Router advice

WillSK

Active member
Hey guys,

So i'm moving into my own place soon (hopefully) and am just looking into ISPs etc. all that fun stuff.

Just wanted to ask a bit about routers and find out what makes an after market router better? what perks I would gain from it and also advice as to what one is worth getting?

Thanks in advance!
 
Netgear or Asus amazingly.

Ive recently switched from a Netgear to an Asus unit and I actually REALLY like it.

Use what ever modem they give you and then get a decent cable (ethernet) router and youre set
 
I personally have had a load of issues with Virgin Media's 'Super' Hub. The wireless signal is p*ss poor and it can/will crash (as in kill off network access for everyone) when initializing a multiplayer game.

Asus, netgear and if you're loaded out the bum Linksys. TP-link can be good if you're on a strict budget.
 
Netgear or Asus amazingly.

Ive recently switched from a Netgear to an Asus unit and I actually REALLY like it.

Use what ever modem they give you and then get a decent cable (ethernet) router and youre set

I personally have had a load of issues with Virgin Media's 'Super' Hub. The wireless signal is p*ss poor and it can/will crash (as in kill off network access for everyone) when initializing a multiplayer game.

Asus, netgear and if you're loaded out the bum Linksys. TP-link can be good if you're on a strict budget.

Ok so I would connect the open reach box to the router of my choice and all's good for the most part?

Aside from improved signal strength and overall better quality is there any perks that the average user such as myself would gain?

Tom i'll look at the ASUS models, any recommendations?
 
I run an ASUS router with Merlin Firmware, love it!

Wouldnt ever change it for anything, it did cost me ~£200 but it just works, no issues no downtime, no dropped wireless connections no range issues
 
I've been recommending the ASUS RT-N66U to people and all have loved them and have seen massive improvements over what they had before. Increased coverage and stability has been the most common thing I hear from people. If you want AC you can look at the RT-AC66U.
 
I run an ASUS router with Merlin Firmware, love it!

Wouldnt ever change it for anything, it did cost me ~£200 but it just works, no issues no downtime, no dropped wireless connections no range issues

So do i want an xdsl modem/router or just a router?

What model did you go for Kambo?

I've been recommending the ASUS RT-N66U to people and all have loved them and have seen massive improvements over what they had before. Increased coverage and stability has been the most common thing I hear from people. If you want AC you can look at the RT-AC66U.

AC? I'm assuming because i'm asking this I won't need it but what is it?
 
AC? I'm assuming because i'm asking this I won't need it but what is it?

If you have a newer device like an iPhone/iPad or a newer laptop they will have a wireless AC card (they will do the other standards as well). You wouldn't see any difference in day to day use vs wireless N.
 
So do i want an xdsl modem/router or just a router?
What model did you go for Kambo?

I went for this exact model http://www.amazon.co.uk/RT-AC66U-AC...TF8&qid=1420815380&sr=8-1&keywords=asus+ac66u

Amazon said i purchased it Sept 2013, and im still using it with regular firmware updates

AC is a protocol which transfers faster than Wireless A+B+G+N, best of going for it, no harm in being prepared.

I'd go for a router only, then run the whatever you get from ISP in modem only mode
 
I went for this exact model http://www.amazon.co.uk/RT-AC66U-AC...TF8&qid=1420815380&sr=8-1&keywords=asus+ac66u

Amazon said i purchased it Sept 2013, and im still using it with regular firmware updates

AC is a protocol which transfers faster than Wireless A+B+G+N, best of going for it, no harm in being prepared.

I'd go for a router only, then run the whatever you get from ISP in modem only mode

Sound advice. :cool: I've never been a fan of the dsl modem/router combo devices.
 
Thanks all, will keep an eye on those ASUS routers in that case. They seem to be performing well for you lot :)
 
I'm gonna chip in here because I'm in a similar situation. I just got setup with Plusnet on their Fibre service.

