Looking to Upgrade Router, Would Appreciate Some Advice!

Eccend on 17/07/2021 - 22:44

Hi guys,

I've recently been facing problems with my current router (NetComm NF18ACV), with it recently dropping the whole 5GHz connection until a hard reboot. So I'm looking for potential upgrade options to replace the router.

I currently have a nbn HFC connection with Aussie Broadband and currently live in a two-storey house with my family. We normally use the internet for work, browsing the internet, streaming videos and playing games.

Budget-wise I was thinking around the $300-400 range, but didn't really know how much routers are nowadays.

Would really appreciate some recommendations as I don't really know much about routers!

Internet

Comments

    • Eccend on 17/07/2021 - 23:27

      Yup, saw that post but it seemed like they had a different connection type (FTTN) & different house structure (e.g. single storey) so thought it might make sense to make a different post

  • whitelie on 17/07/2021 - 23:07
    +1

    Recently picked up the Asus AX88U (well I got a pair and mesh them but it's overkill really) and it's been great. There's been a lot of good deals on the Asus AX range in that price bracket, I think most will suit your needs and you can get another down the track if you want to create a mesh network which will work better than the cheaper mesh systems.

    • Eccend on 17/07/2021 - 23:31

      Are there any key specifications I should look at to differentiate between the different models?

      • whitelie on 18/07/2021 - 00:10
        +1

        I think either of the AX 58/82/86/88 would be more than capable of what you're wanting. Essentially have different total speed capabilities but worth comparing them depending on what you're wanting to spend. The 58U was down to a little over $200 not long ago, 82U $250 and the other two about $300 and $350.

      • scrimshaw on 18/07/2021 - 03:07
        +1

        The AX88U has 8 gigabit LAN ports which explains it's high price

        While it is a good router it's also likely overkill for a lot of users. Here's a comparison table:

        https://www.asus.com/au/product-compare?ProductID=14715,9912…

  • mickyb80 on 17/07/2021 - 23:09

    Not sure (as you have not noted) - attempted to perform a firmware update if not the latest?
    Otherwise - call your ISP (Aussie) and ask them for a AP/Router.
    If you have been with them for a while, and you discuss the option of leaving, you might find you will get yourself a freebie!
    'Most' AP/Routers in the retail segment between $300-$400 mark, are much of a muchness. The differences in devices will generally be more targeted for a specific purpose or feature. If you don't want the Aussie device, then pretty much any of the major branded devices will be suitable for general use.
    If you are concerned about the 2 levels, you may be better off considering an extender, repeater, or mesh network or sorts.

    • Eccend on 17/07/2021 - 23:29
      +1

      Yes, I have updated the router firmware to the latest available which I don't think has helped that much.

      Regarding calling Aussie BB it might be a bit awkward, since I actually got the router from Tangerine but since the service was horrendous, I switched over to Aussie BB.

      • mickyb80 on 18/07/2021 - 14:25

        Ah, thanks for clarifying the FW. Figured that might be the case, but always worth checking beforehand.

        No issue with the device coming over from your previous provider. It's just hardware and doesn't/no longer working as you require.
        Give them a call and ask away.

        Most times when iinet upgrade the hardware to a later device, I drop them a call and have a chat. Usually, end up with a freebie as a result.
        Sometime's I've needed to sign up for another 3, 6 or so months. Haven't bothered for a while though. The gear I have works just fine at present. But that's not a problem, as the service is either working or not. If it's not and has a problem, then that doesn't stop me or any other client from cutting the agreement and moving to another provider.

        (Mind you, I've been with iinet for over 20 yrs - since days of ozemail)… ha!

        Nothing awkward about it! Give em a call.

  • [Deactivated] on 17/07/2021 - 23:35

    I had a $600 Netgear nighthawk which I had endless problems with and ended up changing it, when it couldn't delivery more than 350mbps on my 1gbps internet connection. I bought a cheap Xiaomi X6000 router, for something like $150, and I couldn't be happier. While its firmware is natively Chinese (which I can't speak), google translate works fine for using the firmware. It has better functionality than the netgear, and can maintain gigabit internet speed over wireless and wired connections.

