I'm looking for an affordable modem and router (or combo) for a studio apartment (NBN FTTB).
Would appreciate any recommendations (e.g. specific models, deals, models to avoid, when to buy, how much I should be willing to spend, etc). Cheers!
A Year 2020 Modem and Router Recommendation (nbn FTTB)
Lprophet on 22/01/2020 - 12:31
Comments
Woah, I was not aware of that and have not heard of VLAN tagging before. Thanks for the heads up. Do most modems have it or is it quite niche? Will the connection not work at all without it?
VLAN availability varies. You must check before you buy. There isn't any other way to tell. Most people avoid this problem by taking the "free bundled modem" offer.
The connection won't work at all if your modem doesn't tag the VLAN when your RSP requires it.
I've stuck with the Fritz!Box models for several years now - reliable, powerful, and have one of the best (and foolproof) VoIP phone setups if you're going to be using a home phone.
Fritz IMHO is one of the better consumer grade modem's around. It's a good suggestion as a starter. Asus make some ok stuff too, by the sounds though you don't need to spend too much and as mentioned just got a WAN operable one and your good.
I am really happy with my Netgear Orbi Router - plugged directly to the NBN box
Define affordable. Each person has a different budget.
Second hand Telstra Gateway Max range and Smart Modem range made by Technicolor can be bought for under $100 on Gumtree and eBay and can be hacked to release their full potential.
Before doing any research, I initially thought it would be easy to get an 802.11ac router for under $100, but that hasn't been the case. Which is why I included in my post "how much I should be willing to spend".
I'm not keen on hacking modems/routers as I have no experience with it and don't have a lot of time to troubleshoot if things go wrong (I know I would probably learn lots! But that's not a priority for me now in regards to home networking).
Pick up a Fritz!Box 7490 for ~$270 or Fritz!Box 7590 for ~$370 and you can't go wrong - personally I think you're better off spending the extra on a 7590 and it'll last for years to come.
Where can we find the information to unlock and release their full potential ?
fttb = vdsl modem router
if tpg/iinet , you need modem with vlan tagging