Best TP-Link Router for nbn HFC

AKJJ on 12/05/2025 - 20:06
Last edited 12/05/2025 - 21:26 by 1 other user

I live in a medium-sized apartment and am struggling with speed and connection in some rooms, and occasional full drop outs anywhere in the apartment. I currently have a Belong freebie modem router and on Superloop 100/20 plan. I don’t really need or pay for much faster than that.

I’m thinking I should set the Belong device to modem only mode, and then purchase a new router with better tech and signal. I know there are concerns about privacy, but have seen a few TP-Link models with a great price on Good Guys Commercial.

Given my use case, I’m trying to understand which of the following is likely to be the best option:

  • $159 - TP-LINK BE3600 Dual-Band Wi-Fi 7 Router
  • $159 - TP-LINK AX5400 Dual-Band Gigabit Wi-Fi 6 Router
  • $222 - TP-LINK AXE5400 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6E Router
  • $127 - TP-LINK AC2100 VDSL/ADSL Wireless Modem Router
  • $146 - TP-LINK AX1800 Dual-Band Wi-Fi 6 VDSL/ADSL Modem Router

Although the Wi-Fi 7 option seems the best value, and I do have some compatible devices like an iPhone 15, I’m not sure why it’s a similar price to the Wi-Fi 6 option and if I even need Wi-Fi 7 if I’m not paying for terabyte speeds? Also not sure if I’m better just getting a modem router?

Appreciate any advice!

Computing TP-Link Wireless Router

Comments

  • Hybroid on 12/05/2025 - 20:19
    +1

    2 or 3 eero units when on deep sale. It just works.

    • AKJJ on 12/05/2025 - 20:27

      I’d considered a mesh system, but it’s not a big apartment at about 79sqm. I usually get full Wi-Fi reception in the far rooms, it’s just unreliable, so thought getting a single new high quality router should be more than sufficient.

      • Twix on 12/05/2025 - 21:41

        You can get the eero 6+, eero Pro 6E or eero 7 router in a 1-pack.

    • ldd-mn on 12/05/2025 - 21:23

      Works until Amazon just decides to pull the plug one day. Then it's bricked.

      • Twix on 12/05/2025 - 21:29

        Amazon are launching Project Kuiper LEO satellites which is a Starlink competitor. Amazon can bundle eero's with this broadband service. I doubt Amazon will pull the plug on eero anytime soon.

        • plmko on 13/05/2025 - 00:04

          You sure? Blink is basically dead as development is stalled or gimped because Ring is dominant.

          Given a satellite project will cost them billions and is managed by a separate arm you would think they would introduce a dedicated line of products instead of Eero.

  • Twix on 12/05/2025 - 20:45

    We need to figure out if you need a VDSL2 modem and router or only a router.

    Check here for what type of nbn. Is it nbn FTTP, FTTC, FTTN, FTTB or HFC?

    • AKJJ on 12/05/2025 - 21:19

      HFC connected up to a NBN box

      • Twix on 12/05/2025 - 21:23
        +2

        There is no point purchasing a VDSL2 modem/router all-in-one for HFC.

        The nbn NTD box is the HFC modem. Purchase one of these routers from your list.

        $159 - TP-LINK BE3600 Dual-Band Wi-Fi 7 Router
        $159 - TP-LINK AX5400 Dual-Band Gigabit Wi-Fi 6 Router
        $222 - TP-LINK AXE5400 Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6E Router

  • AndyC1 on 12/05/2025 - 21:10

    Check if they support the latest tp-link mesh standard and if they do then go AX over AC and the the speed 5400 over 1800 and then check it support you NBN connection type and then check it has the features you want.

    I have an old tp-link Archer AX55 v1.0 (aka AX3000 4-Stream Wi-Fi 6 Router) with a RE605X so I do not have to run cables around the apartment that is rented (covid screwed up the REA units available……..) and it works very well.

  • UltimateAI on 12/05/2025 - 21:32

    Better unit now, but I got the TP-Link X50 as a stop gap, but for the price has absolutely heaps of features.
    - In-built VPN server client
    - Guest Wi-fi with captive portal
    - Wi-Fi optimization
    - Scheduling \ PowerLevels \ Light Schedules
    - Custom NAT\DNS\DHCP
    - Lot's of Wi-Fi options, Guest, IoT (you can select the frequency and security settings for each)
    - Wired backplane
    +++
    Only downside is almost everything needs to be done via the App, web interface is very limited.

    I assume the AX5400 has all this and more.
    But it has been super reliable and just works and you can cross mix models. Pretty much any future TP-Link mesh device can be added.

  • tp0 on 13/05/2025 - 09:47

    You don't need to keep the Belong unit as a modem. Get a Telstra Smart Modem on marketplace or a TP-Link Archer AX20 if you want to go down that route.

  • henryhe1985 on 13/05/2025 - 10:45

    I am an IT Engineer and I will recommend TP-Link Mesh system instead of on router.

    https://www.tp-link.com/au/home-networking/deco/deco-m4/v4%20(2-pack)

    In your case, you need a better signal coverage instead of speed. TP-LINK AX5400 comes with better signal Amplifier, however, several walls will block out the signal.

    If you put this mesh system and keep them at each end of walk way with out any block out. It should improve a lot.

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