DSL Modem/Router Recommendations

[kev2021]

Hi all,

New to this site.

I currently am with BT ISP and have a BT Smarthub as my router.  Been no issues with it until recently whereby it keeps disconnecting more frequently.  I had issues with the previous smarthub6 and when I replaced it, the issue went away so I suspect the issue is the btsmarthub as nothing else has changed.  IT has been on 24/7 for a good few years now.

As I’m looking for a new modem/router, I figured it makes sense to be to a modem/router with WIFI6 but doesn’t seem to be too many about with combined modem/routers?  It seems there is lots of routers and then you need a external modem.  Unfortunately, i though the open reach modem away years ago that I got when i signed up as bot a all in one device and never looked back since.

Do you have any recommendations?  I saw the new dsl AX82U from Asus online but unsure if will be any good as seen some not so good reviews of previous ASUS products but in general all my router needs to do is provide internet access and have a couple for ports opened.  I don’t play online gaming etc as a rule, occasionally I may purchase a game and play for a bit but that’s all.  Would like the option of a VPN so i can link to a different location also but not deal breaker if not,

Thanks

Kev

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[UK Sentinel]

Welcome, Yes BT supplied kit is built to a price, so far from ideal.

There are modems like the Draytek 130 which you can pick up on Ebay for around £60 and combine that with a wifi router and you are good to go.

Modem router combo’s that support wifi 6 are very rare and there are currently 2 units that I would recommend

• ASUS DSL-AX82U
• AVM Friz!box 7530AX

Alas the ASUS DSL-AX82U is not yet available in UK but should arrive in the next couple of months and will be a good allrounder, but ASUS firmware’s take time to mature and they are very technical, so you have to be willing to learn.

The Fritz!box 7530 AX is currently available and another good allrounder but wifi may be a issue if you have a large property compared to say the DSL-AX82U.

or you can purchase the DrayTeK modem, which is BT approved and plug in say a Netgear AX wifi router or ASUS AX type router.

AX standard is relatively new so you are a little restricted but no harm in planning ahead with your purchase.

 

 

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[kev2021]

Would the Draytek 166 work as well or best to stick to the 130 if i went that route?

The DSL AX82U sounds promising as is all in one but will also look at maybe the Asus RT router and a Draytek 130 or 166 modem.  My only issue is I don’t think i have a separate power socket near the phone socket but will take a look.

Thanks

Kev

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[UK Sentinel]

Draytek 166 is newer but designed ideally for G.fast connections (are you on BT VDSL or G.fast connection) I did forget to ask

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[kev2021]

I am on BT Fibre 1 or 2 package, BT smarthub is showing “Fibre Broadband (VDSL)” so look to be VDSL, fingers crossed it’s correct :)

I was just thinking if i got the 166, would it still work and that way I’m future proofing should i upgrade to a fast package or have a connection over 100MB available to me in the future.  I think atm, fasts i can get is 76/80 tops and i dear say I wouldn’t’ actually see those speeds.

Thanks

Kev

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[UK Sentinel]

Try https://www.broadbandchecker.btwholesale.com/#/ADSL

And screen dump what options you have ? (edit telephone number etc.)

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[kev2021]

here you go:-

 

 

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[UK Sentinel]

So you do not have any options for G.fast, so that removes the need for the DrayTeK Vigor 166 and the Vigor 130 will work well and is well supported for your DSL sync speeds .

You do have the option for WBC FTTP – which if true is great news as you may have the options for full fibre, but due to covid, this may be a planned install at some point in the future.

 

 

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[kev2021]

Yes agree, no rush to move to FTTP I suspect is a increased costs etc.

Would the 166 work on my current line or not? Would it work with FTTP or does that require a different modem again?

Thanks

Kev

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[UK Sentinel]

Vigor 166 works on VDSL – G.fast but not FTTP / FTTH

Vigor 130 works on VDSL not G.fast and not FTTP / FTTH

ANy Fibre to the home option uses fibre cable all the way to your front door, the ISP then will provide an ONT box and then you just plug a router (not modem) into the ONT box

So for you on your 80Mbps connection, the Vigor 130 is fine or a modem / router combo like the DSL-AX82U or Fritz!Box 7530 AX

The DSl-AX82U does have a dedicated WAN port, so can be used as a router only at some point in the future also

 

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[kev2021]

Many thanks, good to know.  I’m leaning to wards the AX82U, especially if can be used as a router only without the modem should i ever get FTTP etc.

Thanks

Kev

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[UK Sentinel]

kev2021 wrote:

Many thanks, good to know. I’m leaning to wards the AX82U, especially if can be used as a router only without the modem should i ever get FTTP etc. Thanks Kev

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[Grisu]

AVM 7530 (and others) can be used as router only behind ONT too, just define LAN1 as WAN port.

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[kev2021]

Thanks, never heard of AVM, i’ll take a look and see thanks.  I’ve had Asus motherboards etc so familiar with the company but never had one of there routers so will see.

Kev

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[Grisu]

As long as you are happy with Asus stay with them because you are used to it and therefore easier for you to configure in a proper way.

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