NBN FTTC Router - What do I need & recommendations

Finner on 28/12/2020 - 09:08

I have an old Archer D7 modem/router that I'm using with my Aussie Broadband FTTC 50/20 connection, but it doesn't seem as stable I'd like and needs a reset every so often.

I'm looking for recommendations on what I could replace it with - budget is the cheapest I can get away with for something decent… I'm not actually sure what price range I should be looking in that isn't crap, not overkill with wasted features, and with a user-friendly interface.

From what I've been reading, different NBN connections require different features, and other features are recommended (modem, vdsl, broadcom, etc.) - but what features should I be looking for with a FTTC connection?

I'm in a small apartment, brick walls, only me, with a bunch of wired and wireless devices.

Advice and recommendations welcome - thanks!

Internet

Comments

  • ImportantCustomer on 28/12/2020 - 10:05
    +3

    Whirlpool is probably a better place to ask, and you really haven't provided enough information for a complete suggestion. How big is your house, how many devices, do you have lots of firewall rules and like to do tricky shit?

    Three options:
    1. Buy another all-in-one which overpromises and underdelivers and really quite ridiculous prices
    2. Use your existing router - turn off it's crappy wifi which is most likely the reason for your instability and buy a separate access point either a ubiquiti or tplink:
    https://www.scorptec.com.au/product/networking/access-points…
    or
    https://www.scorptec.com.au/product/networking/access-points…
    3. A mesh system

    Over 5 years ago, I ditched the shitty all-in-ones and now run an edgerouter ($90) and a Ubiquiti AC-Lite (I wish I got the LR) and it has been completely and utterly flawless.

    • Finner on 28/12/2020 - 16:09

      "I'm in a small apartment, brick walls, only me, with a bunch of wired and wireless devices." - more specifically; wired tv/shield/desktop/nas, and wifi phone/laptop/tablet.

      Is there not an option 4, or is option 2 going to be my best bet? Option 1 is exactly what I'm trying to avoid.
      I haven't quite got my head around mesh systems, but they seemed to be better suited for larger places from what I've read.

      It's better to use the old device as a router only than get a newer/faster/better one? AC vs AX?

      • Twix on 28/12/2020 - 17:29

        Option 4. a new router to replace the D7. What is your spending limit? Does your phone, laptop and tablet have 802.11AX?

        • Finner on 29/12/2020 - 13:18

          This is exactly what I was hoping to do. I don't so much have a spending limit, more wanting to be guided as to what the reasonable minimum is - e.g. I don't want to spend $300 on something that is going to give me features I don't need just because it's within a limit, when $150 would have been sufficient.. but if $300 is what's perfectly suited to my needs, then so be it.

          No devices use AX - but then my D7 is old enough now that I'm not sure if it's worth 'future proofing' for this standard?

          • Twix on 29/12/2020 - 13:35
            +1

            @Finner: My pick is the TP-Link Archer AX20 $178 @ Shopping Express.

    • ShoeyAU on 29/12/2020 - 08:31
      +1

      Can also vouch for an edge router (I use an ubiquiti edge router X). The edge router has not skipped a beat for months since installation, and it's used to separate out the front house and granny flat networks, also the work from home laptop gets directly plugged in to it too.

      This way if the home WiFi routers crash or reboots it has no bearing on others.

  • DannyC on 28/12/2020 - 21:21
    +2

    It's better to use the old device as a router only than get a newer/faster/better one? AC vs AX?

    I believe Aussie BB don't require VLAN as some ISP's do so it is a matter of checking your Archer D7 settings first to make sure the settings are correct to what Aussie BB have provided, your wireless router settings are enabled and that firmware is updated, as @Importantcustomer said Whirlpool is a great place to search Whirlpool forum Archer & NBN FTTC. Since the modem components provided by NBN Co are provided a router is all you need, an All-in-1 modem/router can be used but you'll need to dive into the settings to get this properly enabled.

    If all else fails, I would replace it if it continues being sketchy. Since FTTC only requires a router I would look at like the Asus RT-AC68U (wifi 5 AC, around $180-200ish) or the TP-Link AX20 (wifi 6 AX, $150-180 ish). They do have router options for every budget. Wifi 5 is more than adequate for most people but for future proofing an AX router is an option. I use the Asus router for a 2BR apartment and it works well for small/medium ish spaces and going through 2-3 walls to my study. A mesh solution is a bit of overkill for such a small ish space…. a decent router will do the job. For a larger place, a proper mesh setup is a great solution for large spaces.

    I'm looking for recommendations on what I could replace it with - budget is the cheapest I can get away with for something decent… I'm not actually sure what price range I should be looking in that isn't crap, not overkill with wasted features, and with a user-friendly interface.

    If you can't stretch you budget over $150ish then a lot of people sell used Routers for a decent price, you could probably find something under $70-100 for something used if you look around through ebay or FB Marketplace/Gumtree. TP-Link, Netgear & Asus are the big players for routers i've used in the past but Netgear is a bit sketchy with their firmware so perhaps avoid them (probably just bad luck from own personal experience).

    • Finner on 29/12/2020 - 13:25

      I have a feeling the router/wifi settings are correct, but that it's dropping out from overheating. Good point re: firmware, this could easily be out of date.

      Thanks for these suggestions, happy to pay <$200 for something new and get the warranty with it - I'll keep an eye on the ones you've mentioned.

      You said that ABB don't require VLAN, but if others do with FTTC would it be worth getting one just in case I switch? I'm not sure how common/uncommon it is with this connection type?

      • Twix on 29/12/2020 - 13:52
        +2

        Asus RT-AC68U and TP-Link Archer AX20 have support for VLAN 802.1q.

        Aussie BB use the IPoE protocol. PPPoE with VLAN 802.1q is required by new Dodo, TPG, Internode and iinet FTTC NBN services.

        • Finner on 29/12/2020 - 20:02
          +1

          Ah, great to know! This helps me understand what I need to look for for my connection, and from what you've both said, these two sound like good options - thanks!

  • iwearpants on 21/01/2021 - 11:39

    I'm going to go on the low end of town and recommend a Netgear WNR 3500L v2 (used/refurbished). Currently selling for $29 delivered on ebay.

    Drop a custom firmware on it (eg. Fresh Tomato) and it will be as good as new.

    This will meet your needs on a FTTC 50/20 connection.

  • alvian on 22/01/2021 - 18:11

    Any one of these Telstra-branded Technicolor modem/routers: https://hack-technicolor.readthedocs.io/en/stable/Repository…

    $0 to ~$50 on Gumtree

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