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[NEXUS2345]

After looking around online, most of the available modem routers are either out of date, or poorly made. I was looking at the TP-Link Archer VR2600 but have seen many reviews suggesting poor performance. So my question really is whether or not to get a separate modem and router for my connection or not.

If I went with separate devices, I was thinking about buying a second hand HG612 but I am not sure if I would be better off buying something newer if anyone can suggest anything.

If anyone can suggest a better modem router preferably with a Broadcom chipset that supports MU-MIMO that would be great also.

[burakkucat]

Will you want to be able to monitor your circuit's statistics and upload the same to MDWS?

If the above is not a necessary requirement, I will suggest that you research the TP-Link Archer VR900.

[NEXUS2345]

I would like the ability to view statistics, if it at all possible with a combined unit, but it is not a requirement, so I appreciate the suggestion of the VR900. It looks promising, but I would *prefer* to have a bit of future proof-ness with MU-MIMO if possible, although it seems that may not really work out as there are a very limited range of devices available that support it. I was just investigating the Linksys WRT1900ACS and am continuing to do some research as it apparently has a FW bug that causes frequent restarts, although it also appears that a firmware fix may be available this month.

Also, do you have any opinions on the DrayTek Vigor 130? Just curious as I have not heard much about it and the reviews from some customers are good while others are worrying.

[burakkucat]

I have no personal experiences of DrayTek hardware. My knowledge only extends to the Vigor 120 and the newer Vigor 130. Some reviews are quite positive whilst others are not. Perhaps if one could be obtained, with the option to return it if it fails to perform adequately, would be my suggestion.

For a separate router, at the top of the list has to be a FireBrick FB2700. However the cost is significant . . .

[NEXUS2345]

Yeah, that is really out of my price range. I also would like WLAN included and so that is not suitable, although I know it is a very good router. After looking at DrayTek's website it appears that the Vigor 130 does not support G.INP so I will not be considering that one any longer anyway.

[dambuilder]

If you check out the firmware release notes for the vigorous 130 you will see that it does support G.INP.
http://www.draytek.co.uk/support/downloads

[psychopomp1]

Personally I prefer a separate modem & router, ie let the modem handle the sync side of things and let the router handle the routing and wifi.

The Draytek 130 is an excellent piece of kit, supports G.INP and allows you to view stats. However its uses a Lantiq chipset so those on Huawei cabs probably won't see the optimum sync rates (if less than max), though not an issue if you're close to the cab or connected to an ECI cab. If you're connected to a Huawei cab then get a HG612, granted its getting a bit old, but its rock solid. Hook this up to a Netgear R7800 router, currently the best standalone Mu-Mimo router out there,  and you'll have your connection on steroids

[NEXUS2345]

Thank you both for the replies and feedback. It is nice to know that the Vigor 130 supports G.INP and stats, but as the FTTC installation in my area is in progress, all the cabinets are Huawei, so I think I will be going with the HG612 for sure now. I looked at the Netgear but I need to do some more investigation into the software, as that is one of the areas that matters to me and very few providers show it off (TP-Link have emulators for their routers, which I wish other providers would offer).

[NEXUS2345]

I think I have come to a decision on my plans for when I get fibre. We will be sticking with Zen as our ISP and going with their Unlimited Fibre 2 option. For the modem I am going to most likely get a second hand HG612 (unless someone can point me in the direction of a new one?), or if that doesn't work out a DrayTek Vigor 130 (not preferable due to almost 100% chance of Huawei cabinet). For the router, I have decided for now on the TP-Link Archer C2600, as it has good wireless performance and very good software. The router choice may change if someone releases something significantly better (installation of FTTC is Q4 this year apparently), but for now I am sticking with the TP-Link as other routers are either obscenely expensive in comparison for the performance gain, or have lacking software packages (*cough cough* Netgear *cough cough*).

Thank you all for your input, it is greatly appreciated, and I hope to join you in future contributing to DSL stats. If you wish to add any more please feel free, as my mind is not made up on router choice as said previously.

[gt94sss2]

Zen offer ZyXEL modems for FTTC installs which many here rate highly.  They also have a newer Broadcom chipset than the HG612 so tend to sync at  a higher rate.

[skyeci]

My zyxel 8324 in bridge mode has synced higher than all the others I tried including hg612,8800nl,sky sr102, bt or eci unlocked,vr900 and netgear d7000

All tested on eci cab with no g.inp

[psychopomp1]

For the router, I have decided for now on the TP-Link Archer C2600, as it has good wireless performance and very good software.

The C2600 is indeed a very good choice and one of the cheapest Mu-Mimo routers out there but you may also want to consider the Linksys EA8500 which is exactly the same as C2600 wrt Qualcomm radios & chipset. The Linksys normally retails around £180 but is currently at £120 from Amazon making it cheaper than the C2600. Also you can install DD-WRT firmware on the EA8500 , and do things such as changing the radio power...obviously you should remain within UK limits 
http://www.dd-wrt.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=287976&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

[NEXUS2345]

Just looking at Zen and I am curious if anyone can tell the difference between the VMG8324 and the VMG8924? I cannot find any details on the chipset, nor can I find any images of the PCB. I will consider the 8324 if I can find one though (even though I have had bad experience with ZyXEL in the past).

[gt94sss2]

The VMG8924 supports dual band 802.11ac, the VMG8324 only 802.11n 2.4 GHz. Otherwise the models are identical

[skyeci]

Course if you use either zyxel in bridge mode as modems only as I do then the wireless aspect is not really an issue.