Replacement Router for nbn HFC around $100?

Bargainolic on 07/04/2025 - 12:45
Last edited 07/04/2025 - 14:21 by 2 other users

Hi,

My Telstra Gen 2 finally seems to have broken down with the 2.4GHz Wi-Fi signal becoming extremely weak. Tried everything suggested online but couldn't get it back to what it was earlier.

Looking for a replacement now to connect to NBN HFC without breaking the bank. Have around 25 devices connected (smart bulbs, plugs, blinds, Nest cam, chromecast, laptop, phones) all around the house and need a signal strong enough to reach outdoors to my Nest cams.

Already looking at FBMP for Telstra gen 3/2 modem. Any other recommendations for non-telstra new wifi router around the $100 mark?

Internet Broadband HFC nbn Wireless Router

Comments

  • twobit on 07/04/2025 - 12:55

    Are you with telstra? Call them up say its broken and ask about a customer replacement. If not, mention you are looking to move to superloop which has a free modem.

    Your plan includes a free 4g backup, so swapping modem means you dont get the benefit

    • Jimothy Wongingtons on 07/04/2025 - 12:56
      +2

      If not, mention you are looking to move to superloop which has a free modem.

      i tried with 3 different agents and despite being a telstra customer for 15 years+ , they were just like ok go lol

    • Bargainolic on 07/04/2025 - 13:06

      Nah, churned a few years ago

    • Fredfloresjr on 07/04/2025 - 13:11

      They won't budge so stop wasting your time. Move if you need to move just be sure you have reception on your next provider.

  • JIMB0 on 07/04/2025 - 13:12
    +4

    These are like $20 on marketplace. Often you'll find them on hard rubbish for free.

  • tjaye on 07/04/2025 - 13:16

    Our Gen 2 just died last week (just stopped receiving signal from the box [FTTP]) and waiting on a replacement 3 from Telstra atm.

    No advice for that budget price point but I'd say be weary of a gen 3 as they had a lot of issues on release, so not sure how our new one is going to go either.

    The second gen aren't great either (ours lasted about two years which is pretty shit and looking at it now, not sure why we were given it given the 3 was released in 2022).

    Since you're not on Telstra and can't utilise the 4g backup I would suggest moving away from them.

  • netjock on 07/04/2025 - 14:41

    Change it into modem only mode and buy a mesh system?

  • kfp187 on 07/04/2025 - 15:04

    Telstra Gen 2's are the business man. For $20 they are great. Grab the DJA0231 model and root it. Put tailscale or wireguard on it so when you travel you can access "home". It's great when you overseas and want to watch say Kayo which doesn't allow that normally.
    Can grab some boosters (from memory the black Gen 3 boosters will work with the Gen 2 modems).
    Im avoiding the black gen 3 modems as they have an issue with the power where they'll randomly just die.
    Good little devices…

    • Namidairo on 07/04/2025 - 18:24

      I've heard not great things about the Gen 3 modems as well, in regards to stability.

      Perhaps they've sorted that out with firmware updates, but the Gen 2 is more than good enough for the majority of folks as far as I'm concerned.

      Oddly enough the Gen 3 still has a gigabit wan port so… I question whether Telstra gets a new unit out before September, or even sells 2gbit plans. (Or tries to sell some other ridiculous package with/without LTE backup like… a Cisco?)

      • kfp187 on 07/04/2025 - 18:35

        Perhaps they've sorted that out with firmware updates - they haven't.
        Gen 2 is more than enough and if for some reason you need/want wifi 6 get some wifi 6 access points.

    • Wiadro on 08/04/2025 - 20:21

      My gen3 is the first batch of them and it’s been kicking for 3 years now

  • SoTightEcoLPI on 07/04/2025 - 22:14
    +1

    Marketplace cost you $30 max. Search and you will find

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