Router Needs Replacing I Know Nothing about Them - Please Help!

Faro on 16/03/2025 - 10:41
Last edited 16/03/2025 - 13:23 by 2 other users

So my router is on its way out. It came with my Kogan internet plan when I first signed up years ago and was working fine up until about 6 months ago. Now it requires daily reboots (sometimes multiple times daily) and is often hot to touch.

We are only on a 50/20Mbps plan, but I play online games (mostly Switch), we stream occasionally and have maybe a dozen or so devices connected at any one time.

As I said in the title, I know very little about these things, but would prefer stability without breaking the bank.

Can anyone point me in the right direction?

Computing Modem Router

Comments

  • SBOB on 16/03/2025 - 10:44
    +1

    We are only on a 50/25mbps plan

    FTTN, FTTP, HFC, Fixed wireless?

  • Nutrino on 16/03/2025 - 10:50

    Have you contacted kogan?

    • Faro on 16/03/2025 - 11:57
      +3

      Contacting Kogan is more stressful than it's worth. Would rather just get a new router/modem myself that will (hopefully) be better.

      • geekcohen on 16/03/2025 - 14:23
        +1

        I think they were more suggesting speaking to Kogan to confirm it isn't some sort of other issue.

  • Wiadro on 16/03/2025 - 11:50
    +3

    get a telstra gen 3 modem from fbmp

  • nuker on 16/03/2025 - 12:20

    Have you tried "factory reset"? This usually fixes cheap modems. Find a little "reset" hole at the back, push this hidden button with toothpick for 30 seconds until LEDs go off or start blinking. Now you have fresh new modem.

    • Loopholio on 17/03/2025 - 10:57
      +1

      But first make sure any necessary settings are written down or you may have to deal with Kogan to retrieve these details.

      • nuker on 20/03/2025 - 19:16

        Should work with defaults, that is if NBN is using DHCP on WAN. If not - wrong NBN, get proper one :)

  • scalebearer on 16/03/2025 - 13:36

    I would suggest GL.iNet home routers.

    https://www.gl-inet.com/products/

    Click on Home Router in the filters.

    I would recommend Flint 2 or Flint 1.
    You can go for Marble if you like style over substance and don't like routers with external antennae.

    Flint 3 is not out yet and is overkill for most people unless you have WiFi 7 capable devices.
    Most people either do not have any WiFi 7 devices or only have 1-2 devices where the newer capability for improved speeds when there is congestion is not going to be fully utilised.

    They can be a bit pricey if you have to buy a new router immediately and cannot wait for sales.
    If you can snag one on sale, that would be ideal.

    These routers are recommended because most router manufacturers are trying to lock down their routers even more, while trying to lock some capabilities behind subscriptions to get more money out of their customers.
    GL.iNet uses OpenWRT, which is a popular aftermarket router firmware, with a more user friendly skin over the top.
    You can also access the more advanced OpenWRT capability easily via an advanced menu.

  • ihbh on 16/03/2025 - 13:56
    -2

    If you're not in a rush, then check out Marketplace for free ones.

    Spot a free one nearby, say sold, then check if it can work with your ISP. Go from there.

  • GordonD on 16/03/2025 - 13:58
    +3

    Needing to be rebooted can be a symptom of overheating.

    Overheating is not a symptom of an electronic device aging.

    Before I gave up on a piece of electronics that was running hot and needing reboots I'd check whether whatever cooling it had wasn't working as it was designed to. Things like routers usually have passive cooling using convection. Which could be due to dust buildup. So I'd do what I could with compressed air or by opening it up to get rid of any dust. And if that didn't resolve the problem, then I'd look at buying a replacement.

  • RogerLoger on 16/03/2025 - 14:22

    I take it from you plan, you are on broadband. As per scrimshaw's post above, check your address for NBN availability at your address.
    If NBN is available, you'll get better service plus a pre-configured modem thrown in for very close to the same price.

  • AustriaBargain on 16/03/2025 - 17:50

    Yeah areas are being upgraded to FTTP all the time. If you can upgrade, do it. And if you need a new router anyway, get a good one if you know you'll be using it for the next 10 years.

  • ozbs25 on 16/03/2025 - 18:12
    +1

    It could be that it's overheating. Have you tried cooling it? You can get a USB fan and plug it into the router itself. I do something similar with my router but as it's massive I have to use a laptop cooler. The router just sits on top of the cooler.

    Edit: I'd try blowing it out first like someone else suggested then try to keep it cool.

    I actually keep both the NBN black box and my router on top of the laptop cooler.

  • soan papdi on 16/03/2025 - 18:33

    If you’re in Melbourne and want a roitet near-new router, send me a dm. If your budget allows get a mesh system and have good wifi everywhere.

  • RufRuf on 17/03/2025 - 11:40

    Ubiquity unifi express 7 would be my choice

  • jv on 17/03/2025 - 12:05
    -2

    Can anyone point me in the right direction?

    North.

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join