nbn HFC Router Upgrade

Caerdyddblue on 07/07/2023 - 12:55
Last edited 07/07/2023 - 13:13 by 1 other user

Hi everyone,

I'm just looking for some advice on upgrading my wifi setup at home as I really don't have much knowledge about it.

I have a HFC connection to NBN in southern suburbs Melbourne.

Running a Belong 4553 router provided by Belong in 2020 but currently with Tangerine (50/20) with 2 people occupying the house.

Property is a 3 story townhouse with around 6-7 rooms spread over the 3 floors, connection and router is on the bottom floor so looking to improve range and speed over the whole property.

Is there a router you can recommend and do you think this will make would make a noticeable improvement on its own? Will I be able to set up a mesh system later if the new router didn't make any tangible change? Or would this all need to be done in one go. I was initially thinking of upgrading the router and buying an additional single mesh device for the 2nd floor.

Hopefully I haven't missed too much info, apologies if so, this is something that seems to change from person to person. I just want it to be sufficient for the general netflix, browsing, streaming, 2 people WFH with occasional zoom meetings. No gaming needs.

Thanks.

Internet Broadband HFC nbn Wireless Router

Comments

  • bmxr on 07/07/2023 - 13:00

    If inexperienced and looking for an easy solution across multiple floors, look at a mesh system. Google Nest WiFi is probably the easiest!

    • Caerdyddblue on 07/07/2023 - 13:44

      Thanks, is there just one model of google nest or a specific you recommend?

      • jv on 07/07/2023 - 14:45

        There are 2 models. However I don't think the Pro is available in Australia yet.

        You need to decide how many nodes you need to get… you'll probably need the router to connect to the NBN modem, then an extra node for each floor in your townhouse.

        https://store.google.com/au/product/nest_wifi

        Personally, I'd be looking at getting a wifi-6 router instead unless you really must have Google Home because of other devices…

  • Twix on 07/07/2023 - 13:24

    Extra mesh node(s) can purchased later if a single router isn't enough. How much do you want to spend?

    • Caerdyddblue on 07/07/2023 - 13:43

      Probably would like to keep the cost below $200-$300 if a decent solution can be found for that? Im not looking for flawless internet but more reliable on 2nd/3rd floor and if I get any increase in speed that’s a bonus

      • Twix on 07/07/2023 - 14:06

        More router deals may pop up during Amazon AU Prime Day July 11-12.

        Amazon eero 6 Dual-Band Mesh Wi-Fi 6 Router $135 Each ($270 for two) Delivered @ Amazon AU. Join Amazon Prime $9.99/month to get this deal (cancel anytime).
        Asus RT-AX58U Dual Band AX3000 Wi-Fi 6 Router $299 + Delivery ($0 C&C/ in-Store) @ JB Hi-Fi. Wi-Fi can be expanded later with an extra Asus mesh node.
        TP-Link Deco M5 Mesh Wi-Fi 5 System (2-Pack Bundle) $159 + Delivery ($0 C&C) @ Umart / MSY.
        TP-Link Deco X20 Mesh Wi-Fi 6 System (2-Pack Bundle) $269.99 Delivered @ Amazon AU.

        • Caerdyddblue on 07/07/2023 - 20:19
          +1

          Thanks for those suggestions, is wifi 6 a big improvement for my scenario?

          The top looks best value if the single one suffices.

      • jv on 07/07/2023 - 14:50
        -1

        Probably would like to keep the cost below $200-$300

        Look at the Tenda range then. They are cheaper and still good quality…

        https://www.tendacn.com/au/products/whole-home-wi-fi.html

  • Uncle Roger on 07/07/2023 - 16:38

    Google Nest is quite good, can buy the modem + 2 points. Each point doubles up as a smart assistant/speaker, which might be an advantage (can be turned off for privacy etc)

    • Caerdyddblue on 07/07/2023 - 20:21

      Can you get the modem and 1 point? I feel like that would be more than enough as the house isn't huge but just very tall. I could use the additional point on the 2nd floor if that could cover the 3rd as well.

      • Twix on 08/07/2023 - 00:10

        Google's Nest Wi-Fi 5 router $269 and Nest Wi-Fi Point $229 can be purchased separately. Nest Wi-Fi is fast enough for you but not the best value. Nest Wi-Fi router has two ethernet ports and the Nest Wi-Fi Point doesn't have any ethernet ports on the back. The mesh systems I posted before are Wi-Fi 6 and have ethernet ports on the router and node.

        • Caerdyddblue on 08/07/2023 - 16:48
          +1

          Really appreciate the guidance here, very helpful! You mentioned there may be more router deals on prime next week, would that Amazon Eero deal good enough to pull the trigger now or do you think it’s worth waiting a few days to see what else comes up?

          • Twix on 08/07/2023 - 17:05
            +1

            @Caerdyddblue: eero has gone on sale early for Prime Day. Last year there was sales on Asus.

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