4G+ Compatible Modem Recommendations

Pixel on 30/10/2018 - 16:13

Hi,

NBN isn't available in my area and so I'm looking into using a 4G data sim as my main internet connection at home.

I've picked up a 200gb plan from optus and now need to buy a 4g compatible router. I've done some research but was looking for some first hand experience from the community.

I live in an apartment in Sydney which has pretty good optus coverage. My apartment is a 3 bedrooms and the furthest distance the modem will need to reach is about 10m in a straight line, but through 2 walls.

I'm currently leaning towards the Netgear Nighthawk m1 (MR1100) but was wondering if anyone else had any recommendations. I understand that being a primarily Telstra modem that it doesn't support Band 40 (2300), but there's an optus tower that's not too much further that supports Band 3 and 28 (900, 2100).

Thanks in advance

Computing Mobile Broadband Modem Modem Router NetGear

Comments

  • websterp on 30/10/2018 - 16:37

    One of these would do the job - https://www.tp-link.com/au/products/list-4691.html?page=1
    All but one have built in SIM slots. I will suggest TL-MR3620 being a dual band MIMO router.

  • dufflover on 30/10/2018 - 16:49

    I'll be interested in this thread too. Been using the freebie one that came with the modem and the range/consistency is pretty average to use at home.

  • original15 on 30/10/2018 - 17:50

    I’ve got the m1 nighthawk but on Telstra network. Far outstrips what I was getting via adsl
    Can’t conment on comparisons to other modems or using on optus network though

    • Pixel on 30/10/2018 - 17:58

      How's the strength of connection throughout the home?

      • original15 on 30/10/2018 - 18:07

        weve got a 2BR unit and have signal strength set to medium, think it taps out from one side of unit to the next (living room>dining area>br>second br apart) but could change the signal strength to high (wears battery down I think)
        Also has 2 dif bandwidth, my tech knowledge is getting to its limits but ones 5 and the other is 2.4 I think, 2.4 range is better but not as fast

      • original15 on 30/10/2018 - 18:11

        fwiw think you can pick up second hand ones for 250-300
        If I was in Sydney I’d let you try it out but am in Melbs
        Recall reading some forums about people using it on optus network

        Just re-read your 10m line of sight/through walls section, will set it to high tonight and let you know and give an estimate of walls and distance it’s carrying

        • Pixel on 30/10/2018 - 18:25

          Thanks that would be really helpful.

        • Pixel on 31/10/2018 - 13:39

          Hey, how did you go last night?

          • original15 on 31/10/2018 - 21:20

            @Pixel: Couldn’t test last night but did just then. The 5ghz range, even when switching modem to “long”, didn’t make it through the 2.5 walls 10m plus distance, but when connected to the 2.4ghz I was getting 2/3 bars on iPhone and was working fine

            • Pixel on 31/10/2018 - 21:21

              @original15: Hmmm yeah okay, I guess that makes sense.

              Thanks very much, that's helpful! Appreciate it!

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