Need New ADSL Modem

do minator on 27/12/2016 - 01:35
Last edited 27/12/2016 - 01:40

Hey everyone,

I've been having some issues with my internet at the moment, I think it's because my modem/router unit is getting old (Linksys WAG320N). Today I impulse bought a Xiaomi Wifi Router 3 and realised that this does not function as a modem, only a router. Do you guys think that I should just bridge my Xiaomi router to my Linksys or should I get a new router. If so I was thinking of getting something that's NBN compatible as it's estimated that we should get it in 2017/2018. I was thinking about getting a ]Sagecom f@st 3864](http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/SAGEMCOM-OPTUS-ADSL2-NBN-WIRELESS…) off ebay for $30. Would this be okay or can any suggest anything different? (Not hoping to spend a lot, maybe $50 max).

Thanks!

*Additional info: We are with dodo unlimited ADSL 2+ internet. I use a powerline adapter and my speeds are generally pretty good but my girlfriend who uses wifi suffers from poor wifi coverage (~8m away and through 1 wall) and occasional dropouts.

Internet

Comments

  • scrimshaw on 27/12/2016 - 02:50
    +1

    The reason the F@ST 3864 is so cheap and flipped on eBay for $30 is because it's a dog turd of a modem router that doesn't do dual band and wireless AC.

    Read the spec sheet and laugh at the 2.4ghz 802.11n wifi

    It's basically designed to 'just' do NBN plus VOIP so it's supplied to Optus NBN customers free of charge, and most users would just toss the unit away and BYO their own (often much better) VDSL modem with better / faster Wifi.

    Anyway with networking equipment you get what you pay for, the Xiaomi router is cheap because it doesn't even do Gigabit ethernet so whatever you link to in via wired connection is bottlenecked at 100mbps, which is not really ideal for people who stream and transfer files locally, or are subscribed to 100mbit NBN / Cable.

    Gigabit is ten times faster than standard 100 megabit ethernet and it provides much greater headroom and less packet loss.

    The Xiaomi would be decent as a secondary device (i.e. you want to bridge it to an older ADSL modem to extend the wifi range) but assuming you have NBN coming next year you'd be better off canceling your Xiaomi purchase and getting the free modem that comes with your NBN package.

  • chudson on 27/12/2016 - 03:36

    Most decent modems seem to be around $150+

    Don't forget the lost phone line (nbn). Look for a modem with a VOIP port if you want to be able to plug your current phone in (if you have a land line) otherwise you'll have to buy extra hardware (ATA) AND lose a router port.

  • AlienC on 27/12/2016 - 07:38

    Wired is always the way to go but if you are like me and only really using portable tablet devices and otherwise for moveability and don't plan on having a network attached storage or some sort of heavy file media storage etc database via a PC or home entertainment system then what you are proposing is fine as it is.

    Bridge the new router to your old modem and run it to your dead spot with some Ethernet cable and keep it in either access point mode or other wise..

    For more help and information I advise to go to whirlpool.net.au and post your dilemma in the modem/router section asking for more specific help and advice on your current modem router setup.

    Most installations or setups are pretty straight forward.

    You connect the router to one of your modems Ethernet ports to the routers wan or internet port and configure it to bridge mode or access point mode or whatever via GUI interface either directly with a laptop and another Ethernet cable or web browser interface.

    Configure your details and wala your done.

    Optionally you can have them connect via wireless but I have less limited experience with that but I don't see how that shouldn't also work.

    If coverage is still an issue then maybe multiple ubiquiti solutions or otherwise is what you are looking for but now we are in the $100+ zone.

  • do minator on 27/12/2016 - 11:27

    Thanks guys, unfortunately I can't cancel the Xiaomi router order as it's apparently already been "shipped". I think I will use my current modem/router as an access point and bridge the Xiaomi router to it to hopefully cover any dead spots in the house/increase the range and see how that goes.

    • [Deactivated] on 27/12/2016 - 11:29

      100mbit will be more than enough for ADSL2+

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