Preparing for NBN - Best Router for HFC (Budget $200)

Lwallahcuz on 29/06/2021 - 18:16
Last edited 29/06/2021 - 22:13 by 2 other users

Hi all,

I’ve currently got no internet in my apartment, but it looks like the NBN rollout may resume next month, so I’m after a router to prepare for when this happens.

I’ve tried to do some research into a router that will be suitable for a 2b2b apartment, but am a bit overwhelmed with the information out there (e.g. HFC vs FTTN). Would anyone be able to provide a recommendation as to some suitable routers, or if not, point out some of the key things I should look out for in a router? Based on the NBN website it looks like it’ll be a HFC connection in my area.

We’re after internet foremost for work purposes, but I also game on occasion and have a smart TV we’d be looking to hook up, if these details help. We’ve a budget of $200, but can spend more if it’s not possible to get anything good under $200.

Edit: I note that there’s another thread up in a very similar situation - am reading through that, but would still be great to receive insights into what I should be looking out for!

Internet Broadband nbn Wireless Router

Comments

  • Platinumtelecom on 29/06/2021 - 18:26
    +4

    If you are saying orders are resuming next month, then yes it means you are on HFC.

    It seems you are on single level apartment? I think for the purpose of future proofing, if you ever need to add units to improve wifi, I would recommend you go straight with a Mesh router.

    Look for TP-LINK Deco M5.
    You can buy a single unit or go straight for 2 units.

    It comes with an app and is very easy to install. It comes with built in parental control and anti-virus.

    Prices are very good. I have installed these or similar to at least 30 properties, never had a single issue

    • wallahcuz on 29/06/2021 - 18:41

      Thank you for the response!

      Yes that’s right, a single level apartment. From what you’re saying, it sounds like having more units functions like using a wifi extender?

      Sounds like a great option, thank you again, I’ll look into it right now. Bummer - if I was only 2 days earlier I could have taken advantage of the eBay deal, but I guess you win some you lose some!

      • Platinumtelecom on 29/06/2021 - 18:46

        You can find these are good prices regularly. If you are not yet connected, then don't rush and wait for a promo.
        I was buying the 3 packs regularly at Officeworks doing price match against PC byte or bunnings (if you are in Sydney)

        • wallahcuz on 29/06/2021 - 18:52

          I’ve just checked and it looks like it’s available from TGG commercial for $182, which from what I gather is a great price for the 3 pack?

          • Platinumtelecom on 29/06/2021 - 18:53

            @wallahcuz: Yes it's a great price it seems.

            • wallahcuz on 29/06/2021 - 19:42

              @Platinumtelecom: Thank you so much for the help today, looks like I’ve got all the information I need!

          • Twix on 29/06/2021 - 22:21
            +2

            @wallahcuz: The nbn is a mix of multiple technologies with variable speed and what technology you get depends on the properties address.

            For HFC nbn will either send out a self-install kit with the nbn connection box or come over to run some tests and connect it for you. The nbn connection box is a modem and the Deco M5 is a router. Plugin one Deco M5 into the nbn connection box port labeled UNI-D1. Test the setup with one Deco M5 and two Deco M5's. Three Deco M5's is most likely unnecessary in a 2b2b apartment.

            Here are the download & upload speeds for HFC.

            12/1
            25/5
            25/10
            50/20
            75/20
            100/20
            100/40
            250/25 (if you can't get this already you will soon)
            1000/50 (if you can't get this already you will soon)

            • wallahcuz on 29/06/2021 - 22:59
              +1

              @Twix: Hey Twix, thank you for the info. From the (very limited) info I’ve read online, it sounds like 2 units should suffice for a 2b2b apartment, but given the 3 pack is only marginally more expensive than the 2 pack I’ll probably grab it and just stash the 3rd if we ever upsize!

              The speed information is very useful, thank you! I’m likely going to opt for 50/20 or 25/5 depending on price, given it’s just me and my partner.

              • Gunther on 30/06/2021 - 11:55

                @wallahcuz: Hardly worth spending money on mesh or expensive tech for a 50/20 or a 25/5 connection.

