Looking for a New Modem to Replace Billion 7800N

Findo on 14/03/2015 - 01:02

A few days ago a huge storm fried all our phones/modems/line splitters and my parents are looking for a new modem/router combo to replace our trusty Billion BiPac 7800N. Right now we are running an el cheapo D-Link DSL-2750B which none of us know is any good or not. I only know I don't get full bars of signal in the bathroom and my sister can't get more than 3 bars in her room.
I had a look online at replacement modem routers and the huge amount of new ones is staggering. Can someone please suggest a modem router that meets the following criteria and is a cost effective replacement?
- must support two printers (one is not made for wireless printing, the other has provision for such things)
- 5Ghz and 2.4Ghz transmission simultaneously
- good coverage and wall penetration

could have, but not essential:
- support for a NAS box
- NBN ready (if and when my suburb gets it, highly unlikely though)
- VoIP

Thanks guys

Find Me A Bargain

Comments

  • Sammy2000 on 14/03/2015 - 08:37

    Fritz.box 7490

  • [Deactivated] on 14/03/2015 - 09:08
    +1

    Picked up the archer D7 for $139 at MSY after reading recommendations from ozbargainers and whirlpoolers. Really strong connection and my modem speed is around 21Mbs down which is quite fast for adsl2+M
    https://www.ozbargain.com.au/product/tp-link-archer-d7

    • scrimshaw on 14/03/2015 - 09:39

      No VOIP though. The Fritzbox 7490 is pricey, but will tick all of Op's requirements.

      Important to note that the Fritzbox is also a DECT phone base, meaning it supports up to 6 DECT handsets simultaneously.
      Also capable of connecting up to two old-school analogue telephones.

      The downside is that there is no antenna on Fritz, and you cannot attach one to it either.

      If you don't need VOIP I suggest either D7 or D9 modems — I bought my D9 for $199 but the D7 is 'good enough' for most users at $139.

      • Findo on 15/03/2015 - 00:31

        What's the difference between the high end Asus ones compared to the Billion ones?

  • Tasmaniac on 14/03/2015 - 23:29

    Hi there, I've currently got this one available on eBay: http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Brand-New-Technicolor-TG797N-V3-A…? i've already sold about 7 and it should do all the things your asking, It's the same Modem that Telstra offer their Bigpond customers at half the price.

  • Findo on 15/03/2015 - 01:20

    Dad has been looking at the Billion 7800VDOX modem router for future proofing if and when NBN services hit my area. Is it any good, and compared to the other options mentioned above, what are the pros and cons?

    None of us have any idea what this stuff is all about and we just want consistent internet so your help is appreciated :)

    • scrimshaw on 15/03/2015 - 09:41
      +1

      That modem is an older model with Wireless N, if wireless performance is an issue I would avoid this and get the newer modems with Wireless AC for better speed (provided that your devices support the new standard.

      • Findo on 15/03/2015 - 09:48

        Thanks mate. Any billion modem routers you can recommend? Old man wants to stick with that brand

        • slowmo on 16/03/2015 - 15:42

          you might want to get a billion modem(+ wired router), use it as a bridged modem, then pick another brand for wireless .

          the wireless tech keeps changing, and that's the part you want to upgrade once a while.

          The modem bit tend to move slower (in terms of tech advancement and adoption by ISPs), so you can get away with a cheaper option.

        • scrimshaw on 16/03/2015 - 16:45

          I had an old Billion 7300n prior to the Tp Link, worked for 5 years until 2 weeks ago the wifi chip in it just decided to die.

          I asked about it in Whirlpool and it seems that there is a small minority of users who had wifi problems on the 7000 series of Billion modems. So I'm not really sure if I can still recommend Billion hardware because of their inferior wifi chip sets which seem to have a high failure rate. In my case, I think the temperature and overheating killed it.

          So it would be a good idea to pair up your modem with a strong performance router (say a high end ASUS AC wireless routers or the NightHawk) this will also mean you can continue to use your basement bargain Dlink with no issues.

          A dedicated router also has several advantages, namely it will run cooler since its a dedicated router with no modem parts and it's ability to run custom Linux firmware like Gargoyle and Open Wrt which is great for tweaking and overclocking it's performance.

  • Findo on 16/03/2015 - 17:11

    Dad told me to just get a Billion 7800VDOX so I did just that. I have very little idea how to set things up but if this one gets killed by another power surge I'll definitely look into the suggestions above. Thanks so much guys.

    • slowmo on 17/03/2015 - 02:15

      that's wireless N, don't worry, you would be upgrading in about a years time after realising how much faster AC is… ;)

      • Findo on 17/03/2015 - 08:48

        Only when NBN comes to the northern suburbs of Sydney

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