High-Speed Wireless Router/Modem Recommendation (COMP20)

LHuxBox on 26/02/2017 - 12:29
Last edited 26/02/2017 - 14:55

Hi guys! The current Futu Online COMP20 deal on eBay has got me thinking, so I'm looking for either a good router/modem combo or cheap modem with a higher-end router. I want to stream 1080p (and 4k, if possible) content and games from my gaming desktop and Plex server over wireless, as I can't easily run cables through my current household.

I've been looking at a few products from ASUS, namely modems like the DSL-AC68U, and routers like the RT-AC88U (the 5300 seems a little overkill). I also saw the Synology RT2600ac recommended in some places. I would prefer newer devices that will last a few years, preferably with some "future-proofing".

I'm currently on an Internode FTTP NBN plan, and live alone, but I occasionally have guests and stage the odd LAN party, so some form of multi-user wireless solution (MU-MIMO?) would be nice. I don't really have a budget in mind, but I don't want to buy a device (or devices) with functions that I don't need. Any thoughts or input?

Hope that's enough information. I'm somewhat new to researching routers and modems, as I usually just went with whatever my ISP gave me, though I am accustomed to setting them up and troubleshooting. Thank you in advance, I really appreciate it!

Edit: I just found out that it should be possible to plug a wireless router directly into one of the NBN Connection Box's ethernet ports, as long as the router has a WAN port. Is this true? If so, could I get away with only a wireless router?

Internet

closed Comments

  • thatonethere on 26/02/2017 - 12:41
    +1

    DSL-AC68U is great - no VOIP tho which is probably the only downside

  • h4lcyon on 26/02/2017 - 13:37
    +1

    Yes you can (and should) plug the router directly into the NBN Connection Box.

    If you use VOIP via a RSP supplied modem, you can plug the RSP modem into your new router to maintain the VOIP (and disabled the wifi).
    If you don't use VOIP there is no need to use the RSP modem.

  • psyren89 on 26/02/2017 - 13:56
    +1

    could I get away with only a wireless router?

    Yes.

  • Diji1 on 26/02/2017 - 18:08
    +1

    Are you on FTTP or ADSL because that modem/router you mentioned is DSL.

    If you're on ADSL that's a good choice, not so much for FTTP although you can just not use the DSL and use it as a router with an FTTP modem.

  • HuxBox on 26/02/2017 - 18:55

    Thanks for the input, guys. I'm on FTTP, Diji1, so ignore me on the DSL choice, I suppose. I should be fine with just a router.

    I'm probably going to go with the Synology RT2600ac, since it has good reviews, is new on the market, appears to offer what I need, isn't overly expensive or feature-heavy, and has a WAN port.

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