Hi folks
Ok, I’ve read what I can, found out what I can, yet I still can’t figure out an answer to my question(s).
I’ll start with what I know and what I have, from cabinet to final usage.
I have FTTC, (Plusnet) 38Mb Unlimited, testing at –
37.67Mbps Down and 18.20Mbps Up, (using U-Switch speed Tester).
37.79/37.68 Down, 18.82/18.71 Up and 16/16ms Ping (tested twice in succession using Ookla)
38.04/38.03 down, 13.85/15.15 up and 25.00/40.25ms ping (tested twice in succession using BT Wholesale tester)
The BT cabinet I’m connected to is an ECI M41 and is approximately 250 Mtrs away from my home, (approx street measurement).
My equipment is –
Modem - The Plusnet supplied BT Openreach modem – Echolife HG16. (running original firmware as I don’t know how to upgrade it)
Router - My router is a (new) TP-Link TD-W8960 (V5) ADSL modem router - connected to the modem by cable into the WAN socket and being used as a router only - running the latest firmware. (New because my existing one had firmware problems which could not be resolved and was kindly replaced by TP-Link under their three yr guarantee)
Usage - I have two PC’s connecting via wireless (LAN cable not an option), one using a TP-Link TL-WDN 4800 card (480Mbps dual band) the other using a TP-Link TL-WDN 3800 card (300Mbps dual band), both running latest firmware and both in use most of every day.
Various other uses, all wireless, ie. iPhone, Kindles, etc. (possibly tablet/laptop as well) but not all at once
No thick stone walls or great distances involved for the radio signal, just general around the house usage (ground and first floor + very short garden).
Now for the question(s) –
Would I benefit in any way at all, and if so, how ...... if I :-
1 - Kept the BT modem and changed my router for a new (and better spec) dedicated router, - or -
2 – Changed both the modem and router for a new (and better spec) single box dedicated VDSL (or ADSL/VDSL) modem/router.
I’ve read some great reviews for some great equipment, but I still don’t know if they would benefit me or not (if I do upgrade, my budget is £150 max).
I’ve tried to give as much info as I can and I hope it’s good enough for anybody to answer my questions and make any comments or suggestions which may help me finally stop wondering if I’m doing ok as I am or if things could be better/faster etc. (I’m sure this will also help others who may be wondering if their gear is up to the job).
Thanks in advance