                • wallahcuz on 30/06/2021 - 12:50

                  @Gunther: Hey Gunther, what makes you say that a mesh unit isn’t worth getting for a 50/20 connection? Sorry I’m a bit of a novice as you can tell. What would you recommend instead?

                  • Gunther on 30/06/2021 - 13:07

                    @wallahcuz: Everyone loves recommending the latest tech, but it doesn't really fit your use case, IMHO its overkill and you can get the job done for less dollars - and less complicated tech.

                    Deco M5 provides fast and stable connections with speeds of up to 1267Mbps and works with any internet service provider (ISP) and modem. Wireless speed of 400 Mbps on 2.4 GHz and a 867 Mbps speed on 5 GHz.
                    Compare these speeds to a 50/20 Mbps NBN connection….

                    I adequately cover a 3b2b inner city (approx. 150square meters with high density building/high interference) apartment at full speeds on a 100/40Mbps NBN Connection with a single ASUS DSL-AC68U modem/router from 2015. (3 phones, 2 desktops, 2 laptops, 2 chromecast, wireless lights, etc)

                    My point is, unless you are absolutely set on future proofing, have money to spend, or need a network with that muchbandwidth - a mesh setup in an apartment is just overkill! Just my 2 cents…

                    • wallahcuz on 30/06/2021 - 14:02

                      @Gunther: Thanks Gunther, that makes sense to me. I’ve had a brief search and it looks like a ASUS DSL-AC68U (or RT-AC68U) if I’m after just the router will set me back around $180-$200 anyways. That being the case, would it not be better to grab 3 of the M5 units if I can get them for the same price?

                      • Gunther on 30/06/2021 - 14:14
                        +1

                        @wallahcuz: I wasn't necessarily recommending my device as I am on a different NBN technology. But you should be able to find a suitable device around $100

                        Try researching these options:
                        Asus RT-AX55
                        Asus RT-AC68U
                        TP-Link Archer C54
                        TP-Link Archer C60
                        TP-Link Archer C7 / D7

              • Twix on 30/06/2021 - 14:18
                +1

                @wallahcuz: Resell the 3rd if you don't need it. The good thing about TP-Link Deco is you can run the M5's with the new Wi-Fi 6 models at the same time. Go with 50/20 for working from home.

                • wallahcuz on 30/06/2021 - 16:27
                  +1

                  @Twix: Thanks both! Think I’ve got enough here to make an informed decision, will discuss with the missus and work on deciding a provider :)

    • coderdan on 18/07/2021 - 19:04

      Would the Tp-Link Deco M5 be good option for 250m^2 ish house? We have three people working/studying (incl. myself) at home, all of them using some form of video conferencing for most of the days on the NBN 50/20 connection?

      But we also have IP Cam, new WIFI printer coming in and about add Phillips Hue lights, Chromecasting as quick summary of the network. So I'm looking to have really stable connection for Users and all devices on the network. Would you recommend that unit or would I would need more powerful?

      • Twix on 18/07/2021 - 19:47

        The Deco M5 has a fast quad-core processor and 256MB RAM and can handle many devices. I suggest going with a 2-pack. Maybe change to 100/20 or 100/40 if your connection allows.

        • coderdan on 20/07/2021 - 19:12

          Thanks, just one more question. Is the TP-Link Deco S4 AC1200 the same as Deco M5 in terms of specifications?

          • Twix on 20/07/2021 - 19:50

            @coderdan: Deco M5 covers a larger Wi-Fi space. A single Deco M5 has 4 antennas and a Deco S4 has 2 antennas.

  • n2h on 06/07/2021 - 13:45

    If your house is small, and you know how to config Mikrotik router, Mikrotik hap ac3 should be the best in your budget

    • CoronavirusVaccine on 01/12/2022 - 10:02

      if hap ax3 is available it might be worth considering to spend that extra $60
      long-term resale value for the current and most recent gen of Mikrotik are very good
      but when ac becomes two gen old the value would go down a lot

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