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Broadband Related => Broadband Hardware => Topic started by: Pint on June 27, 2020, 01:46:49 PM

Title: Billion 8800nl r2 poor wifi
Post by: Pint on June 27, 2020, 01:46:49 PM
I'm currently using a billion 8800nl rc2 router, in a plusnet VDSL connection, however the wifi performance from it is incredibly poor, wired i get speeds of 38mb, and on wifi ( measured using the speed test app and fast) i get speeds of around 8mb or less - even when right next to the router
 I have tried different channels and moving the router- but nothing seems to make a difference.
 At the moment ive plugged an old router in, and using that as an access point, although its not idea, as i need a one box solution ( due to space etc) the billion device is now 4 years old and was original used on an ADSL service where the wifi speeds were the same as the/not much different than the ADSL speeds.
 The 2.4 band is pretty crowded and has been since a new nearby housing estate was built.

any recomendations for a replacement VDSL modem/router with 5Ghz wifi - or some settings to fiddle with on the billion?
 Apart form the wifi ive had no other issues with the billion 8800nl r2
Title: Re: Billion 8800nl r2 poor wifi
Post by: psychopomp1 on June 27, 2020, 06:48:05 PM
I assume you've done a hard factory reset on the 8800NL with no improvement?

If you want to stick with Billion then go for the 8900AX. Obviously not cheap, but a great router for wifi coverage as well as having a rock solid xDSL chipset (BCM).

Otherwise something like a TP Link VR2100 would be a cheaper option but still a huge upgrade from the 8800NL wrt wifi.
Title: Re: Billion 8800nl r2 poor wifi
Post by: meritez on June 28, 2020, 10:23:55 PM
I'm currently using a billion 8800nl rc2 router, in a plusnet VDSL connection, however the wifi performance from it is incredibly poor, wired i get speeds of 38mb, and on wifi ( measured using the speed test app and fast) i get speeds of around 8mb or less - even when right next to the router
 any recomendations for a replacement VDSL modem/router with 5Ghz wifi - or some settings to fiddle with on the billion?
 Apart form the wifi ive had no other issues with the billion 8800nl r2

Standing right next to the router, the 8800nl r2 will connect at 802.11b speeds, and further away 802.11g, unless you have chosen "wireless n clients only" in the advanced config.

Other than that, the wireless performance is pretty rubbish, it's my company's go to modem for vdsl and adsl connections, but that's not because of it wireless performance, it's a perfectly decent performer in bridge mode, and you can easily identify the power, internet and dsl connections on the front of it, plus it's failover dual wan is handy.

If you are looking for something with a similar chipset but dual wan, there is the Archer VR400 v2, though on this forum the go to router is a Zyxel VMG1312-B10D or B10A in bridge mode with a separate access point.



Title: Re: Billion 8800nl r2 poor wifi
Post by: Pint on July 06, 2020, 07:07:23 PM
is this the TP link model?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wireless-Connections-Infinity-Archer-VR400/dp/B01LFGTEI6

[Moderator edited to simplify the link.]
Title: Re: Billion 8800nl r2 poor wifi
Post by: meritez on July 07, 2020, 09:41:08 AM
is this the TP link model?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wireless-Connections-Infinity-Archer-VR400/dp/B01LFGTEI6

[Moderator edited to simplify the link.]

That's the model
Title: Re: Billion 8800nl r2 poor wifi
Post by: mofa2020 on July 07, 2020, 10:58:30 AM
is this the TP link model?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wireless-Connections-Infinity-Archer-VR400/dp/B01LFGTEI6

[Moderator edited to simplify the link.]

I have the TP-LINK VR400 and the wifi coverage sucks and keeps dropping / reconnecting every few minutes apart from lack of detailed line stats either from UI or the custom TP-LINK telnet interface (TP-LINK disabled or removed direct telnet to Broadcom chipset) and can not be monitored by DSLstats for example,, I would stick with the Zyxel -B10A as it performs better than -B10D as a modem, or get a wifi solution for the Billion so the problem will be fixed and everything would be almost the same.
Title: Re: Billion 8800nl r2 poor wifi
Post by: Pint on July 07, 2020, 07:07:39 PM
this : https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wireless-Connections-Infinity-Archer-VR400/dp/B06XW26XZ3?th=1   
TP-LINK AC1600
Itwould be at the top of my budget level - any benefit on that model?
One of the things i'm after is  a single box, with good (strong) wifi 2.4+5Ghz, and preferably the ability to self diagnose issues such as line stats etc ( to avoid having to call the ISP where possible)
Title: Re: Billion 8800nl r2 poor wifi
Post by: mofa2020 on July 07, 2020, 08:06:12 PM
Maybe the VR600 "AC1600" perform better on wifi part than the VR400, but most of "if not all" TP-LINK single box solutions suffer the same fate of lacking detailed line stats that can help to self diagnose line even a detailed error counts (FEC, CRC, ES, etc....) are not available,, though it is not cheap and TP-LINK hardly pushes firmware updates last one was on 04-05-2017 which "as I think" is the only update for the stock firmware..

