Whilst deciding if I'm happy to continue tolerating my terrible home NBN stumbled upon this very sharp price for a 4G LTE modem router.
ASUS 4G-AX56 is a 2x2 dual-band WiFi 6 LTE Modem Router that provides 80MHz bandwidth and 1024-QAM for dramatically faster wireless connections. With a total networking speed of about 1800Mbps — 574Mbps on the 2.4GHz band and 1201Mbps on the 5GHz band — 4G-AX56 is 1.5X faster than WiFi 5 2x2 dual-band LTE Modem Router.
Probably
Assuming it's not Wireless6;
Jump into your routers settings, and set your 2.4Ghz to "N Only" mode. Home level routers are NOTORIOUS for suffering greatly in Mixed Mode.
Unless you have some VERY old gear, this will work for everything and ensures MIMO is enabled and used.
To further increase reliability at the cost of (some) speed; lock it to 20mhz streams. Usually devices handle 2 oldschool MIMO streams, so you'll likely see 140Mbps with no problem.
Even if it got 'stuck' at the theoretical minimum 54Mbps of WirelessN; a "rock solid" 54Mbps will FEEL faster than a flakey 300Mbps connection.
This was a good tip. Really helped me. I got my NBN upgraded to FTTP the other day, and the box+my asus router 1900ac is now about 2-3 meters further from my office. I went from 100mbps to 30mbps. I should be getting 250mbps.
With your fix I went from 30-90mbps. Any other advice on how I could get the full speed back in my office? I guess other than using a long ethernet cable to put the router back where it was previously.
Your individual devices might not support 250mbps. I upgraded my NBN to 250 for a couple of days until I realised only 2 of my devices could actually use that bandwidth. Even with cat5 cabling in my home (yeah, I know), the max I could get is just under 100mbps wired, and slightly faster wireless, but nowhere near 250 for most devices.
Back to 50 for me, for the rest of the decade.
Glad I could help.
The biggest change was likely locking it to 20Mhz, because there is a correlation between range, and bandwidth (In overly simple terms; same dBi of power, over a wider scope, is less distance-power).
To get faster, if your client device is AC capable, lock the 5GHZ to AC mode, and 20Mhz also - once again, mixed mode is hell for home level stuff; 20Mhz will give better range.
It probably defaulted to 80Mhz, so you can try 40Mhz first.
At 5Ghz (theoretical maxes):
20mhz - 87Mbps (1-2 Streams) or 96Mbps (3+ streams)
40mhz - 200Mbps
80mhz - 433Mbps
160mhz - 867Mbps
The truth is that WiFi is rarely a reliable technology. While we as humans, sitting behind our 'friendly' devices might not SEE any problems, if you actually packet sniffed the connection, you'd see jitter, retransmits, losses, and sometimes even full disconnects that are short enough we not notice the change; but it just "feels slow".
So, the aim, to make WiFi feel fast, is almost always focus on stability, and let speed come as a side-effect of that.
Wireless AX has actually made a HUGE leap in terms of offering both; but for anything older, slow it down, but experience better percieved speed.
If you're stuck with WiFi, then I'd consider investing in an actual 5Ghz access point, and placing it more centrally.
Disable 5Ghz on your included router, and let it handle the 2.4Ghz.
have you tried changing channels for the wifi & looking at congestion?
Does this takes 4G simcard ?
As per the specs:
- Expansion Slots 1 (total) / 1 (free) x Nano-SIM
Images on Asus' website show the slot directly underneath marked "SIM".
Note this is only LTE Cat 6. Speed is up to 300mbps.
That's important to know, cat 6 is not great
Getting a Huawei B818 is much cheaper.
It kept asking me for the launch codes
@CptnObvious: I bought a few B818 from FB marketplace before and never saw asking for launch code. Maybe your router is locked?
wow that is a good price - but no USB hard drive server - darn!
Good for iMesh ?
Doesn't support AiMesh apparently?
Looks like its not a modem and only a router so can't be used for FTTN unless you have a separate modem. Only modem stated on specs is for 4g connectivity. Correct me if I'm wrong??
it's a 4g modem mate
You are right
why get this if you are on FTTN in the first place?
For the Wifi 6 benefits bud…
there are quite a few AX routers (some even operates at 3000) at the price of ~$100.
