ADSL2+ Modem/Router Recommendation (AC1200 and Dual Band) up to $200

LEddy271 on 15/02/2017 - 09:16
Last edited 15/02/2017 - 10:37 by 1 other user

I just switched to TPG from Telstra and discovered my old modem router from them is locked to their service (I've wanted to replace it for a long time now anyway)

What Modem/Routers are you guys using that you would recommend?

I'd like it to be AC1200 and dual band.

My budget is up to $200

Any suggestions would be appreciated!

Computing Modem Router

Comments

  • sane on 15/02/2017 - 09:51
    +1

    OK, a few pointers:

    1) Don't look at ac routers at less than AC1750. Because of the way the number is made up (marketing=lying) you'll find that the slower routers can actually be slower than N routers in real life. Price isn't massively different.

    2) Make sure it has a WAN port, and that that is a gigabit port. You will be moving to NBN - and you don't want to have to junk it as a router. Make sure it can act as a router too (eg mapping out the ADSL part).

    3) 4 gigabit ports too, for similar reasons.

    Personally I'd look at the TP-LINK Archer D7 which MSY have on EoL for $169.

    And finally, outside your price range, but you might end up moving to VoIP to ditch the landline with NBN - so a unit that can do that is useful.

    • Eddy271 on 15/02/2017 - 09:55

      Thanks for clearing those things up!

      The D7 looks good, do you think its worth paying more and getting the D9? its $249

      • sane on 15/02/2017 - 12:15
        +2

        Personally, I'm not convinced the christmas tree routers (the ones' with antenna all over them) are worth the extra. You are going to have neighbours, and they are going to interfere all over your signal. The higher wifi speeds are dependent on no interference, and the device connecting to be able to do it too (most can't).

        And it's over your stated budget.

        If I spending extra money, I'd be directing it towards VoIP, either in the router, or since those seem to be dying, as an extra unit. Getting rid of the frankly silly prices that Telstra et al charge for a landline and porting your number over to a VoIP can actively save you money.

        You might also want to check if that old unit of yours is actually locked to TPG. AFAIK none actually are and TPG-specific firmware can be bought to factory defaults. That would open another option for you - using the old modem just for the ADSL, and having a separate router for newer wifi standards. Then when you get NBN you just take the ADSL modem out.

    • TRENT86 on 23/02/2017 - 19:55

      Hey Sane do you think this is a good modem router? it seems to have good reviews on Amaazon but not too sure about it.

      http://netgear.com.au/home/products/networking/modem-routers…

      • sane on 23/02/2017 - 21:33

        In general, I'd avoid Netgear …

  • firstworldproblems on 15/02/2017 - 10:02

    linksys WRT1900ACS. comes with USB 3.0 and eSATA ports. currently for $170US on amazon. then, while being extremely careful, flash open-wrt frmware onto it and you'll have an enterprise grade beast. you won't be disappointed.

    and oh yeah, you know how the latest high-end routers tend to look like insectoid death-bots from the future? this one looks pretty cool.

    • Diji1 on 15/02/2017 - 10:05

      flash open-wrt frmware onto it and you'll have an enterprise grade beast.

      No you won't, you'll have a consumer level router running a third party Linux distribution. Running different software doesn't magically improve the hardware.

    • ESEMCE on 15/02/2017 - 10:40
      +1

      does Open-WRT support ADSL?
      I thought all the third party firmwares were for routers only.

      • derek324 on 15/02/2017 - 12:11

        Correct, routers only, no support for modem/router/switch combo.

  • derek324 on 15/02/2017 - 12:22

    Any ASUS model. In your price range probably ASUS DSL-AC56U would be best choice.

    Why Asus? Any other brand will stop releasing firmware updates soon after you buy it (typical support is around 1 year). Asus firmware is unified for all current models, you will be able to upgrade it for many, many years. User interface is excellent, see it here: https://www.asus.com/au/ASUSWRT/

    See also Asuswrt-merlin custom firmware designed for Asus routers (this is of course optional improvement, you do not have to touch it at all): https://asuswrt.lostrealm.ca/about

    Interesting background info about Asuswrt: https://github.com/RMerl/asuswrt-merlin/wiki/About-Asuswrt

    • Eddy271 on 15/02/2017 - 12:47

      The ASUS models look really good, does the ASUS DSL-AC56U also support NBN?

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