I would get a Zyxel for sure if I had the choice but TP-LINK is the only Broadcom based brand in my country so I have to deal with the VR400.
Title: Re: Billion 8800nl r2 poor wifi
Post by: Pint on July 07, 2020, 08:33:40 PM
i take it that the TP link boxes arent the way to go
Title: Re: Billion 8800nl r2 poor wifi
Post by: mofa2020 on July 07, 2020, 08:57:00 PM
i take it that the TP link boxes arent the way to go

Yup, I know how Billions in general provide much of information either using the UI or telnet commands and line stats can be monitored from software like DSLstats or similar apps. thanks to allowing access to Broadcom telnet so the user can have a logged history for the line or line diagnose in case of internal issue as you can test the line and see the result so no need to call ISP and have a OR engineer visit for an issue that is under customer responsibility.

That is why I were focusing on line stats in TP-LINK routers.
Title: Re: Billion 8800nl r2 poor wifi
Post by: Pint on July 07, 2020, 09:01:29 PM
the billion 8900ax, as recommended previously is significantly out of budget :(

Title: Re: Billion 8800nl r2 poor wifi
Post by: Alex Atkin UK on July 07, 2020, 09:05:23 PM
If WiFi is the only issue then have you thought of keeping the Billion as-is and just add a dedicated Access Point or a router in Access Point mode?
Title: Re: Billion 8800nl r2 poor wifi
Post by: Pint on July 07, 2020, 09:34:48 PM
one of the things im after is a single box solution, mainly for neatness
Title: Re: Billion 8800nl r2 poor wifi
Post by: psychopomp1 on July 07, 2020, 10:14:17 PM
the billion 8900ax, as recommended previously is significantly out of budget :(

In that case go for the TP Link VR2100 as I suggested earlier. You won't be disappointed :)
Title: Re: Billion 8800nl r2 poor wifi
Post by: Chunkers on July 08, 2020, 01:12:33 PM
Personally I think TP-Link hardware is OK, but am not a fan of TP-Link's apparent habit of dropping firmware support relatively quickly.

I would tend to favour a different manufacturer but I know TP-Link devices do appear to be good value, if you are contemplating a TP-Link then I think it would be good to select one which has an opensource firmware support e.g. OpenWRT

C
Title: Re: Billion 8800nl r2 poor wifi
Post by: Pint on July 08, 2020, 09:46:02 PM
Quote
Personally I think TP-Link hardware is OK, but am not a fan of TP-Link's apparent habit of dropping firmware support relatively quickly.

I would tend to favour a different manufacturer but I know TP-Link devices do appear to be good value, if you are contemplating a TP-Link then I think it would be good to select one which has an opensource firmware support e.g. OpenWRT
thanks, keep the suggestions comming, i had  quick look at the Tp link user forum, and there are quite a few complaints/issues on there
Title: Re: Billion 8800nl r2 poor wifi
Post by: spudgun on July 08, 2020, 09:59:23 PM
I don't think what you are looking for exists I'm afraid.

If you want decent wifi and a solid connection with monitorable stats etc. you need a 2 (or more) box setup. All of the 1 box solutions come with some amount of compromise. For example, the 8800nl has an excellent modem, but the wifi is poor.
Title: Re: Billion 8800nl r2 poor wifi
Post by: Pint on July 11, 2020, 12:18:36 PM
hmm, probably leaning towards the TP link at the moment, i could live without the line stats etc
considering this https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wireless-Connections-Infinity-Archer-VR400/dp/B01N2LSLMH?th=1
Title: Re: Billion 8800nl r2 poor wifi
Post by: psychopomp1 on July 11, 2020, 06:21:15 PM
thanks, keep the suggestions comming, i had  quick look at the Tp link user forum, and there are quite a few complaints/issues on there

You will find complaints with pretty much all router vendors, TP Link are no exception. TP Link routers are excellent value for money if you're not too bothered about certain advanced router functions which you might find on Billion or Asus all-in-one routers.

The VR400 is a good solid choice and it should be a nice improvement over the Billion 8800NL.
Title: Re: Billion 8800nl r2 poor wifi
Post by: Pint on July 13, 2020, 08:16:13 PM
This would be the top of my budget range https://www.ebuyer.com/782409-tp-link-archer-vr2800-wireless-router-archer-vr2800
would it be worth the extra £35 ?
Title: Re: Billion 8800nl r2 poor wifi
Post by: psychopomp1 on July 14, 2020, 08:17:06 AM
The VR2800 is on a par with the Billion 8900AX, both high end 4x4 routers. So if you can afford it, definitely worth getting the VR2800 as its TP Link's best all-in-one router. £150 is a great price for the VR2800 considering it normally sells for around £180-£200.
Title: Re: Billion 8800nl r2 poor wifi
Post by: Pint on July 19, 2020, 09:57:28 PM
Instead of just going away and leaving this thread dangling here's a follow up...