Those won't come with 4G of cuz, but you are on FTTN so 4G is not relevant anyway.
hmmm, this might good to add 4G for when the NBN dies , which is regularly where I live …..
thks bought one ……
mine doesn't die, it's just it's so slow it might as well :P
Anyone recommend a good modem/router for FTTN that has good reception? Currently have Smart Modem 2 and looking for something with better range? I get 100mbps on 5ghz and only 20 on 2.4ghz
Will play with channels and see if I can get it better but curious how the Telstra Smart Modem 2 compares with other routers with external antennas
Use the Telstra SM G2 as your VDSL2 modem and purchase a 2+ pack bundle mesh system or get Ubiquiti access points hard wired.
mate i dont think smart modem 2 is wifi 6 so get something like ax55 - https://www.amazon.com.au/ASUS-802-11ax-supporting-technolog…
I like Asus as you can airmesh so if you need more wifi coverage just add another one and it works like a charm .
they also have heaps of free features to tweak you network.
for me …. mt current TPlink is a great router but no 4G, and I'm on coax …. will use this between NBN modem and the TPlink router, and it should use 4G when NBN is dead …..will test to see if it gives better wireless than my TPlink ….in which case it becomes my only router …..will get work to supply SIM card as I work, from home, and they offer USB dongles already …. but my TPlink doesn't support dongles …..
This vs TP-Links new https://www.amazon.com.au/TP-Link-Dual-Band-Supported-Compat… ?? Works out around the same money (with shipping for the Asus).
That TP-Link router doesn't have 4G LTE connectivity.
Oh yeah sorry forgot to mention that part doesn't phase me lol. Was more about reliability, wifi strength and speed. Probably same same. Cheers
I have the TPlink AX3000, great router but no 4G support ….. if you can only afford one and have flakey NBN get the Asus ….. because I work from home, I see NBN drop outs more than people that aren't at home all day, and after heavy rains and the cable pits flood the age of the foxtel cable shows itself…. e.g drops during meetings.
Anyone know if you can buy 2 of these and use them together for OneMesh? ie, one to connect to my NBN FTTC modem at front of house, and a 2nd one to run in bridge mode to connect to my computer room at back of house, both connected via in wall ethernet.
The computer room at back of house has a number of ethernet and wifi gadgets (quest 2), tv, pcs etc, and would love to have 1 seamless wifi mesh that covers the entire house. At the moment, I have 2 wifi SSIDs that you have to connect to depending on where you are in the house.
I have no need for a wifi range extender.
Nope you can't mesh two TP-Link OneMesh routers together. You can do it with a pair of Asus AiMesh compatible routers.
One Mesh doesn't support an ethernet backhaul as it would cut into their Deco sales. Pretty key feature for really performance and reliability across the home.
Express shipping to Sydney available for $21.91
Standard shipping to Sydney available for $16.34
But adding shipping is still cheaper than RRP :D
I'm trialling out my fixed wireless options too and oh what a dream it would be to get speeds of 300mpbs at my new place without any other internet options..
Is this a modem + router?
New apartment does not have an NBN box; will this be sufficient or do I need a seperate modem?
This is a 4G LTE modem & router. Do you have nbn FTTB?
Yes there is nbn FTTB
Don't get the Asus 4G-AX56 for nbn FTTB.
If you want an Asus that's compatible with nbn FTTB there is the Asus DSL-AX82U AX5400 Dual Band Wi-Fi 6 Modem Router $449 @ JB Hi-Fi.
@OMGJL: The Asus DSL-AX82U is your only option in the Asus lineup that is a VDSL2 modem and router all-in-one that is SOS/ROC compatible specifically for nbn FTTB and FTTN. Of course there are cheaper alternatives from other brands.
The Asus 4G-AX56 is a 4G LTE modem and doesn't have a VDSL2 modem for nbn FTTB and FTTN.
yes it does both …. so if you have a great SIM plan it would work, and easier than tethering off the phone ….. other option is just buy dongle with wifi and leave in charger if apartment is small and you won't be getting NBN.
yes it does both
No, it doesn't. This router has a 4G modem, not a VDSL modem. You would need a separate VDSL modem to use this with FTTN or FTTB NBN.
when i posted it didn’t mention vdsl ….. mine is currently connected to nbn coax modem on wan, and also has the sim for when nbn is dead, works off either connection …..use nbn as primary as easier on sim plan …..
Any recommendations for LTE modem only with Ethernet out? Already have a router with dual WAN, just want to add a backup
If your router has a USB port check if it supports USB modems, a lot do.
Netgear Nighthawk M2 Check fakebook for second hand $150 it has Ethernet port and run without battery.
LTE 4g modem.
Here is article on how put into bridge mode
https://kb.netgear.com/24105/What-is-wireless-bridge-mode-an…
Only 300/50mbps
You could get a cheap router that supports USB modems and buy a $19 modem for much cheaper.
Edit:
Example RT-AX53U on sale + any USB modem on sale = ~$100
Any suggestion on a decent router that can support USB modem?
https://www.ozbargain.com.au/product/asus-rt-ax53u
This is similar specs to OPs post for ~$65-90 on sales. Setup a camelcamelcamcel monitor if interested
That is a lot of effort to save $50 but to each their own! I also prefer less devices.
