php?p…I have a brand new in box. just used for 10 minutes and then box it again. Used it as a spare modem, seems to be unnecessary now.
I can sell it to you for $45.00
Hmm, thanks for the offer, I'd rather get one from my local PLE up the road, so I can return it if it screws up :) thanks though.
Still selling? I want a spare modem to check my connection which's been acting weird for sometime now.
thanks
Cheap and reliable: TP-link, or even cheaper Edimax (if you can find one). Otherwise Billion has also diversified into cheaper models. The fact is at the moment you are talking about a mature technology, so you could probably buy anything and it would be reliable. Except D-link, never buy D-link (unless it's really cheap, or they are paying you to take one like in the previous cash back offer.
Cool thanks for the brand info. But I dunno about it being a mature technology ;) If it was, surely they wouldn't stuff up so often and so inexplicably hahaha
I think TPLink is good and cheap for what you want,
TL-WR1043ND only under $60
has all the specs you want
I had your exact problem (torrents disconnecting) and I was with Telstra (in Sydney though). I got a new router and it worked. Sorry I don't know anything about the tech side or can recommend anything, but you're not the only one with that issue.
Yeah mine is worse while torrenting, but it also happens after half an hour of streaming radio, and rarely but occasionally just while web browsing.
I'm thinking I'm going to have to try a new router. I've opened a case with telstra, we'll see what they propose and see how long I can put up with them telling me to make sure all the cords are connected properly… -.-
Same experience here. Streaming was bad too, but not as bad as torrents.
Interestingly gaming wasn't affected (which is 'streaming' data like torrents/streaming stuff)
Does torrenting shorten the life of your router?? That's a good question for google.
heat does. Many routers can't handle hundreds of connections at once, and generate lag spikes, dropped connections and heat.
If you're worried, buy a seedbox
I see. A seedbox is a novel idea. Any recommendations. And are there any consumer modem routers out there that are built and designed for the strenuous demands of torrenting?
dropped you a pm. As for the routers, i've had got experience with my 7800n, otherwise not sure.
Any router with a big enough NAT table size. I hear Fritz! is what people are going for if they want something rock solid (and can spare the cash for it — these routers are expensive).
Does anyone advertise their nat table size? i would assume just ram would be the factor here
You could always buy just a modem and connect it to your desktop. Then install a wireless card into your desktop and use the desktop as the router by sharing your internet connection across WiFi.
Caution though I've tried this before and no matter how I configured it one of my devices either android phone, iphone, ps3 or wii would not connect while the other devices would work fine. Some of the ways to share your internet connection are through windows network wizard through the Asus application that comes with Asus wifi cards or through open source applications. Like I said though it was a hassle to set up.
Our household has very heavy data usage. The ADSL line is constantly maxed out and we're constantly transferring media to and from our NAS. On top of that, we game online which requires low response times.
After going through 4 or 5 modems & routers, all encountering some issue or the other, I've finally settled on the Billion 7800VDPX after seeing countless top ratings on tech sites. Have been very happy.
Hope that helps!
I have a netcomm nb9wmaxxtlan that you can have for $20, it supports adsl2, its a router, and it has wireless and it supports voip.
I just had a good idea. I can nick (ahem, borrow) the telstra ADSL modem router from my work over the weekend and put that in to see where the problem lies. Can't believe I didn't think of that earlier :)
Well here's my anecdotal experience. The reliability tends to be proportional to price.. I've tried cheap chinese branded ones to the more pervasive western branded ones you find in jb-hifi (yes, they're all made in china, but presumably the QC varies). The cheaper ones tend to be less stable and crap out sooner. The branded ones tend to last longer and also have firmware upgrades/fixes more readily available.
So in the end you pay for your reliability. My wifi-routers are on 24/7. The worst one I've had was Tenda. Didn't work out the box, but fortunately it had a firmware patch. It was tricky to patch an internet appliance when you need to download the patch from the internet :) and it crapped out after 6 months of always on..
Netcomm NB604N Modem/Router I can recommend - recommended entry level device from Internode, released last year.
They have it for $119. MSY have it for $83 - pricematched at OW for ~$78.
Had it for 7 months and never needed to touch it, flawless performance. I've now moved to NBN so have had to buy a wireless gigabit router (Netcomm NF2) as it didn't have WAN port but would happily continue to use if on ADSL2+.
Update: We'll I've just confirmed its not my faithful billion modem router at fault. I pulled a Telstra 2wire modem router from work, brought it home, reset it, configured it, got it going and its doing the EXACT same thing :) time to rip into telstra :)
I think I've fixed it! You guys are gonna laugh, it was my fault not telstras.
Several months ago I gave some friends of mine my old bigpond modem, but I didn't think to reset it, and they weren't tech savvy so they just plugged it in and started using it.
They have been having the same disconnection problems as me, so I went over there today to check out their modem, went into the settings and nearly fell over. It still had my telstra account details in the modem! It was connecting to my account!
They were laughing coz they were saying how they couldn't work out why their usage wasn't going up. I was crying coz I've been going over my limit the last few months and getting my speeds slowed :( Not 100% sure that's how it works but either way I changed it to their account and now my home internet seems to be much more stable :)
if you are with tpg, try find modem with broadcom chipset
Why does it need to have the broadcom chipset, and how do you find out which modem-routers have that particular chipset?
The Broadcomm chipset is apparently better suited to lower signal strength ADSL connections. ie. longer distances from the local exchange. See this Whirlpool discussion, "ADSL line sync and modem choice": http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=1954308
Have you had a look at either Billion 7800NXL or TP-Link TD-W8980
do you only want a modem/router, or do you want wireless in it too? (your phrasing leads me to guess you want wireless?)