ADSL2+ Modem-Router

Givemethemoney on 21/01/2014 - 16:21
Last edited 22/01/2014 - 15:48

Looking for a modem-router that will allow two laptops, and android phone, and an iPhone to connect at the same time on ADSL 2+, allows connection to a shared hardrive and multi-function printer (current printer is USB connected, but I'm potentially in the market for a replacement), and provides internet security and a private wireless/LAN network.

By the way I rent in an apartment on the third level of a 7 level building with about 100 apartments surrounded by other apartment buildings of similar heights (would this impact on the decision, hence requiring dual band, rather than single band wireless modem-router)?

Based on devices supplied by ISP's I am considering:

Billion 7800NXL: Wireless-N 300Mbps, 1x USB 2.0 (Allows connection of Harddrive or printer server)

Netcomm NB16WV: 300Mbps WiFi network, VOIP, 2x USB 2.0 (Allows only connection of harddrive, wireless usb or file sharing)

NETCOMM NB16WV-02: N600 Dual Band WiFi, 2x USB2.0 (Only allows connection of Harddrive and file sharing),

TP-Link TD W8980: Simultaneous 2.4GHz 300Mbps & 5GHz 300Mbps = 600Mbps, 2 USB 2.0 (Allows connection of USB Print Server & Harddrive)

Location Stats:

Line of Sight: 998 m
Estimated Cable: 1597 m
Estimated Attenuation: 23
Estimated Maximum Speed: 16666

Fixed Service details
Exchange: HORNSBY DA133 (Covers 24.0 square kilometers) (Zone: 1)
ABG applications for this post code: 1
Line of Sight: 1007m

Current Providers
Provider Status Estimate Available Now
Agile (Internode) Active Yes
TPG Active Yes
Chime (Iinet) Active Yes
Telstra ADSL1 Active Yes
Optus Active Yes
Netspace Unannounced No
Primus Active Yes
Telstra ADSL2+ Active Yes

Closest Heatspot: 15001+ kb

Computing

Comments

  • battler on 21/01/2014 - 16:56

    further clarification required:
    Is your printer wireless, or requires USB?
    Is the Hard Drive USB, or via NAS?

    • Givemethemoney on 22/01/2014 - 15:32

      I have updated my details, and my harddrives all use USB, what is NAS?

      • battler on 23/01/2014 - 16:29

        NAS is network attached storage, ie. hard disk attached to router by network cable (can be wireless too).

        Your research has shown that most routers allow only 1 USB device, so (unless you go TPlink) something has to give.
        Wireless printer could be the option, leaving hard disk connected by USB. Check that the routers can handle hard disks formatted NTFS and aren't only suited to FAT formatted USB sticks.

  • bob_wangkar on 21/01/2014 - 17:14
    +1

    I have the 604N. Horrible stuff - plenty of disconnects. Would of bought a Billion after reading everything online for a stable connection.

    • Givemethemoney on 22/01/2014 - 15:31

      Thanks Bob_wangkar, I have eliminated it from the selection

  • tonester on 23/01/2014 - 14:46

    can't usually go wrong with either billion or tp-link

    tp-link generally known to be good value, though don't know much about new lantiq chipset as opposed to trendchip

    billion's broadcom chipset is tried-and-true

    dual band is probably better in an apartment block

    check whirlpool :)

  • Antecedence on 23/01/2014 - 16:57

    My TPlink recently packed up after only a year of using it.

    I have replaced it with a Billion 7800NXL and wish I had got this in the first place.

    Excellent hardware & software! I could not rate this high enough as the one to get from your list of choices!

    • Givemethemoney on 23/01/2014 - 17:08

      My only concerns with the Billion 7800NXL are that it's single band, and only has 1 USB port.

      • emoticon on 23/01/2014 - 20:41

        Billion have newer/updated dual band versions of the 7800

        7800DX
        7800DXL
        7800VDPX
        7800VDOX

        you'd probably want the DXL as it's the direct successor to the NXL

        They're listed on the billion site and there are plenty of discussions on them on whirlpool

        • Givemethemoney on 25/01/2014 - 16:17

          According to staticice they cost almost double that of the ones I have been looking at

  • [Deactivated] on 28/01/2014 - 01:22

    Have you thought about a Netgear DGN3700? It has dual-band wireless and has 2 USB ports for printer & USB HDD.
    http://www.netgear.com/home/products/networking/dsl-modems-r…
    A quick look on eBay shows them to be between $100-130. I wouldn't mind one, the only thing you might want to check is for removable antennas if you don't get much reception.

    • [Deactivated] on 28/01/2014 - 14:20

      I am also using a Netgear DGN3700, which seems like it would meet all your needs.

      I live in a highrise building surrounded by 100+ other apartments and used to have tonnes of issues in the 2.4Ghz range. HD Video Streaming is now much smoother when using 5ghz wireless N then my previous routers (2.5Ghz).

      Wifi Analyzer is a great Anroid app for working out where the congestion is and staying away from those channels. Probably similar avaiable on PC and Apple devices.
      https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.farproc.wi…

    • Givemethemoney on 28/01/2014 - 17:40

      Thanks Voolish, I'll inquire on whirlpool as to how it compares to Billion 7800NXL, TP-Link TD-W8980, TP-Link TL-WDR4300, and Netgear DGND4000

  • Geekomatic on 30/01/2014 - 10:12

    Another fan/owner of the Netgear DGND3700 (modem/router combo).

    In fact, I helped a business set-up with one of these & they are very happy—> they have about 8 PC/laptops, 2 wireless printer/scanners + an external HDD plugged in so work can be accessed from their home via FTP/Filezilla.

    At my home, I have a Linksys Media hub, AVR w/netradio, PS3, & 8 port switch attached for a wired desktop + others I hook in when needed. The wireless serves 3 other PC's (kids) & mobiles. My PC has Plex installed for video/music streaming. The 3700 does it all brilliantly.

    Imho- a good choice for fairly low price.

    • Givemethemoney on 01/02/2014 - 14:27

      I have heard from a few people on Whirlpool that Netgear should be avoided due to their lackluster after-sales support and poor quality control (due to their version 1 & 2s on most models).

    • Peace Maker on 05/02/2014 - 21:08

      The DGND4000 goes for around $140 now. Is that superior to the DGND3700?

  • aim54x on 01/02/2014 - 17:59

    Not on the list but I'm using a Netgear D6300… in a bad neighbour and have set it to use a fat channel (double channel width) setup. This let's me connect everything ( 2xlaptop, 1x tablet, 2-4xandroid phones, WiFi connected desktop, NAS, USB HDD and my gaming rig) and still have a spare USB and two spare LAN ports).

    The wireless AC works really well with the WiFi desktop (A6200 adapter). I don't have wifi issues despite the dozen or so WiFi networks I can detect. I can game over WiFi (wireless N) and in my desktop rig at the same time whilst streaming video via WiFi. Helps to have dual band to split up the load

  • LYRICALRAVER on 01/02/2014 - 19:20

    Hi just did a bit of 'research' on wireless modem routers - it would seem that there are major price differences and 'cashbacks' that are not shown on different websites. it's all marketing gimmicks and if you don't do your research properly, you could get ripped off anywhere from $50 upwards differences.

    e.g. JBhifi didn't tell people on their site there's infact a $50 cashback offer for their D=Link modem 2780 something model which some people are saying it drops signals easily, even though it's one of the 'top-of-the-range' models from D-Link right now.

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