I have what looks like the standard BT Modem, which is then hooked up to after reading up, is a pretty shitty Router from Plusnet... (it has 3 100MBps ports ffs)

Can I safely replace this with for example ?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/RT-AC66U-AC...TF8&qid=1420815380&sr=8-1&keywords=asus+ac66u and not worry about it?

I'm new to non-virgin-media cable/fibre I've always had their cable modems which had half decent routers and/or can be put into modem mode and ignored :)

I currently have an older 2TB Time Capsule which I've used previously, and it's pretty alright really.. Can that be used in the interim instead of the one from Plusnet?

Basically, could I for example, plug my PC direct into that modem, and it connect to the net or is there some authentication done on the router?

Sorry to steal your thread Will but you were basically asking exactly what I was after and thought I'd piggyback :P
 
I'm gonna chip in here because I'm in a similar situation. I just got setup with Plusnet on their Fibre service.

I have what looks like the standard BT Modem, which is then hooked up to after reading up, is a pretty shitty Router from Plusnet... (it has 3 100MBps ports ffs)

On their site it claims you need both for it to work
If you sign up for fibre broadband, you'll get a free BT fibre modem for your service. The engineer who installs your fibre broadband will bring this. The BT fibre modem will work alongside your router and you will need both for the service to work.
I'd just give them a ring if I were you and if you don't get anywhere I know someone who works for them who'll say if it is possible or not. They're being deliberatly unclear so I'd gamble there is a possibility.
 
On their site it claims you need both for it to work

I'd just give them a ring if I were you and if you don't get anywhere I know someone who works for them who'll say if it is possible or not. They're being deliberatly unclear so I'd gamble there is a possibility.

Can you ask him anyway ? :P

I might just plug stuff into the modem and avoid it. When looking up the review, I found they suggested alternatives, so I'm guessing it can maybe be bypassed.. will have to give it a try when I actually have some time to do it :)

Cheers Barnsley
 
Can you ask him anyway ? :P

I might just plug stuff into the modem and avoid it. When looking up the review, I found they suggested alternatives, so I'm guessing it can maybe be bypassed.. will have to give it a try when I actually have some time to do it :)

Cheers Barnsley

I've messaged him about it. He'll probably reply sometime this weekend.
 
I have the Asus RT-AC66U and it's much better than the standard "Super Hub" in all respects.

The 5GHz (AC) signals range isn't that great, but I've found it to be more reliable for phones/tablets that support the tech.
 
I'm gonna chip in here because I'm in a similar situation. I just got setup with Plusnet on their Fibre service.

I have what looks like the standard BT Modem, which is then hooked up to after reading up, is a pretty shitty Router from Plusnet... (it has 3 100MBps ports ffs)

Can I safely replace this with for example ?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/RT-AC66U-AC...TF8&qid=1420815380&sr=8-1&keywords=asus+ac66u and not worry about it?

I'm new to non-virgin-media cable/fibre I've always had their cable modems which had half decent routers and/or can be put into modem mode and ignored :)

I currently have an older 2TB Time Capsule which I've used previously, and it's pretty alright really.. Can that be used in the interim instead of the one from Plusnet?

Basically, could I for example, plug my PC direct into that modem, and it connect to the net or is there some authentication done on the router?

Sorry to steal your thread Will but you were basically asking exactly what I was after and thought I'd piggyback :P

Sub ive got that same shitty BT Modem, you can use that router, need to use the Merlin firmware, but thats simple, use wireshark to get your username as password, input it in the router, and thats it works fine. ive got Fibre as well, 80 down 40 up.

I have got a guide somewhere(ill hunt my bookmarks), but you're a smart cookie. Been using it problem free since 2013 :D
 
If it isn't that big of a place i would say get a strong AC router. Upgrade all your networking stuff to the AC protocol then run everything off of the 5Ghz band. Faster and less interfance from the bogged down 2.4ghz band. You can also switch which channel you run off of. Off the top of my head i think its 1,6,11 that are the best because they have the least amount of overlapping bands and what not. This all should keep you very satisfied:)
 
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