Buying an ADSL2+ Modem - Opinions and Recommendations Appreciated

Ljjjia on 05/01/2017 - 13:47
Last edited 05/01/2017 - 13:57 by 1 other user

Hi guys,

Am currently looking for a new modem router, for an ADSL2+ connection.

We are on a tight budget so we prefer not to spend over $100 for a decent router. Our unit is a 2 bedroom flat, and there are 3 people. We mainly do some web browsing and video streaming.

I have had a quick look at Officeworks / DSE, they do have some ADSL2+ router on the cheap side, being
1) TP-LINK N300 Wireless Modem Router TD-W8961N - $39
http://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/tp-link-n30…

2) TP-LINK 300Mbps Wireless N Router (TL-WR841N) - $29
https://www.dicksmith.com.au/da/buy/tp-link-300mbps-wireless…

3) D-Link Wireless N300 ADSL2 Modem Router - $48
http://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/d-link-wire…

Would appreciate any advice based on
i) personal experience with those modem routers or
ii) personal opinion on whether those modem router will serve me well taking into our usage pattern (2 bedroom flat, 3 users, maybe 6 devices connected at the same time, mainly web browsing and video streaming). Am I correct to say that based on the usage pattern we can go for a sub $100 modem router.

Thank you in advance.

Computing

Comments

  • pantsparty on 05/01/2017 - 14:17
    +1

    It is a tiny bit over your budget but I have always had good luck with Billion modems. e.g. https://www.mwave.com.au/product/billion-bipac-8700nexl-r2-w…

    I think any of the options you provided are worth a shot. They all come with a warranty so if they don't work well then just return them!

    • jjjia on 05/01/2017 - 19:14

      Thanks for the recommendation. Billion modems seem to be more reliable overall and priced reasonably. Might try my luck with a used Billion on Gumtree / Ebay.

  • brokenglish on 05/01/2017 - 14:38

    Maybe you should first tell us what are the problems with your current ADSL Modem Router?
    Also what is your current internet speed? Can you speedtest.net?
    Do you have a NAS or often transfer files between local computers via LAN?
    PS. Your option 2 is not a Modem Router - it doesn't have RJ11 socket.

    • jjjia on 05/01/2017 - 19:20

      We just moved to our new place and currently do not have an active internet connection. Has decided on BYO modem option, as the modem that comes with the ISP will cost $149 (Netcomm NF8AC – VDSL/ADSL AC1600 WiFi Gigabit Modem Router). We don't has any sort of heavy file transfer, mainly web browsing and video streaming.

      Thanks for pointing that out, didn't realise it wasn't a modem router.

  • scrimshaw on 05/01/2017 - 14:51
    +1

    You will regret getting those dirt cheap ADSL2+ routers. Particularly the ones that go for $30~50.

    If everyone chips in 33 dollars, you can get half-decent TP LINK Archer D5 ADSL2 with Wireless AC (dual band) router that goes for $99 from MSY (or, any other store really).

    Since you live in a flat where Wifi congestion can be a common issue (a lot of appliances use the over-crowded 2.4ghz spectrum, including microwave ovens) you will want a device that can do dual band 2.4 + 5ghz. Mobile phones and tablets + laptops all use Wireless AC nowadays too.

    • kingmw on 05/01/2017 - 15:05

      The alternative is to get a cheap ADSL modem and use in bridge modem with a good router.

      I find this much better than buying a very expensive ADSL modem/router combo as it is cheaper and I can use the router again with NBN/Cable.

      • jjjia on 05/01/2017 - 19:36

        I am not tech savvy so would prefer an easier set up. Or modem plus router combo is not as complicated as I thought? I think I tried before just couldn't get them to work properly.

    • dazweeja on 05/01/2017 - 15:18
      +2

      I'm with scrimshaw. D5 would be your best bet under $100. Also, D7 has been $110-120 twice in the last month so worth keeping any eye out for.

    • jjjia on 05/01/2017 - 19:34

      Thank you. Might get a used one on ebay or Gumtree for half the original price. That way we get good Wifi and still stick to our budget.

  • scotty on 05/01/2017 - 15:01

    Weak WiFi could be a problem with those really cheap modem/router. They also have under-powered processors and very small amount of memory (for NAT table, DHCP etc). My parents' place used to use something similar to TP-Link TD-W8961N (first one you linked), and it has problem connecting to more than half a dozen devices. When we visit them, I have to literally disconnect our parents' laptops from wifi so I can connect my phone via WiFi. Sharing it between 3 people with computers, tablets, phones etc will definitely be an issue.

    • jjjia on 05/01/2017 - 19:37

      That is something good to know. Think we will avoid those then.

  • alexlim2000 on 05/01/2017 - 15:50

    Get a Billion 7800NXL , 21nd hand for $50 - $80 easily on gumtree or other forums. Worth every bit.

    Make sure it is the NXL version not the N. It has more RAM and thus is more stable (larger NAT table).

    • jjjia on 05/01/2017 - 19:57

      Thanks for the advice. It does not seem to have dual band 2.4 + 5 GHz, as compared to TP Link Archer D5 / D7. Is dual band essential for good Wifi connection in an apartment block? I am sure there are other features that make 7800NXL an excellent modem router, if you don't mind sharing.

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