Which Modem/Router is Better?

brd56 on 06/03/2020 - 22:46

I have a TP-Link VR500v which i am currently using but have just been given a Telstra smart modem gen 2 with my new nbn plan. I would like to know which one i should be using. most import to me would be the WiFi range since there is a room in my house which gets bad reception using the TP-link, would this improve with the Telsta modem? other than that i don't use many of the advance features only simple things like port forwarding for plex ect. are there any other benefits i would get using the Telstra hub?

Should i switch?

Computing Modem Router

Comments

  • OrenjiO on 06/03/2020 - 23:11
    +1

    Gen 2 Telstra is a good modem/router, even better specs-wise than the VR500v. What you can do is to use the VR500v as an wifi extender if it has the mode, or just run a RJ-45 to it to work as an access point only to your desire location. It will boost your wifi range and capacity. If your house isn't any bigger than 100m2 and got bad reception, it is your fault placing the wifi.

    • brd56 on 07/03/2020 - 16:04

      Im thinking of getting a power-line Ethernet extender and sticking the vr500v into that. Would having two modems crate significant interference in the rooms between booth the two of them? House is slightly bigger than 100m2 and has a few concrete walls in between the two points.

      • OrenjiO on 07/03/2020 - 19:37
        +1

        It's up to you to run it via power-line or otherwise. Only the gen2 is serving the purpose of a modem+router+wifi, VR500v will now an access point for wifi only. And no, it wouldn't create any interference with different channels set, interference only matter if your place having like 10+ neighbours wifi. Anything over 100m2 is a bit tricky for a single wifi set-up, since the power transmission will be very limited.

  • CC123 on 06/03/2020 - 23:58

    The Telstra smart modem gen 2 has a 4G backup (capped at 6/1). Could always plug your TP-Link VR500v into the Ethernet port of the gen 2 and use it (the TP-Link) for Wifi. Just disable the Wifi on the gen 2 (for interference purposes)

    • brd56 on 07/03/2020 - 15:58

      Why would i do this, just to utilize the 4G backup?

      • CC123 on 07/03/2020 - 16:16

        Yes.
        If you have a 2 story house with in-wall ethernet ports/EOP you could always have the gen 2 downstairs and the TP-Link upstairs with the same SSID so that wireless devices switch between the closest network

  • bobbieb on 07/03/2020 - 07:32

    I hate to say it, but as much as I miss my WRT1900ACS, I'm sticking with the smart modem gen 2.

    My NBN HFC box died a few weeks after I got NBN installed and two weeks was the earliest that a "technician" was available to install the replacement. The 4G backup was a lifesaver.

    • brd56 on 07/03/2020 - 16:05

      6/1 mbps would create more problems in my house than it would solve.

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