Network Set up Advice Please - nbn HFC to FTTB

IceCreamBandit on 05/04/2025 - 08:35
Last edited 05/04/2025 - 11:52 by 1 other user

Hello,

I'm moving house and my NBN will be going from HFC to FTTB.

Currently I use RT-AX82U as my router with a TP Link EoP kit to get ethernet to a room with a 4 port switch (2 desktop computers and a printer).

I know I'll need a modem, but I'm wondering what my options are because I want to streamline the number of networking 'things' to configure/plug in, but also don't want to downgrade my network's capability as I have lots of IoT devices connected, and need reliability on the desktop computers for gaming.

Should I

1) Buy the DSL-AX82U and use the AiMesh to link my routers together, removing the need for the EoP kit and switch (as long as ethernet ports on the router still function in mesh mode and I don't lose speed/reliability)

2) Buy a cheapo modem and a mesh kit with ethernet on the 'satellite' unit (current Asus router becomes redundant, and assuming mesh satellite's ethernet is fast/reliable)

3) Buy an all in one modem router mesh kit. These have been rarer and don't seem as fast? I think I saw a TP Link one but it was AX3000 rather than 5400 of my current router. Not sure of the real world difference though.

4) Something completely different?

Any advice/questions/suggestions welcome. Thank you!

Computing Broadband Modem Router nbn Wireless Router

Comments

  • bazingaa on 05/04/2025 - 09:28

    FTTB

    One of my friend's had this and he could only get upto 50 Mbps plans, and even that was unstable due to issues in the building.

    • IceCreamBandit on 05/04/2025 - 09:51

      My plans go up to 100 so I'm hoping to get close with decent ping.

      I know it's not ideal (I will miss superloop's speed boosts when I need a month's worth of Steam updates quickly) but the place met all my other needs so fingers crossed it won't be completely useless.

  • freefall101 on 05/04/2025 - 11:17

    Why not just pick up a cheap telstra VDSL modem, use your current router and go fully wireless on everything? Then setup QoS to prioritise your gaming.

    • IceCreamBandit on 05/04/2025 - 11:23

      Do you mean like a Telstra Smart Modem Gen 3?

      I see one local to me on marketplace for 120. That might do the trick.

      • freefall101 on 05/04/2025 - 11:34

        Never mind me, I thought the smart modems have VDSL, a quick google suggests they don't.

        But any VDSL modem should do the trick, then connect your router via ethernet to that. It'd be the cheapest solution (rather than splashing out on the DSL-AX82U)

        • Twix on 05/04/2025 - 11:39
          +1

          Telstra smart modems are compatible with FTTB.

          • freefall101 on 05/04/2025 - 11:50
            +1

            @Twix: I need to go drink some coffee before I say anything else today, cheers.

      • Twix on 05/04/2025 - 11:39
        +2

        Search for a Telstra smart modem gen 2 as they are cheaper.

        If you want an all-in-one get the Asus DSL-AX82U or TP-Link Deco DSL-X50 or TP-Link Deco DSL-X73 VDSL2 modem/router. You might not even need a mesh setup.

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