Broadband Related > Broadband Hardware
Newb needs skillz
SqueasyCheesyPeaz:
Hi folks,
I'm new to the forum, so 'Hello', and all that.
Despite considering myself relatively tech-y, when it comes to internet connectivity I'm about as useful as a drunken orangutan. I wondered whether you good people could give me some advice regarding VDSL connectivity...
I've been having intermittent connectivity issues recently with my ADSL, which I think may have something to do with my old Netgear DG834Gv5 router which heats up like crazy. Currently I have ADSL with Uno, but I'm looking to upgrade to VDSL asap.
My goal is to have a stable internet connection that rarely drops out. I'm not too concerned about speed, but there are around 8-10 devices in my household that are connected to wifi. I only have my main PC connected by RJ45 cable. I'm not doing anything crazy download wise. I'm an average Joe user. Netflix, Spotify, youtube, downloads... moderate to heavy internet usage.
I live in a relatively new build apartment complex of around 300 people. But there must be at least 2500+ people connected to the local cabinet. Speeds slow down considerably between 5-8pm and on weekends.
My property is approximately 200m from my cabinet (most likely a Huawei 288 /384HD). I am about 2 miles from my local exchange.
Do you think it's better to buy a modem and a router separately? If so, which ones?
I've noticed that, on this forum in particular, people seem to talk a lot about the ZyXEL VMG8924-B10A, which ironically seems to get one-star reviews elsewhere online. Other sites mention the Huawei HG612 or an ECI modem. Am I shooting in the right direction here? Do I have much choice in terms of modems? The models I've mentioned all seem to be worth about £5 second hand. Does that sound right?
And what about a router? Should I be going for anything in particular? Something with a Broadcom chipset perhaps? Is that even a thing? Why does it even matter?
Would it be preferable to go for a dual band router, or could I simply buy something quite cheap?
And what's 'Bridge Mode' when it's at home? Will this help me? You may as well be showing a dog a card trick.
Anyhoo, any advice would be much appreciated. Thank you.
burakkucat:
Welcome to the Kitz forum. :)
You have come to the right place with your questions . . . but, having just seen the time -- 0145 hours, it's too late for me to make a start in providing some answers. :sleep:
burakkucat:
--- Quote from: SqueasyCheesyPeaz on October 13, 2017, 12:29:13 AM ---Do you think it's better to buy a modem and a router separately?
--- End quote ---
I am of the opinion that for a G.993.2 (VDSL2) service there are benefits in having a separate modem and router/AP/WAP (Access Point/Wireless Access Point). The biggest benefit of separate devices is that the modem can be sited as close a possible to where the incoming line enters the property, whilst the router can be placed in the most convenient location with regards to providing a reliable wireless signal throughout the property. Obviously there will be a requirement to link the modem and router with CAT5e (or CAT6) Ethernet cable, which would need to be installed as a one-off task. Also there would need to be a mains supply available at both locations.
Along with other members, I would recommend one of the ZyXEL VMGnnn range (of modem/routers) configured as a bridging modem. (Please take a look at the very first post of this thread.)
For the router/AP/WAP I don't really have any particular favourite. Essentially you could use a standard domestic device (perhaps another modem/router, with the modem "turned off"), a domestic "cable router" or at the other extreme, an enterprise grade router with distributed WAPs.
--- Quote ---I've noticed that, on this forum in particular, people seem to talk a lot about the ZyXEL VMG8924-B10A, which ironically seems to get one-star reviews elsewhere online.
--- End quote ---
I don't have any experience of the VMG8924-B10A, so am unable to comment. As you have noted, other members have made that their first choice device.
--- Quote ---Other sites mention the Huawei HG612 or an ECI modem. Am I shooting in the right direction here? Do I have much choice in terms of modems? The models I've mentioned all seem to be worth about £5 second hand. Does that sound right?
--- End quote ---
Both the Huawei HG612 and the ECI B-FOCuS /r are now quite old items. Personally I would not touch the ECI B-FOCuS /r but a Huawei HG612 (Version 3B) is always worth having as a standby, in case of emergencies. Unfortunately you will find many available on eBay at ridiculously inflated prices. Especially when the seller states that the device is unlocked. (In bulk, they were probably being manufactured at around 80p per unit and the BT Group purchased them at around £1 per unit.)
Hopefully I have answered some of your questions . . . and will have probably triggered some more yet to come. ;)
Let's see what other members will now suggest . . .
gt94sss2:
--- Quote from: SqueasyCheesyPeaz on October 13, 2017, 12:29:13 AM ---I've been having intermittent connectivity issues recently with my ADSL, which I think may have something to do with my old Netgear DG834Gv5 router which heats up like crazy. Currently I have ADSL with Uno, but I'm looking to upgrade to VDSL asap.
I live in a relatively new build apartment complex of around 300 people. But there must be at least 2500+ people connected to the local cabinet. Speeds slow down considerably between 5-8pm and on weekends.
--- End quote ---
Welcome to the forum.
1. If you are happy on ADSL, you may find changing your modem will resolve your dropouts. The good news is that VDSL modems support ADSL as well.
2. On your slowdowns during peak periods, I would raise that with Uno - it sounds like something they should be able to help with.
--- Quote ---My property is approximately 200m from my cabinet (most likely a Huawei 288 /384HD). I am about 2 miles from my local exchange.
--- End quote ---
What speeds does http://www.dslchecker.bt.com say your telephone number is capable of?
--- Quote ---Do you think it's better to buy a modem and a router separately? If so, which ones?
--- End quote ---
This is really personal preference. Some prefer having a 2 box solution, others a combined modem/router. You could get a combined modem/router and then change to a 2 box solution if you wanted later by getting another router/access point. Given how you describe your network, a combined option with decent built in wifi should probably be fine.
--- Quote ---Would it be preferable to go for a dual band router, or could I simply buy something quite cheap?
--- End quote ---
I would recommend getting dual band and using that where your equipment supports it to help minimise the effects of interference from others in your appartment block.
--- Quote ---And what's 'Bridge Mode' when it's at home? Will this help me? You may as well be showing a dog a card trick.
--- End quote ---
Bridge mode is simply the mode you use if you have separate modem/router.
kitz:
Hi
The separate modem v combined unit is a personal choice. I prefer combined as my NTE is in the PC room and since I only have 2 LAN wired devices (PC & NAS) now I prefer the one box solution compared to the separate modem, separate router & separate network switch which I had to have when I first got FTTC. So for me, one plug and one unit is much neater.
>> on this forum in particular, people seem to talk a lot about the ZyXEL VMG8924-B10A,
I guess it depends what is most important to you.
We rate them because of their DSL performance. They tend to give a bit more sync speed and better stability for most lines as it has an internal noise filter and a decent BCM chipset.
I love the Zyxel web GUI which has configurations available are higher standard than most other domestic routers. It's based on the ZyXEL SBG3300 GUI which is a small business router.
The reason why some may not like it is because there are routers out there that give better wifi performance. So we are back to the reason why some people go for a 2 box solution by adding a separate router for the wifi, but the BCM based modems for DSL.
TBF I'm only using a VMG8324 but its range I find is decent enough to give me signal down the bottom of the garden to surf the net. I do a lot of streaming/IPTV to devices on a different floor and at other side of house without any buffering issues so its a non issue for me. My need for speed is on the PC which uses LAN... and also data transfer between PC & NAS so there's no way I'd ever consider using wifi for either. For the devices such as phone/tablets/smart tv/firestick/NowTV/Echos etc all they need to do is have sufficient wifi bandwidth to stream and Im happy.
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