Need a New Modem/Router - Should I Go with The Preconfigured One?

samyall on 12/12/2022 - 11:47

My modem/router has started overheating and dropping out. It was the free one that come with the connection (Exetel) a few years ago and has been sufficient for our needs until now.

I have not kept up on networking tech so I have no idea how to determine which device is best and whether the preconfigured one from Exetel is the best bet.

Our needs:

  • VDSL2 capable (we are connected to FTTB)
  • Wifi - strength shouldn't be an issue as we live in a small apartment with the access point almost in the dead center. I would like mesh functionality in case we move to a place with dead spots.
  • Number of connections - we have quite a few IOT devices (at least 10) and usually 6+ laptops/phones/tv using the internet
  • LAN - only have a single PC on LAN and it doesn't have gigabit so I'm sure every model will have sufficient ports
  • VR - I would like one that would have enough bandwidth to stream PC VR (not a dealbreaker if this is not possible)

I can get this from Exetel for $140. Would that fulfill our needs and is it a good deal?

How difficult is set-up? Is it just putting in the username/PW?

Internet Modem Router

Comments

  • scrimshaw on 12/12/2022 - 11:51

    I would like mesh functionality in case we move to a place with dead spots.

    If you want the ability to add Mesh routers down the track, you need to buy into the ecosystem. Asus Mesh routers only work with ASUS, Tp-Link only works with TP-link, Netgear only works with Netgear. And so on.

    Assuming your modem router can still do it's job properly as a pure modem, you should keep it and set it up in bridge mode and hook it up to a mesh router system of your choice.

    • samyall on 12/12/2022 - 13:06
      +1

      Unfortunately, it is the modem function that is breaking when it overheats so the whole thing needs to be replaced.

      That is a shame about the ecosystems for MESHing. In that case, I can scratch that requirement as I have no plans to move in the next few years.

  • Muzeeb on 12/12/2022 - 12:05
    -3

    That's a lot of connections in a small apartment.

    • samyall on 12/12/2022 - 13:03
      +1

      There's a lot of cheap smart devices on Ozbargain.

  • ATangk on 12/12/2022 - 15:55

    I found something suitable for what you need a modem router with mesh, not sure if its any good, or if the price is any good.

    https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B099F3P594/

    Alternatively, any TP link Archer VR series will be modem routers.

  • kfp187 on 14/12/2022 - 15:33

    Why not save your money and grab a Telstra smart modem… Will do everything you need for under $50. Keep the $100 for a wifi booster or 2 down the track if you need it…

    • samyall on 14/12/2022 - 17:27

      I'm guessing you mean a second hand one as the Telstra store shows that it is $280.

      • kfp187 on 14/12/2022 - 18:41
        +1

        Yeah 2nd hand. The new ones are buggy at the moment… hopefully firmware updates will resolve it eventually bit grab the white one. They are great!

        • samyall on 14/12/2022 - 20:06

          Thanks will look into it

        • Peteroz on 22/12/2022 - 21:26

          Which model are you talking about?

          • kfp187 on 22/12/2022 - 21:44

            @Peteroz: Telstra Gen 1 or 2. DJA0230/ DJA0231

            • samyall on 27/12/2022 - 10:09

              @kfp187: I managed to get an LH1000 from a family member. Will that work?

              It doesn't connect with the internet after putting my credentials in. The DSL light turns on but the internet light doesnt.

              • samyall on 27/12/2022 - 10:15

                @samyall: A bit of digging shows that this probably won't work for me as Telstra uses IPoE and not PPPoE: https://whirlpool.net.au/wiki/fttn_registered_modem_router#v…

                • AusNugz on 27/12/2022 - 10:17

                  @samyall: It should definitely work. You might just have to wait 30 minutes for the MAC address to be updated on the providers side.

                • AusNugz on 27/12/2022 - 10:19

                  @samyall: Different provider but steps should be the same:
                  https://www.letsbemates.com.au/mate/guide-telstra-smart-mode…

                  • samyall on 28/12/2022 - 11:27

                    @AusNugz: After a bit more digging and calling Exetel tech support the issue is that Telstra Smart Modem Gen 2 does not support setting VLAN ID and Exetel requires that to be set to '2'.

                    Looks like this modem will not work for me. Luckily it was free!

                    • AusNugz on 28/12/2022 - 11:32

                      @samyall: AFAIK Exetel does not require a VLAN ID. I have two friends setup with LH1000 on Exetel. If you check online you will see they don’t require it. Sounds like tech support wasn’t very helpful…

                      One issue I had with a mate was an uppercase i being entered as an L.

                    • AusNugz on 28/12/2022 - 11:33

                      @samyall: As you can see here scrolling down to Exetel: https://whirlpool.net.au/wiki/vdsl2_modem_routers_isp_settin…

                      • samyall on 28/12/2022 - 11:47

                        @AusNugz: Sorry, didn't realise I forgot to specify I am TPG fibre network FTTB (cheaper and less traffic than NBN). Which is why the VLAN ID needs to be 2.

                        It would cost me an extra $20/month to be on an equivalent NBN plan so I'll look for a second hand VDSL2 modem to verify that my issue is in fact the modem and then think about if it is worth going for something fancier.

                        • AusNugz on 28/12/2022 - 13:15

                          @samyall: Ahh that makes sense. TPG FTTB is a good service but the VLAN tagging requirement is a PITA.

              • kfp187 on 27/12/2022 - 17:04

                @samyall: Can be rooted but it's a process that I haven't tried. You can put a Telstra sim card into it. Will work if you don't need home phone…

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