Need a New Modem Router for nbn FTTN

bigcajones on 03/08/2022 - 13:27
Last edited 03/08/2022 - 13:44

My internet has been dropping out daily for weeks on end now and the only fix is to turn the modem/router on and off to get it up and running again. I called my isp and they can't see any drop outs on their end. So I'm thinking ill have to replace my Netgear Nighthawk D7000 of a few years now. Any recommendations on a new modem/router suited for VDSL2 FTTN? Doesn't have to be super crazy as its only for me and the fiancé with general usage (handful of devices connected, netflix etc) and were only capable of 25mbps speeds in my suburb due to the sub par copper infrastructure :(

All recommendations welcome

Internet Modem Router

Comments

  • freefall101 on 03/08/2022 - 13:39

    Common issue with that router, Netgear will tell you to update firmware and all kinds of stuff but it probably won't work. It is worth trying a firmware update first to save some money though.

    Connecting a lot of devices or need a lot of range? That probably drives the suggestion.

    • bigcajones on 03/08/2022 - 13:49

      Yep I was thinking so. I wouldn't even know where to start for a firmware update? It's just everyday usage for my fiancé and I, so just streaming and the odd steam download/casual gaming and only 6 or so devices connected around the home.
      Shall I steer clear of Netgear in future?

      • spackbace on 03/08/2022 - 14:14

        I wouldn't even know where to start for a firmware update?

        Typically the User Manual is a good place to start ;) but firmware is here

        • bigcajones on 03/08/2022 - 14:23

          Who would of thought! I attempted to update through the firmware upgrade assistant in the router settings but unfortunately it keeps failing. So I downloaded the latest firmware and tried to manually update it to no avail. It comes up with please assign the correct file. The file format is *.img. I'm a bit lost at this point :(

          • spackbace on 03/08/2022 - 14:24

            @bigcajones: Ah, you might also have the D7000 V2

            Not sure if that makes a difference to the file

            Have you extracted the file out of the .zip file?

            • bigcajones on 03/08/2022 - 14:48
              +3

              @spackbace: Yeah i extracted the file from the .zip and comes up with Upgrade failed! Please try again.
              So I tried it again and it worked and I'm currently on the latest firmware V1.0.1.84_1.0.1.
              Fingers crossed this solves my dropping out issue!

      • AndyC1 on 03/08/2022 - 14:17

        Go onto the Netgear web site and lookup support for the modem and read up on how to update the firmware.

  • Domingo on 03/08/2022 - 15:24
    +1

    ACMA tested a whole bunch of VDSL modems a few years back: https://www.acma.gov.au/publications/2019-07/report/nbn-wi-f…

    The report is a little old now, but if you're looking for something budget conscious this is a good starting point. Generally anything with a Broadcom chipset gets good results on FTTN, although personally I've had very good results with the D-Link DSL-2888A Python with the Triductor chipset. This review on Ausdroid seems to like it as well: https://ausdroid.net/2020/09/04/want-fast-stable-fttn-nbn-d-…

    It's not the fastest wifi going around as it is a few years old now, but is great for NBN FTTN performance. I used mine in bridge mode into a Netgear Orbi set to get the best of both worlds and was happy with it for a few years before moving where I now have HFC.

  • Morien on 03/08/2022 - 15:47
    +1

    "Effective March 31, 2022, NBN requires all modems used with Fiber to the Node (FTTN) and Fiber to the Basement (FTTB) connections to support new stability features called Save Our Showtime (SOS) and Robust Overhead Channel (ROC), or an alternative called Seamless Rate Adoption (SRA)."

    TP-Links are a safe bet for this. If you have a modem that doesn't support the above features it may work, just not as well. Get a cheap one, put it into bridge mode and attach it to a good wireless system.

  • ESEMCE on 03/08/2022 - 16:54

    Best cheap modem is the Telstra Smart Modem for $50 on Gumtree.
    They're built like tanks and almost always even come with (free) 4G backup!

    • bigcajones on 03/08/2022 - 17:59

      Im in Adelaide with Superloop. How does the free 4G backup work?

