Separate modem + router, or modem router combo?

LNyminix on 28/12/2015 - 22:39

Hey ozbargainers, after over a year of using my poor quality TPG provided modem router, I've finally decided to upgrade. Although, while searching around, people have been suggesting to get a modem & router separately, as it can save me some money and will allow for cheaper upgrades in the future.

I was wondering, are there any other benefits to having them separately? I read a comment on Reddit that it also provides better Wi-fi range, but that was only a single comment that said that.

Also, I'm aware that I can turn my modem router into a modem by disabling router functionality and simply have it function as a modem, but this device (Huawei HG532d) has it's wireless connection drop off every 12-ish hours, forcing a restart for wi-fi to work (My wired connection with the computer still would work fine though). If I make the Huawei act as a modem, would this issue still persist if I get a separate router connected to it?

Internet

Comments

  • captobvious on 29/12/2015 - 02:08

    Heat can cause the modem to have flakey wifi. Also dodgy caps.

  • scotty on 29/12/2015 - 14:37
    +1

    I think you have already outlined a few different reasons why buying modem & wifi router separately.

    • Modem / ADSL standard rarely gets updated, but new Wi-Fi standard every couple of years. You could get new router without throwing away the old modem.
    • Alternate firmware, i.e. DD-WRT, Tomato, etc. They don't usually work with modem/router combo.

    If your Huawei still works well as a modem, just get a new wifi router and then bridge to your Huawei.

  • coco1458 on 03/01/2016 - 13:17

    Just allow your Huawei to be a modem only and then purchase a router. Your modem will most likely stop dropping connection. (This is the option I chose and I haven't had a drop out since)

  • nebula9 on 17/02/2016 - 14:24

    If you have a mac, or use a lot of apple products, you could try my setup:

    Netgear DM111P-100 (modem only)

    Apple Airport Extreme (router only)

    Works like a dream. Can also access your router from the Airport app on your iPhone to quickly see what's up if you have network issues.

    I used to have so many issues with modem/router combos too - hence this new setup.

    I think I bought both of them used on eBay, and they've been better (and lasted longer) than the $200 & $300 modem/router's I've previously bought (cisco, netgear, belkin)

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