Bridging My Current Modem Router to a Newer Faster Router or a Straight Swap?

AlienC on 04/11/2016 - 01:21
Last edited 04/11/2016 - 01:23

So my current modem router is a Netcomm Wireless NF10W with an ATA connector for phone landline as the NF10W has no VoIP.

I am looking at either completely replacing it with the Asus DSL-AC68U or bridging it to the Asus RT-AC68U.

So it's basically a question of will the newer modem router do a better job than the old modem router and new router combo.

Which option do you recommend I take?

Our current connection seems to be a 100/40 FTTN NBN.

We are with ACN afaik which I think is an aussie broadband or exetel reseller not sure.

Main reason for upgrade is speed and range with range being the most important.

Features such as traffic monitoring and QoS not that needed as there will only really be a maximum of 3-4 people at any one given time and maybe twice the devices max pulling moderate YouTube streams and passive patches and updates for the time being.

Possibly some 4k Netflix and YouTube content maybe in future.

So what say you fellow OzBargainers?

Internet

Comments

  • scrimshaw on 04/11/2016 - 01:36
    +3

    The best bang for buck solution is to continue using your current VDSL modem and bridge it to a high end asus router, and stick DD-WRT on it if you know how to use it's advanced features (or stick with original firmware if you don't).

    should cost you $203 dollars from MSY. https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/273658

    you can then switch off the Wifi feature on the Netcomm if you're not going to connect to it. why would you? It's only got dog-slow Wireless N.

    the obvious downside of this setup though, is you will not have one but two networking devices, and so require a bit more clutter and power socket used. But you can do a cheap networking wall like this it'll keep the mess out of the way.

    • AlienC on 04/11/2016 - 01:46

      Should the process be mostly plug and play ie Ethernet on existing current modem router to wan port on new Asus router then turn on and change said on the new router to old modem router settings then switch off DHCP on old modem router?

      Also I am assuming dd-wrt needs a USB drive to change to a custom firmware or can it be done online nowadays?

      Sorry haven't played around with some routers in some time maybe a few years back now.

      Clutter is not much of a problem atm more than enough space for one additional router believe me we got enough power sockets and space haha lol.

      • scrimshaw on 04/11/2016 - 01:59
        +1

        How to bridge ADSL routers (applicable to VDSL as well)
        https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/814956

        The instruction on setting Bridge mode on your netcomm is also documented
        http://support.netcommwireless.com/sm/self-help/nf10w/nf10w-…

        The DD-WRT installation process is very well documented. See here
        https://alphaev7.com/2016/03/install-dd-wrt-asus-rt-ac68u-or…

        If you're not sure about anything and don't know how to use the advanced features of DD-WRT, you're better off just staying with stock firmware.

        If you don't know anything at all, just ask on WP for step by step advice.

        • AlienC on 04/11/2016 - 02:01

          Sweet cheers thanks.

          I have only read about some of them online.

          Yet to try and endeavour further into it with some actual real life first hand experience haha lol :)

        • ESEMCE on 02/12/2016 - 13:33

          @AlienC:
          There's a specific guide on Bridging the NF10W on Whirlpool… (I wrote it)

          The new firmware update makes it far easier apparently.

        • AlienC on 02/12/2016 - 19:13

          @scubacoles:

          I did it already no firm ware update required.

          Just some simple plug in and access point mode activated and wala doneskis

        • ESEMCE on 02/12/2016 - 21:04

          @AlienC:
          Did you actually bridge the modem or are you double NATing?
          You really want to turn off the router component of the NF10W and let the dedicated router do the heavy lifting.
          If you just plugged the router into the modem, then the NF10W is still doing all the routing duty.

        • AlienC on 02/12/2016 - 21:24

          @scubacoles:

          The wireless on the nf10w is off

          The r8000 is doing all the routing duty

          Can confirm because I now have two bands to choose from in my wireless settings though i really should just choose to stick with one.

          I just need to now lay a long ethernet cable closer to my room for better connectivity.

        • ESEMCE on 04/12/2016 - 19:34

          @AlienC:
          It's not the wireless I'm worried about.
          If you haven't activated bridging, then the Modem is still doing the routing and your expensive router is essentially just a switch with WiFi capability.
          If you've plugged into the WAN port, at least the R8000 isn't adding it's own NAT addressing.

        • ESEMCE on 05/12/2016 - 07:51

          @scubacoles:
          Correction If you've put the R8000 in AP mode only (It's got nothing to do with WAN port)

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