What ADSL modem router to buy?

Noblejoker on 10/07/2014 - 10:11

My bro needs an adsl2+ modem router to replace a Telstra issued one that is 3+ yrs old
He is experiencing drop outs of the wifi around his house
Modem wasn't recommended for adsl2 (issued when we had 1) but has worked ok
Not sure what has changed but may be getting interference etc now

So any recommendations please?
His needs are basic - doesn't need voip, usb sharing ports etc - but will take that if included
Most important is robust wifi singla performance around his standard brick veneer single storey house
have seen the following by way of example, am thinking Billion may be the go:
Billion7700n
TP Link w8968
TP Link w8960n

Computing

Comments

  • IIGnomeII on 10/07/2014 - 10:14
    +2

    I use a Billion 7800NL and have not had any issues with it for the past few year (touch wood)

    The Netgear and dlink units I had in the past lasted about a year if I was lucky.

    So I vote the Billion only because they seem to be better built and there is a fairly regular firmware update cycle on them to boot.

    • solidice on 10/07/2014 - 12:10

      Netgear and D-Link products are pretty reliable and offer good warranty support. I am not sure what you were doing to them that they didn't 'last' as there isn't anything in them to specifically wear out.

      • IIGnomeII on 10/07/2014 - 14:09

        Nothing out of the ordinary but they were on 24/7 in an open air environment with good airflow.
        Just my experience with them and the same with some family and friends, those still on ADSL got Billions instead and they have been solid for over 2 years.

  • ESEMCE on 10/07/2014 - 11:00
    +6

    Work out what the problem is first..
    Walk around the house running a WiFi Analyser app to see what channels your neighbors networks are broadcasting on.
    If interference is the problem, you can potentially just change the WiFi Channel on your current modem and solve your problems without spending a cent!
    If the neighborhood is simply flooded with WiFi in the 2.4MHz range, then you could look at the Dual Band routers (provided you own Dual band capable devices).
    Also try moving the modem to a more central location in the house (if possible) and/or elevating it (ie above head height). You'll get better signal when it's not having to shoot WiFi through other objects.

    • Zum on 10/07/2014 - 11:59
      +2

      +1 Good advice.

      I use a free Android App called Wifi Analyzer (as above??).

      There is a page in the app that recommends a channel.

      I also recommend not selecting "Auto" for the WiFi channel selection. If you and a neighbour both have Auto selected it can cause a storm of channel changes. Also in my experience Auto wifi channel selection plays havoc with streaming.

      Also, may be worth mentioning that any other devices that use the 2.4GHz band such as older wireless home phones, baby monitors, wireless door bells etc. may cause interference and they don't show up in the WiFi Analyzer app.

      I use a TP-LINK TD-W8960N, no complaints, nothing special. Cheap.

      • ESEMCE on 10/07/2014 - 12:50

        (as above??).

        Yup.. it's been a mainstay app of mine since my first smartphone back in 2009

  • solidice on 10/07/2014 - 12:07
    +2

    I would try and identify what the problem actually is before just purchasing new hardware.

    If you do end up wanting to go down the route of purchasing new hardware. I would recommend FRITZbox. They are very good quality products both in terms of their hardware and software. Made in Germany, 5 year warranty, great Android/IOS apps for management. When choosing an ADSL router you want something reliable but at the same time you want something whereby the manufacturer rolls out updates to address security issues in a timely manner. There are too many occurrences where an issue is identified and it takes the company up to 6 months to release a firmware update to address the security risk.

    • pax on 10/07/2014 - 13:02
      +1

      I also have a fritz box, but their Wifi has been known not to be the best.

      If Wifi range/stability is a top of the list feature, then using Wifi Analyzer to sort out issues might be step 1 in ensuring if you replace the device with one which has "better" Wifi, it will fix the problems.

      I also recommend asking/researching on the whirlpool forums where a larger group of people, with more technical minds could help you find a technical solution to specific issues (like Wifi drops out/reduces when the microwave between you and the router is running).

      Pax

  • frondono on 10/07/2014 - 14:03

    ive got the tp link 8960n. no issues at all over the past three years. strong enough wifi for about 10 connected devices

  • Roney on 11/07/2014 - 12:33
    +1

    3 of us friends bought different models of Belkin ADSL2+ modem-routers within a year of each other. All of the units failed just over 1 year. Will not look at the brand again ever!

  • Dennis3003 on 14/07/2014 - 16:36

    Have a look at a TPLink TDW8980. No issues and easy to setup and a easy to navigate UI.

  • saneo on 21/07/2014 - 13:57
    +1

    Everyone's experience with the TPLink TDW8980 sounds great. I've had some pretty rotten lock - constant drop outs and that is with the second unit that they replaced. Maybe third times the charm?

    • Dennis3003 on 21/07/2014 - 17:17

      Yea it's great. Cant really complain about, fast and reliable… So far…

  • GLO on 23/08/2014 - 23:27
    +1

    Id also vote for the billion,

    However, if its wifi issues that have come with time, try replacing the power supply. Over time power supplies drop their rating and the impact is flakey wifi whilst the rest of.the modem runs fine.

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