      • spackbace on 03/08/2022 - 18:59
        +2

        Mine had the 4G backup. It's tied to the original owner's account, though doesn't cost them anything and is generally unlimited (so morally you're only screwing over Telstra, not the original owner).

        Telstra don't cancel it when the original owner sells the modem

        • bigcajones on 03/08/2022 - 19:02

          Are they compatible with other ISP's and fttn?

          • spackbace on 03/08/2022 - 19:03

            @bigcajones: Yep!

            I use one as my modem, but then a tp-link mesh system as the router

            • bigcajones on 03/08/2022 - 19:07

              @spackbace: Excuse my ignorance sorry. So they are not modem routers? Just a modem yeah? So I'd need a router as well? Asking as I'm only familiar with modem routers that are pretty much plug and go. I don't 100% understand how a modem linked with a router works.

              • spackbace on 03/08/2022 - 19:16

                @bigcajones: Sorry yes they're modem routers, I just use the mesh system as it gives me better wifi

                Who knows, if the firmware update fixes things you might not need to buy anything :)

                • bigcajones on 03/08/2022 - 19:25

                  @spackbace: Thx!

                  I'm just really intrigued with the free 4G backup. Saying that because I've looked into NBN alternatives in 4G home internet market and put in all my address details in various isp address lookups to see if I'm able to have 4G home internet. But the only one that said it's available at my address is kogan with the likes of Optus and other ISP's said it's unavailable. Just confused the crap out of me because why wouldn't I be able to have a 4G home internet connection instead of NBN?

                  • Danstar on 04/08/2022 - 06:42

                    @bigcajones: You could; but usually 4g/5g plans cost a bit more; and depending what you use the Internet for, it's not the best for online gaming.

                    The 4G backup on the Telstra modems from memory aren't full speed; and only kick in when your NBN is down.

                    • ESEMCE on 04/08/2022 - 08:42

                      @Danstar: Yeah, it's only 25/5 on 4G.
                      And they do cut it off if you abuse it.
                      And of course it'll only work if you have 4G signal and speeds may vary dependent on the Signal Strength and Tower congestion (although unlikely on Telstra)

        • Whatisthatvelvet on 07/08/2022 - 15:55
          +1

          I got one of these of Marketplace a few weeks back and when I fired it up I couldn't understand how I was getting internet without configuring it. Until I realised there was a sim card in it. Thought the previous owner left it in there by accident so I took it out.
          Might have to put it back in if it doesn't affect the previous owner.

  • dtc on 03/08/2022 - 16:55

    I had the same issue; solved it by buying a mesh system. Still used the modem but only as a modem; the router part of it was the issue. Now that isnt cheaper than just getting a new modem/router but I had a big house so was thinking of a mesh system anyway. But you can get a tp link M5 for $129 which is probably cheaper than a new modem

  • flyingfox on 03/08/2022 - 17:33
    +1

    I have the TP-Link Archer VR2100 AC2100 MU-MIMO VDSL/ADSL Modem Router. I work from home and it has worked without any noticeable glitches. It's very fast across multiple devices. Highly recommend it. I purchased mine from Mwave.

    • bigcajones on 03/08/2022 - 18:04

      Is your connection FTTN?

      • dya on 09/08/2022 - 12:25

        Just an anecdotal contribution: I just refunded this modem (I'm on FTTN) because the wifi was absolute rubbish. Wired connections were great, I may have gotten a faulty one.

  • kfp187 on 03/08/2022 - 21:52

    Grab a Telstra Smart modem. Cheap. They work. Can be unlocked to allow you to chuck in a SIM card for 4G backup. Some do have working sims but don’t count on it… a couple lately that I’ve picked up didn’t.
    Don’t buy into the faster/better modem. Need something with solid 2.4 and 5ghz band that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Half the features that are shown on those modems… you don’t need!

    • bigcajones on 04/08/2022 - 09:19

      Is there much of a process to unlock the Telstra smart modem?

      • ESEMCE on 04/08/2022 - 09:47

        It involves use of the command line, but it's not hard to follow step by step.
        And requires a specific model/s of the Smart Modem.

      • kfp187 on 04/08/2022 - 09:47

        A little bit. Send me a PM and ill talk you through the process.

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