    • Eccend on 19/07/2021 - 00:21

      definitely sounds interesting, I'll have a look into it

  • andrek on 18/07/2021 - 08:25
    +1

    Must be something in the air. Also with Aussie Broadband, on HFC with the Netcomm router that was provided during installation. Just replaced it with Asus RT-AC86U a week ago.

    • Eccend on 19/07/2021 - 00:21

      ooh was looking into that particular model, since it's a bit more on the affordable side and don't have any wifi 6 tech. How have you been finding it?

      • andrek on 19/07/2021 - 06:06

        It's great for what I needed it for. WiFi covers the whole house. Two Ubiquiti access points required network cable with PoE - no need for those any more, both were offloaded on FB marketplace. WiFi coverage is better now, so Apple TV in one room doesn't need a cable as well. The only two devices I still have connected with a cable is Windows desktop and a NAS.

        I can assign names to MAC addresses so it's easy to see who's connected. Parenting controls allow me to set schedule for some of those devices or block them altogether. Some other features for blocking adult or scam websites.

  • idonteven on 18/07/2021 - 10:33

    Am I better off buying my own router and not using the one supplied by the NBN ISP?

    What are the advantages of buying a better router?

    • scrimshaw on 18/07/2021 - 13:20
      +1

      Really depends on your needs / circumstances. Replace it if the ISP's router is giving you performance issues / reliability problems like many here have experienced with a crappy Netcomm NF17 or NF18

      People who know networking and want to take control of everything wouldn't consider a ISP provided device since it's either locked down or don't support custom firmware like OpenWRT or Merlin. Or they might have a preference for enterprise brands like Ubiquiti

  • Jemz on 18/07/2021 - 12:13

    I had a Netcomm NF17ACV and starting getting a very sporadic issue on it and it required a power cycle to get it running again. On HFC.

    I enabled logging and tried to see what was happening but when you power cycle it wipes the log so it was tricky to troubleshoot. Didn’t know at the time how to setup external logging to laptop via UDP.

    Essentially, would be streaming of working from home and whatever I was doing would say no internet but still connected to wifi/Ethernet. Okay, go plug in with Ethernet & laptop, to log into the router direct and see what’s going on. Plug in, go to try and login and the address wouldn’t even respond or come up with the credientials popup. Weird, try other devices/cables doesn’t work. Lights are flashing on the router so it’s not a hard lock, just can’t log in. Do ABB self service tests, it says connected, loopback passed etc. Also power cycle NTD because didn’t know what the issue was.

    A couple of times that it happened I called ABB to troubleshoot and find the root cause.

    What appeared to be happening was the router just goes into bridge mode for whatever reason and was passing the internet on to whatever other Ethernet device I had plugged into the rear ports. They were either Eufy Homebase or my “Smart” TV. Both of which came up with odd technical names (Smart Innovations LLC, sometimes it was Acer, etc), rather than the manufacturer when ABB was troubleshooting.

    So power cycling fixed it but was a pain to do every time. But I happened one week, fine for a month, then did it three days in a row.

    I had separate SSID’s for 2.4 & 5Ghz with 250mbps connection. Had 3 laptops, 1 desktop, 2 google tv’s, 1 google next hub, 1 google home mini, ducted ac controller, solar system, eufy cams, couple of smart switches, garage door controller, 2 iPhones, smart robot vac, Nintendo switch.
    ABB suspected it was just on its last legs.

    I got fed up and wanted to get a more tricked out router anyway for tinkering so ended up with an Asus RT-AX88U on Amazon AU for $352. Been flawless since I’ve powered it on with Merlin. Run two main SSID’s for main devices then have a guest 2.4 and 5 for the smart/iot devices.

    • Eccend on 19/07/2021 - 00:20

      Looked at that model but unfortunately seems to be $500+ now

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