What Is a Good Modem Router (with VoIP)?

Candour on 16/04/2012 - 09:30

need the best value for money.
some iinet support claim they can only service those they sell.
i found some knew even less than me and needed frequent calls for support just for advice on this.
I gues I would be happy with the N lower specs if they are not much practical difference from the high end apparently.

I get good reception on netgear dg834gv.
i suppose n would make this much faster on my laptop?
would NBN be better still?
still waiting.

have naked dsl on iinet with 50/50Gb peak/offpeak
just read and download very little.

other plans are bundled and voip is not free like on iinet for local and national calls except mobiles.

Computing

Comments

  • kumak on 16/04/2012 - 11:37
    +2

    I'm using billion 7404vgpx for more than 2 years and still running.
    Worked really well with iinet nake dsl (before moved house).

    • Candour on 16/04/2012 - 12:32

      ty
      iinet told me they don't support this but would try.
      not inspiring confidence.
      in them.
      would ahve picked bullion except for that they 'knew' my netgear gateway.

    • [Deactivated] on 16/04/2012 - 16:49

      Billions are good if you really need an all in one.
      Of course you can get just a good modem/router & add an ATA (voip adaptor)
      Cormain sell decent ATA's for $45 (inc postage)
      http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=1660288
      that way you can get an ISP supported modem & add on the VOIP for a lot less then an all in one unit.

      ANother all in one is a Fritzbox, but the techs @ Internode said you're better off with a Billion or a separate ATA as they're a bit flaky

      • Candour on 17/04/2012 - 14:29

        Thank you. iinet support on gateways does not inspire my confidence based on talk with them. a newbie myeslf. uesful internode feedback.

  • Cobalt_ on 16/04/2012 - 13:03

    Any reason why you wouldn't go with the Bob-Lite? Unlike the previous Bob it does a very good job (as long as you're not a super user who requires special custom features) and will be supported by your ISP. You can also get one free of charge if you re-contract with them for 24 months (assuming you don't already have an existing contract going).

    • Candour on 16/04/2012 - 13:08

      paid out iinet instad of taking the 24 months contract.
      thought I could get better offers but with my phone bills included this is OK.
      don't like contracts.
      waiting for NBN
      iinet are slow in my area.
      6Kbps are normal apparently.
      is bob lite g or n?
      if n what level n wireless?

      • Cobalt_ on 16/04/2012 - 13:14

        http://www.iinet.net.au/bob/specs.html
        Bob2 and Bob-Lite specs.

        I find it does a reasonable job on wireless however one of the downsides of the Lite is that it doesn't have an external antenna which may affect range. I have it set up in a central location and it appears to cover most of the house. Would easily cover an entire apartment or duplex.

  • Candour on 16/04/2012 - 13:24

    thank you.
    n up to 300kbps
    the old one was reviewed.badly …
    not using it much so waiting for NBN offers in due course.
    my sydney exchange will get this last.
    so a long wait.
    not using the net much as I get older so not ready to fork out $129 for no contract as NBN should come on one day.

    you have given me food for thought though.
    I am sure the response at <300kbps will be better than G!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    • Cobalt_ on 16/04/2012 - 13:26

      The new bob's are "NBN ready" according to iinet if that is of any help. Of course it will only be of any use if you're still using iiNet as your ISP once the NBN rolls in

      • Candour on 16/04/2012 - 14:23

        I thought that was new tech.
        you are very informative. much more than iinet staff. I thank you for your kind assistance. my plan is too much for me home starter 2 I think but the free calls keep me hanging in. and the starter 1 has too little Gb just inc ase I need to use it.

        have not found any better deals yet with free VOIP and naked DSL. so hanging in there.

  • konazz on 16/04/2012 - 17:11

    If you're not interested in getting an NBN ready modem (i.e. you're nowhere near a release site, or don't plan to be in the next couple of years), then consider a Billion 7404 VNPX. It has an ADL2+ modem, 3G backup, 4x gigabit ports, and and most importantly - 2 RJ12 sockets for VOIP.

    I had iiNet Naked DSL w/ VOIP and worked great for 3 years (I had to move!) with great sync speeds and was stable. You can make 2 seperate calls with 2 separate phone sets as well, because of the 2x RJ12 sockets.

    Wireless N was quite strong as well, and went through multiple brick walls okish.

    EDIT: forgot to say that a 7404VNPX will still support up to 25/5mbps NBN plans as it does have an EWAN port. Although you won't be able to take full advantage of the 50/10 and 100/20 plans as the port isn't fast enough (hence the reason I'm selling mine, as I'm getting the 100/20 plan).

    • Candour on 17/04/2012 - 14:31

      will ask iinet if they support this confidently.

  • Cobalt_ on 16/04/2012 - 17:25

    http://www.staticice.com.au/cgi-bin/search.cgi?q=7404VNPX&sp…

    From the sounds of it, the OP is reluctant to spend too much money on a new modem. With the cheapest price of a non-subsidised 7404VNPX being $206, the $129 Bob-Lite might be a bit more attractive especially with guaranteed support from his ISP.

    Unless of course the Billion can be found significantly cheaper than what has been listed on staticice.

    • konazz on 17/04/2012 - 10:03

      Fair enough. didn't realise the OP was on a budget (should read more)… yeah the 7404VNPX is expensive, and probably BOB would be better suited.

      EDIT: and after reading the OP- is the laptop Wireless N as well? If not, then having a wireless N router won't improve anything.

      • Candour on 17/04/2012 - 14:33

        thanks! great talking to you guys. probably not! laptop. will have to check.
        i3 samsung only.

        • konazz on 18/04/2012 - 14:46

          If its fairly recent (even within 2 years), it'll probably be Wireless N.

    • yaditya on 17/04/2012 - 12:13

      OP, if you're still after a modem, I am currently selling my Billion 7404VNPX for $150 (it's only used for 2 months). Please see my listing here http://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/68031. Let me know if you're interested and make your offer :)

      Thanks

      • Candour on 17/04/2012 - 14:34

        will probably settle for bob if I need to upgrade as simplest for iinet who are not as pro-active as you guys.
        thanks to all!

    • Candour on 17/04/2012 - 14:32

      yes. ultimately for what I use the net, overkill and value for money are key issues.

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