Internet And Router Speed Query

[bigshorty]

Hi All

This may sound like a silly question but it’s something I would like some clarification on before I spend out on a new router, and I’m hoping someone might be able to help me out.

The question I have is whether anyone can tell me whether a routers performance and transfer speeds are dictated by the incoming broadband speed to it? For example, I am on a 80/20 FTTC broadband connection, does that mean the fastest my PC could download a file is at 80Mbps?

Personally I prefer a separate modem and router configuration and currently use a Draytek Vigor 130 as the modem, however I’m contemplating whether to get a more powerful router to untilise the most out of my broadband speeds. There are so many routers out there, offering things like USB 3.0, AC speeds of up to +2000Mbps, quad core processors, gigabit LAN ports, etc, that I wasn’t sure whether it was worth shelling out a hefty sum of cash on one of these or whether I should stick with what I have.

I know a lot of what a router is needed for also depends on what you use it for, and for lots of connected devices the higher end routers are probably worth having. However, it is only my partner and I in the home, and the most intensive internet use we do it streaming Netflix or Amazon Video, and online gaming, where at the most there will be a PS4 and Xbox One online at the same time. We have mobile phones and tablets that use the WiFi but these are only really used for brief period each day. I’m currently using an Asus RT-AC56U which is working well still and seems to handle everything perfectly, but is now a bit dated which is the main reason for contemplating a change. I do like Asus routers and would prefer to continue using them, and have seen the RT-AC86U which I am very interested in, even though the price tag is a little steep. Would this be a worthwhile choice, or is it overkill for my needs and should I save myself some pennies and aim for a router with much the same specs I have as my RT-AC56U? The router has to be of a standing upright configuration as there is only a small shelf where the router will go and it will not fit a flat configuration router.

I’d be grateful for any thoughts and views on this to help me decide which course of action I should consider taking.

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[UK Sentinel]

This is where understanding Internet Speeds quoted by ISP’s is useful, Bits and Bytes,  I am sure million’s like I used to think/assume if you have a DSL line of say 80 /20 Mbps. Then in theory you can download 80MB file in a single second, every second

In reality, A 4 MB file will take 8 secs over a 4 Mbits/s link and 2 seconds over a 16 Mbits/s link. (see Bits and Bytes).

ISP Speed = Mbps (Mega Bits Per Second)

File Size = MB (Mega Bytes)

 

How Many Megabytes per second in a Megabit per second?

1 Megabyte/sec is equal to 8 × Megabit/sec.
1 Megabit/s = 0.125 Megabytes/sec.

Mbps : Megabit per second (Mbit/s or Mb/s)

MB/s : Megabyte per second

1 byte = 8 bits

1 bit  = (1/8) bytes

1 bit  = 0.125 bytes

1 megabyte = 10002 bytes

1 megabit  = 10002 bits

1 megabit  = 0.125 megabytes

1 megabit/second = 0.125 megabytes/second

1 Mbps = 0.125 MB/s

—–
Given you are on an 80/20 Mbps service, in reality, you may actual only achieve 60/15 Mbps due to length of line from you local cabinet/DSLAM

In reality, you current set-up is adequate, USB3 and Gig Ethernet ports are great for devices within you home sharing data with each other, but as soon as Internet data sharing/Streaming is needed, then the bottle neck is your ISP connection.

I have the Netgear XR500 for gaming and the ASUS RT-AC86U for household stuff, as both have good CPU speeds which means the job gets done, just that little bit quicker.

The ASUS RT-AC86U seems to fit in with you plans and you will probable notice internet pages loading slightly quicker as the RT-AC86U will handle, process traffic quicker.

The RT-AC86U also is supported by ASUSWRT-Merlin (RMerlin) and a such his customisation supports Full Cone NAT, which is great for Xbox/PS – Call of Duty etc. but does have potential security implications as a result of Full Cone NAT ;-)

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[bigshorty]

Many thanks for the info Sentinel, you learn something new everyday!

So from what you are saying I wouldn’t see a hugely noticeable difference from buying a more powerful, high end router from what I am using at present?

I have to say that I hardly have any buffering issues with my AC56U, the odd couple of seconds here and there, plus never any lag in online gaming either. The Vigor 130 has synced at 79995 kbps on the download and 20000 kbps on the upload, which I presume is good? I can also achieve wired speed test results of >76 Mbps on the download, with ping of around 8 ms. I was using an unlocked Huawei HG612, but found my internet to be slugglish, albeit with no issues, since using the Vigor 130, my internet connection does seem sharper. Got a feeling that’s due to matching the Vigor 130s ECI chipset with my ECI cabinet.

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[UK Sentinel]

For your DSLAM being ECI (Infineon) , that does sound as though using the DrayteK 130 was a good choice.

What does the DrayTek 130 –  DS Actual Rate value?

The RT-AC56U is Broadcom, like the RT-AC86U, but more modern chipsets etc. I suppose if you are used to driving a ford Mondeo, (perfectly nice car) and then jump into a Toyota CRV (Hybrid) – you wonder why you did not do this years ago, (poor analogy) but hope that makes the comparison.

Both are good a fit for purpose. just one is more interesting and more future proof ;)

 

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[bigshorty]

The actual DS rate figures for the Vigor 130 are:

DS Actual Rate: 79995000 bps                                                                                                                             DS Attainable Rate: 81853688 bps

That sound ok?

I like your comparison idea, and I totally get where you are coming from. I’m a Ford Mondeo type man myself, so I’m more than happy to make do until times warrant a change!

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[UK Sentinel]

bigshorty wrote:

The actual DS rate figures for the Vigor 130 are: DS Actual Rate: 79995000 bps DS Attainable Rate: 81853688 bps That sound ok? I like your comparison idea, and I totally get where you are coming from. I’m a Ford Mondeo type man myself, so I’m more than happy to make do until times warrant a change!

DS Actual Rate: 79995000 bps is very good, enjoy your Ford Mondeo ;)

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