Only 300/50mbps
You could get a cheap router that supports USB modems and buy a $19 modem for much cheaper.
Those are LTE Cat 6 speeds. Which $19 USB modems support Cat 6 LTE? The Huawei E3372 from Optus is only Cat 4 (max 150 Mbps downlink).
On sale, not retail
But which modem? I've only seen USB modems go up to Cat 4. If there is a LTE Cat 6 USB modem available, I'd be very interested in buying one.
I've got the ASUS AX55 which was meant to replace my old Telstra Smart Modem 2 - to support my new FTTP 250/20 connection.
I've hooked it all up and I get a decent internet connection - however, it drops out every minute then reconnects. Almost as if that it can't handle the connection?
Anyon had this issue?
I've since reconnected my Telstra smart modem and it's doing ok but not giving me the speeds that I'm paying for.
I'm gonna take a punt on this. I don't think that the resale value would be less than the sale price.
I have an ASUS RT-AX55 and it drops wifi connection once a day. It is without doubt one of the worst routers I've ever owned. Google assistant devices are forever losing connection and it's slowly driving me batty.. POS
The wifi works for me, it's the internet connection that is the problem - as i was downloading/updating, the speeds seemed like it was throttled. it'd peak at over 200mbps and then work it's way down to 0, then back up to it's peak, etc.
Was kicking me out of chats due to disconnections.
Telstra SM G2 is capable of Gigabit. Have you done a factory reset?
When you had the Asus RT-AX55U as your router did you change the DHCP query frequency?
I read the log and the DHCP querying kept coming up.
I've no idea what that is.
I did a hard reset and updated firmware of the ASUS before applying the NBN details.
You can change the Asus RT-AX55U DHCP query frequency from Aggressive to Normal or Continuous if your ISP uses auto IP. Asus 4G-AX56 is meant for 4G LTE connections and not for FTTP. Get something else.
Did you factory reset the Telstra SM G2? I've seen it do around 920Mbps.
@Twix: I didn't factory reset it. But I guess I'll have to now that you've mentioned it.
I'll google that setting for the ASUS.
I know this isn't a tech help website but since I've got you, can you explain for me why this particular deal isn't ideal for FTTP?
All good, I re-read what you typed out. I was under the impression that it would act like the Telstra smart modem where the 4G was a backup.
@Deviant88: Telstra could have your FTTN speed profile applied to the Telstra modem. A factory reset can fix this.
Asus DHCP query frequency setting is in the Asus WAN menu but only if your ISP uses auto IP and not for ISPs that use PPPoE.
Asus 4G-AX56 is a 4G LTE modem. Asus RT-AX routers are what you want for FTTP.
Tonne of discussion on the DHCP issue with Asus on Whirlpool. Had plenty of problems myself.
@Deviant88: I don't know if it fixes the issue but when I moved to an ISP with static ISP it disappeared.
All settings never fixed it with me though. Including beta firmware.
Such a headache.
Was going to get this for aimesh but it doesn't support it :( damn
So it does not support asAsus AI mesh? I thought all the newer Asus router supports AI Mesh.
It's not listed as a feature so can only assume that it doesn't.
Will this work smoothly with a Boost Mobile/Telstra sim card?
I believe it is unlocked modem.
This looks interesting https://www.gl-inet.com/products/gl-x3000/ (Spitz AX GL-X3000 5G Wifi6 dual-sim). Not yet released though.. good to buy a 4g/5g if you can wait..
Agree but then this is ozbargain. Whatever that costs it won't be $157.
How does this compare to the bog standard one you get with Telstra NBN?
I currently have the standard Telstra one using a wifi mesh system, so have two other extenders throughout the house.
Is there a point replacing the telstra one?
I have fibre to the premises, so have the box on the wall telstra installed, I assume that’s the modem?
yes, usually nbn supplies modem so that they can test connections …. else they would need to support every piece of kit people find in bins …..no real bonus with this unit unless you want. 4G back up ….. doesn’t support mesh , i got one because i’m on coax so when they do maintenance work it drops ….old foxtel cable ….. this way it flips to 4G which is handy when working from home …..
My new apartment only has opticomm, will this work?
Need a basic modem for 1 bedroom, signed up with uniti cuz they have modem pre installed already when I moved in, speed is as advertised, about 50/20. But this week there is drop outs with no internet access twice in a week for 15-20mins. Not that pleased.
the asus has 4g for backup ….. nbn drop outs are my woe so 4G backup makes life easier ….
Will this improve speeds for 2.4GHz connection?
My current RSP provided router has terrible speeds on 2.4 but works well on 5GHz