Decided to bite the bullet and order the VR2800 for £150, plugged it all in - found the phone lead (RJ11) was somewhat on the short side, as is the mains adaptor lead (12v) so its sat on the window ledge in the same place as the billion 8800nl r2 was - which in turn should show real like-for like performance.
I'm on plusnets VDSL 40/10 product ( minimum term on this expires in september - so the next quest is to find out who charges what and then haggle plusnet to match the cheapest /come up with something competitive again)
 pugged it all in - set up was simple it was just a case of entering username@plusdsl.net and the account password and that was it, then changing the wifi ssid + password to match that of the billion ( which in turn matched that of a much older router) to avoid the hassle of having to change every wifi device and of it went.

My wifi repeater can now be retired as the wifi extends all over the property - including outside previously i was plugging a repeater in or using a phone hotspot to get wifi outside, without the repeater the billion was poor, with it the poor wifi just stretched a little further
Billion router whilst at  bottom of garden speeds about 0.1, Tp link speeds at 32mbps

Second bonus, i've got a few smart plugs ( glorified timer switches that can be controlled over the internet) i had these down as broken as they kept randomly turning off for a few seconds when they were supposed to be on, and on for a second at random when they were supposed to be off - connected to wifi on the new router they have been flawless

Wake on lan is up and running and was relatively simple to set up - the tp link router has a search function in the GUI which makes it easy to find where they have hidden the settings you need, unlike the billion which at times could feel like finding a needle in a haystack

Size wise, the thing is somewhat larger than the billion, although it just fits ( with a slight overhang) on the window ledge
Title: Re: Billion 8800nl r2 poor wifi
Post by: burakkucat on July 19, 2020, 10:13:48 PM
Thank you for the update. I'm pleased to read that you now have a successful solution to the WiFi problem.

Just a comment about having the device on the window-ledge. Depending upon which way the window faces and, of course, your local environment it might be worthwhile checking that the modem/router does not get overheated by any direct sun.
Title: Re: Billion 8800nl r2 poor wifi
Post by: Pint on July 19, 2020, 11:33:06 PM
No sunshine on that window ledge.
 One side of it is behind the TV ( not good for wifi) and the other location i could put the router sees it directly in front of a radiator ( not good for wifi) 1970's house designers didnt put much thought into wifi router location when designing the locations of plug sockets radiators windows etc - likewise when British telecom (post office telephones?) decided on where to route the incoming phone line - they must have gone  for the easy option of drilling through what would have been a wooden window frame as opposed to the brickwork showing an incredible lack of foresight
Title: Re: Billion 8800nl r2 poor wifi
Post by: burakkucat on July 19, 2020, 11:45:02 PM
Understood.  :)
Title: Re: Billion 8800nl r2 poor wifi
Post by: Alex Atkin UK on July 20, 2020, 02:05:12 AM
No sunshine on that window ledge.
 One side of it is behind the TV ( not good for wifi) and the other location i could put the router sees it directly in front of a radiator ( not good for wifi) 1970's house designers didnt put much thought into wifi router location when designing the locations of plug sockets radiators windows etc - likewise when British telecom (post office telephones?) decided on where to route the incoming phone line - they must have gone  for the easy option of drilling through what would have been a wooden window frame as opposed to the brickwork showing an incredible lack of foresight

Could be worse, here BT wedged it around the outside of the window frame.  When the council replaced the window frame it got wedged really flat against the brickwork.
Title: Re: Billion 8800nl r2 poor wifi
Post by: mountainman2 on May 10, 2021, 09:10:07 AM
I have 1 of these routers for the past 3 years, around 12 months ago the Wifi signal was getting lower week by week. I took it a part & measured the input voltage to the router it seemed a little low. I replaced the supplied PSU with a slightly more powerful unit 12V at 4Amps. Result Wifi signal back to high level, still no problems after 1 year. Firmware was also updated earlier this year to the most recent.
Title: Re: Billion 8800nl r2 poor wifi
Post by: adslmax on May 10, 2021, 02:16:36 PM

Decided to bite the bullet and order the VR2800 for £150, plugged it all in - found the phone lead (RJ11) was somewhat on the short side, as is the mains adaptor lead (12v) so its sat on the window ledge in the same place as the billion 8800nl r2 was - which in turn should show real like-for like performance.


Does this router showing PPPoE connection ongoing timestamp on both DSL stats and PPPoE connected? As I have TP Link VR2600 as it very annoyed as both DSL stats and PPPoE connected both have no connection ongoing timestamp at all which it very disappointed overall.

Cos I prefer and check how long it been connected from the cabinet to router and how long it been connected from plusnet gateway.