Hi all.
I am with TPG, been using their modem/router for a few years now, signal is getting very bad lately.
I have no clue what to get to replace it, can someone please help.
House is double-storey hardly gets a signal upstairs.
The modem/router is now in the small office downstairs.
Any recommendations please.
Thanks.
its NBN FTTN Broadband
So you need a new modem/router or a Mesh WiFi system to get better signal through the house.
A new Modem/router might fix the issue, but Mesh WiFi is guaranteed to fix your WiFi signal issues, so that would be my recommendation.
Do a search to get a feel for what models you think fit your budget and needs, then keep your eye out for the next good deals here.
so is a mesh wifi acts as a router as well? i have no idea what to look for.. was looking to get something like $200 to $300? any recommendations?
@Ilovetoeat: They can can, but for ease of setup, probably best to leave that to your existing modem/router and just use the Mesh as WiFi Access points.
So you'd just turn off the WiFi from the modem/router and connect devices to the Mesh.
One Mesh device would need to be connected by cable to a LAN port on your Modem router. The other Access Points will sort out a connection back to that "Master" device as well as re-broadcast a WiFi signal for devices to connect to.
@Ilovetoeat: It can be configured as a router or Wi-Fi access point(s).
Option 1. Plug in a TP-Link Deco to the TPG modem LAN port and place a TP-Link Deco upstairs. Disable Wi-Fi on the TPG modem. Configure the TP-Link Deco as Wi-Fi access points.
TP-Link Deco M5 Mesh Wi-Fi 5 Router System (2-Pack) $135.20 Delivered @ Amazon AU.
TP-Link Deco X20 Mesh Wi-Fi 6 Router System (2-Pack $181.71 Delivered @ Amazon AU).
Option 2. Swap the TPG modem/router for a TP-Link Deco X20-DSL VDSL2 Modem/Router $175.59 and a TP-Link Deco X20 1-Pack $126.65.
@Twix: Noting to OP that because you are on FttN technology, you NEED a modem somewhere in the system.
Your existing modem includes an inbuilt router (hence it's technically referred to as a modem/router).
Most Mesh devices are a router only, in which case you will need to keep the existing modem/router.
Twix's suggestion looks like a good option if you're happy to spend that sort of money on a new Modem/router and Mesh system.
@ESEMCE: ok i am confused! so does changing the router that I currently have improve the signal ? If I change only the router will it work?
Or would adding the Mesh solve the problem?
Or do i need to have a new router or mesh?
Sorry its all too confusing for me
If I change only the router will it work?
Maybe, but not guaranteed.
Or would adding the Mesh solve the problem?
Keeping your modem/router and adding a mesh system will definitely help your WiFi signal and general speed. (up to the speed of your Internet plan of course)
Keeping your existing modem/router and adding Mesh would require you to have 1 Mesh unit installed next to and connected to your modem/router.
The other Mesh Unit/s would just need power supply and would need to be positioned in the house where the WiFi signal from the Master unit is no worse than say 50%.
In a 2 storey house, with only 2 Mesh units, a location fairly central to the house on the upper level should be a pretty good starting point.
In a large house, you might need 3 or even 4 Mesh units.
If you don't like the visuals of having your existing Modem/router and the Master Mesh unit plugged in next to each other, then a neater, all in one "Master unit" solution is that suggested by Twix. It costs more, but looks neater if you care about that sort of thing.
@ESEMCE: thank you so much now i get it
so based on recommendation from twix do i get the tp-link m5 or x20?
@Ilovetoeat: The major difference is that the X20 has a more recent version of WiFi.
It sounds like you're not a mega tech nerd who must have the latest and greatest, in which case, I think the M5 will be perfectly fine.
just checked - nope :(
@Ilovetoeat: Check to see whether they're planning the upgrade for your suburb:
https://lukeprior.github.io/nbn-upgrade-map/?suburb=north-be…
The best consumer FTTN VDSL modem / router I've owned is the Asus model below:
https://www.asus.com/au/networking-iot-servers/modem-routers…
You can also add-on addtional mesh system for enhanced coverage:
https://www.asus.com/searchresult?searchType=products&pdLine…
@Ilovetoeat: FTTN connections need a device with VDSL modem built-in to connect you to your local NBN node.
FTTP don't require the VDSL component, so whilst you can use a device with VDSL modem as a router, it'll be cheaper to buy a router without one for use with a FTTP connection.
If your home connection is FTTN, then repalcing whatever cheap/generic device your provider has given with the device below, will increase connection VDSL & Wi-Fi stability/performance.
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/815747
If your area is upgraded at a future point in time, you can still continue using the same device as a router with the FTTP connection.
Suggest starting with upgrading the router and checking performance. If required, you can later add a mesh system to further expand range.
I have no clue what to get to replace it
Get FTTP
I already applied for Superloop flip to fiber upgrade, I'm currently using Netgear Nighthawk X6 R8000 on FTTC, will it be sufficient for FTTP connection once upgraded?
Netgear Nighthawk X6 R8000 router works on FTTP. What speed tier did you signup for?
Thanks Twix, it is 1000/50
what type of connection you got, FTTP…N etc