Need Advice on Upgrading nbn (HFC) Router

Unacceptable on 14/07/2025 - 17:28
Last edited 14/07/2025 - 17:35 by 1 other user

I have an old ZTE modem router (H268A) that came with a broadband package back in 2018 (?) and it's been used for over 7 years on nbn (HFC) connection box with Tenda MW3 (4 packs) for mesh connection.

I didn't experience much issue with this set up but recently found that the connection drops occasionally and have different download speeds on different mobile devices. I thought that was due to Dodo issue but it may be due to the aged routers?

I have over 30 wireless devices (smart bulbs mainly) connected to it and the family are also playing pc game, watching 4k streaming, etc on Dodo 100mb speed.

I am looking to buy TP-Link Deco AX3000, but would it be really worth upgrading to this?

Computing Broadband HFC nbn Wireless Router

Comments

  • scrimshaw on 14/07/2025 - 18:04

    There's a Google Nest Wifi 6e 3-pack for $325 if you're looking to maximise coverage in a large house. Cheapest it's ever been. Last day of sale.

    • Unacceptable on 14/07/2025 - 18:10
      -3

      ChatGPT said TP-Link Deco AX3000 2 pack is enough for my needs, and 3 pack will be overkill.
      Not sure if the Google nest would be overkill?

      • scrimshaw on 14/07/2025 - 18:14
        +1

        The main difference is that the Google WiFi 3-pack is a Tri-band router. With the cheaper AX3000 mesh routers, they use the 5ghz band as the backhaul between the routers while also using some of the bandwidth for other devices.

        This isn't a big deal most of the time, but if you have lots of users and IOT devices, it's worth paying the extra for Tri-band routers.

        I personally have a ASUS AiMesh dual-band setup, but I wish I had paid extra for a tri-band system.

        TP-Link Deco routers have Tri-band options too, but they are pricier. E.g TP-Link Deco AXE5400, but after comparing prices the Google Wifi 3Pack I linked to is actually cheaper by a fair bit.

        • Unacceptable on 14/07/2025 - 18:42

          Thanks, bought the Google.

  • [Deactivated] on 14/07/2025 - 18:49

    Posting this solo on your overseas solo trip?

  • scotty on 14/07/2025 - 21:01

    I'll say Tenda MW3 might be the culprit. I had a Tenda MW6 mesh a while ago running in AP mode. Not the most stable when initially set up, and the network degraded over the years as more devices got added to the network. MW3 would be even worse and is only capable of 100Mbps on its ethernet ports.

    I am now running TP-Link Deco AX3600 at home and it performs much better than the old Tenda.

    • Unacceptable on 15/07/2025 - 11:39

      To be honest, I’m fine with the ZTE H268A and MW3 set up and i think the mesh manages pretty well in terms of the speed and drop out rates. I just don’t know if upgrading to wifi 6 will improve vastly or slightly.

  • bbinc on 15/07/2025 - 09:42

    I’ve got the same ZTE H268A, and experiencing the same issues. I run the wifi via a DECO M5 mesh - 3 units, but it works just the same with only 2. Since upgrading to 100/20 it’s all a lot better. An Exetel tech advised me the H268 is a bit outdated, but the mesh should compensate.
    Does the Google allow selection of just 2.4ghz for setting up some of your smart things?
    Is it an improvement?

    • Unacceptable on 15/07/2025 - 11:45

      Did you connect the nbn (hfc) connection box to the ZTE and Ethernet to the M5?
      With low knowledge myself this is what I did in set up. But now I think that I can ditch the ZTE and connect direct to MW3.

      • Twix on 15/07/2025 - 12:22
        +1

        You plugin the TP-Link Deco or Tenda MW3 to the nbn NTD box in most cases.

        nbn HFC 100/20 boosts to 500/50 in September. Tenda MW3 has 100M ports and the Tenda MW3 would be a bottleneck.

        Google Nest Wi-Fi Pro is suitable for 500/50. Link each Nest Wi-Fi together with wired ethernet cables if you can.

      • bbinc on 15/07/2025 - 12:33

        Yes, exactly that. It can be done direct to the NBN NTD but I’ve not tried that. Got too many ethernets hanging off the ZTE

        • Twix on 15/07/2025 - 12:39

          You can purchase a TP-Link switch and plug that into the Deco. 5-port $22 and 8-port $39 @ Amazon AU.

          nbn NTD box —- TP-Link Deco M5 —- TP-Link switch.

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