Would Upgrading My Wi-Fi Router on a 25/5 NBN FTTN Plan Make Any Difference?

Mehrad on 09/06/2019 - 21:10
Last edited 10/06/2019 - 18:25

I am with DODO on their 25/5 FTTN since Lifehacker ranked them one of the most reliable services over the peak hour and been getting pretty good speed only when I test with Speed Test services. However, during watching Netflix, or Amazon Prime, the quality drops constantly while there are no other devices connected to the WiFi.

Recently I was wondering if upgrading to a sophisticated WiFi router and ditching the DODO's own router supplied with the internet, would make any difference?

As you can see, it's only me and my partner in the house and we normally are watching something together. No kids or a shared house and laptops and phones are normally turned off when not used. it really feels like 25Mbps should be plenty to stream HD.

Speed test results

  • Speedtest.net - Download: 21.31 Upload: 3.84 Server: Brisbane Ping: 51ms
  • Google Speed Test - Download: 12.8 Upload: 3.11 Server: Sydney

If so, would you have any bargain friendly suggestions? I looked at some in Officeworks and they cost an arm and a leg.

Poll Options

  • 2
    Keep using DODO router. 25/5 plan, single TV on WiFi => No difference.
  • 7
    Ditch DODO router and buy a branded WiFi router.
Internet Broadband Modem Router nbn

Comments

  • avoidfullprice on 09/06/2019 - 21:37

    NBN FTTP or HFC?

    • Mehrad on 10/06/2019 - 18:24

      FTTN, Fiber to the Node

  • pjetson on 09/06/2019 - 21:38
    +3

    Plug whatever you're watching Netflix on directly into your existing router instead of using Wifi and see if that fixes your problem.

    • Mehrad on 10/06/2019 - 18:27

      I can definitely do this as a test, however, the house is not laid out to accommodate this. Our aerial outlet is in one corner of the house and the Phone socket for FTTN in near the kitchen. I totally agree that no matter what, WiFi can't compare with a solid CAT 6.

      • pjetson on 10/06/2019 - 18:32

        You just need to do it temporarily. If you get much the same results, it's not your Wi-Fi that's the problem.

  • serpserpserp on 09/06/2019 - 22:41
    +1

    You didn't mention what you are watching OP. If you are watching 4k UHD content it'll struggle with a 25/5 connection.

    I will say though, I have a 50/2 cable connection and when I watch UHD or even 1080p content on netflix/kayo sometimes I will get a drop in quality if my phone is downloading app updates in the background (automatically) or my tablet is doing it, etc. You might think you only have one thing "working" on your network, but often other things are in the background stealin' ya megahurtz ;)

    EDIT: I would also say that on Amazon Prime I have the most quality drops.

  • Switchblade88 on 09/06/2019 - 23:30
    +3

    Your router is probably 'fine' in that it's not the problem. Even an ISP supplied one will be fine for the basics, like you describe - you can even confirm this by cabling your laptop directly to the router via Cat5, so you can be sure that the wifi isn't causing problems, but you'll likely still suffer the same.

    Despite Lifehacker telling you Dodo is okay, I can almost guarantee that it is in fact Dodo being stingy with their backhaul, CVC bandwith and lack of decent peering to colocated servers for better throughput. Basically, they're selling you a shared amount of bandwidth capacity, and the more customers sharing that existing bandwidth the less it costs them per customer. Problem is, this can't be tested directly with a speed test as Dodo will definitely prioritise all speed test sites to show you good results, but 'standard' traffic will have to suffer the bottlenecks as you're experiencing.

    In comparison, Aussie Broadband won't sell connections to ANYONE until they're back below 80% capacity on any given POI - this is basically them promising to provide their existing customers enough bandwidth to minimise peak congestion. Dodo makes no such promises, and that's where your problem will be.

    Poll option #3: Switch to a better provider :)

    • follow on 09/06/2019 - 23:55

      probably hooked on a 24 month

  • xuqi on 10/06/2019 - 00:08
    +3

    Dodo is your problem. They are among the dodgiest companies to have ever offered services in OZ:

    https://www.productreview.com.au/listings/dodo

  • Axelstrife on 10/06/2019 - 02:53
    +1

    Leave dodo and go with a better ISP.

  • cloudy on 12/06/2019 - 21:59

    Here is ACCC report into internet speeds, by provider for some help.

    https://www.accc.gov.au/regulated-infrastructure/communicati…

    https://www.accc.gov.au/regulated-infrastructure/communicati…

    https://www.accc.gov.au/regulated-infrastructure/communicati…

    goes back to report 1 if you're keen, but its old now.

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