Hi,
Currently I'm on a NBN plan and have a crappy $60 single band VDSL modem which the wifi doesn't work 60% of the time.
Was considering getting the Google wifi and keep using the crappy modem as a modem only.
My question is, do you guys know if i should invest in a "good" modem or is the wireless router all that matters?
I mainly use it for streaming and browsing.
Yea nah i've been doing that constantly.
We've got lots of walls between the study and the theater room, which i spend most of the time.
The 2.4ghz seems to reach the theater room but for some reason, the speed just drop and goes into buffer mania.
I've used an old router as AP mode, the problem is that I don't know if im connected to the main modem or the AP router.
If i use different SSID, then there's the hassle of changing connection.
If that's the case (in that the signal needs to penetrate thick walls or quite a distance) you can invest in a power-line adapter and setup an AP in the other room or a power-line adapter with in-built AP (Not a repeater, an Ethernet signal is transferred via your power cabling (Basically, an alternative to setting up in-wall Ethernet to the other room)). Do note, if you do decide to try this, you do need to check your electrical cabling to ensure both rooms have power points that are on the same electrical circuit.
I've actually got in wall ethernet that i installed when i initially had this issue.
but again, when i did that and used an old modem as AP, i didn't know if i was connected to the main crappy modem or the AP router since the ssid is the same.
The 2.4ghz from the crappy modem does penetrate into the theater room so i can't use the signal strength as an indicator.
If i use different SSID, then there's the hassle of changing connection everytime i enter or leave the theater room.
Which brings me to try and get google wifi with the mesh network etc, can solve my problem instantly, hence the initial question of whether crappy modem is ok or not, or should i get a nighthawk instead.
Ahh I see, now I understand your problem. Yes, a mesh network would definitely allow you and be a more elegant solution to transition from AP to AP more seamlessly. Some devices will get picky once they've locked onto an AP, even though there's one with a better signal nearby.
single band VDSL modem which the wifi doesn't work 60% of the time.
You really need only just a wifi router. Disable the wifi features of your crappy modem — set into bridge mode (Google how to.) and link it via ethernet to another device.
I've got a archer d5, but the wifi on that is also quite bad.
The 5ghz doesn't seem to reach my theater room and the 2.4ghz seems to be buffering like crazy.
Tried to use a wireless repeater but doesn't seem to fix the problem. Wifi signal got stronger but not sure why it buffers constantly.
Speedtest 43down 35up so i don't think internet is the problem
I bought an Asus AC68U modem/router and in 6 months it has been nothing but trouble, Dead LAN Ports, Issues with 2.4g wifi and lose 13MBPS through the modem, ABB support is terrible, Asus support just say send it in each time.
Ideally for FTTN, Telco Modem, pfsense for DHCP and a Ubi wifi. But it is a steep learning curve and quite expensive.
Easier setup is to go Telco router bridged to a higher end Wifi Router.
Check officeworks for the clearance on Wifi Routers Netgear X6 or Dlink, Couple left in my local store in Perth
Cheers.
I think i'm more leaning towards a mesh network solution rather than a single wifi router tucked away in my study.
I'm trying to get wifi coverage even in the kids room which is further back from the theater room.
what advantages are there between like a really expensive modem/router vs a cheap as modem/router in terms of just the modem only?
don't care about the wifi router capabilities
For FTTN Broadcom chipset have the better Sync speeds, But seem to be $500+ for a aftermarket modem/router.
https://www.finder.com.au/fttn-nbn-router-comparison#results
The telco modem/routers are cheap but have good sync rate (Broadcom) but not great of the other features DHCP,Wifi. That's why i mentioned individual components or just a good router.
Ideally, it would be higher quality internal components to be more efficient in performance (e.g. better throughput & better sync speed), power and heat, have better longevity and stability (e.g. less errors, packet loss and connections drops). But for consumer hardware, price doesn't always dictate the quality or reliability unfortunately.
sync speed & stability
you're FTTN , so depends how far away is the node
Yeah i am 500m from the node and my asus ac68u gets 37mbps and with the Netcomm nf17acv i get 50mbps.
My connection is HFC.
HFC modem is NTU provided by NBN FOC
You no need to get modem yourself , just a wifi router enough
That's the thing, I didn't get the modem through the provider.
I switched from MyRepublic to Exetel and didn't want to pay for the modem since i have a crappy vdsl modem.
They (exetel) are charging me $119 now for the modem, so i thought screw that, i'll just reuse my crappy modem and add a good wireless router on top of it.
I still have my MyRepublic modem but not sure whether i can use that with exetel.
if you're on hfc , you don't need vdsl modem
hfc modem is ntu unit from nbn (not your ISP provider)
NTU straight to router , no vdsl modem in between
@phunkydude:
That’s interesting because exetel provided me with a user name and password, which i need to enter in order to authenticate. Hence my reasoning that i needed a modem
How can i enter those details without a modem?
MyRepublic didn’t have that at all.
@phunkydude:
holy cow. I was an idiot..
managed to get my archer working again..i tried all that PPPoE stuff previously and i thought it was to do with the modem compatibility,
BUT! Exetel uses PPPoE with no VLAN tag.
Removed VLAN, all workies…Still going to probably get google wifi for better wifi coverage around my place. Thanks @phunkydude!!
If your thinking the Nighthawk you better be quick wont be many around at the current price, Maybe try the nighthawk first, Office works offer Change of Mind Returns – 30 Days, If its crap for you return it and look at a mesh network
That sounds like a good plan.
Might do that first then, CHEERS!
separating the modem role from the wifi role can give your router / AP longer life and better wifi performance if you use a commercial grade AP. I'd keep your current modem and add the Ubiquiti AP.
So why does separating the roles help. Mode modem / routers only have the 1 CPU and encryption slams it. Everyone has secure wifi these days, so you can safely assume that the more data you run across the wifi, the harder your CPU has to work.
Separating the roles, means the modem can do it's job and the APs can do all the heavy lifting with the encryption.
I'd try 1 ubiquiti due to its great range, and like OZB AI said use 2 if you need the extra. Be aware with the 2nd it's better to have the APs cable connected (they come with a power injector for Power over Ethernet) which is great. Just get thick enough Cat cable to manage the power load (Cat 6 is great).
I've gone through a few cheap modem / routers and I'm happy separating the roles now.
Good luck, and I hope this is helpful.
I'd first suggest using a wireless network diagnostic tool similar to this, to see if there's interference from say your neighbour's wi-fi network. If there is interference, then I'd suggest switching your wi-fi channels to something less utilised in the area.
If that doesn't help, then if your internet is stable and you're able to achieve speeds you're happy with via Ethernet, then getting a wireless router or wireless access point is sufficient if your only issue at the moment is Wi-Fi.