Wi-Fi Modem Router recommendations

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Yv

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OK, need some recommendations from you techy lot. I have fibre optic broadband supplied by Utility Warehouse, which in itself is excellent, but the hardware, specifically the modem router is a technicolour thing that is diabolical! It was always 'just about ok', but we recently got one of the cloud wifi cctv cameras, and when that is plugged in, the Technicolour simply can't cope.

So, I did some checking to make sure the supplied model is indeed a modem router [TG582n], as there is also another BT box before it in the line, so wasn't sure if the technicolour was acting as a modem or just a router, but apparently it is and all the internet settings are programmed in.

Anyway, I want to replace it with something far stronger and more reliable, but what? In the past I have always used D-link stuff as it has been pretty reliable and easy to configure, etc, but current amazon reviews are not good. Ditto Netgear too, lots of bad reviews on the models that sound like they should do the job.

So, anyone got any recommendations? We have quite a large house, though the walls are just standard thickness and the router will be located pretty centrally, though downstairs as that is where the main phone socket is and usually up to 5 devices on the wifi at any one time. Before any one mentions it, I KNOW Fibre speeds drop when you use it across a network like this, instead of a direct cable into the router, thats fine, I am still getting bloody fast speeds when its working properly, but most of the time it isn't, the wifi often drops out and even the internet goes once or twice a week. Ideally I don't want to spend more than £100, less if possible. Oh and don't mention Belkin please, Belkin and I simply don't get on, everything I have ever purchased from them, from simple cables to routers has let me down. Happy to listen to happier stories about Dlink or Netgear too.

TIA all :D
 
neil_g said:
there an Asus that normally gets recommended in these threads, hold the line caller..
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Especially if you want poor customer service and year wait for outrageous bug fixes.... that shouldn't be there in the first place.

Edit: Though they are great WIFI routers better than the cr@p BT hand out.
 
It's also worth spending a short while in the admin interface and setting the router to fixed wifi channels and fixed security methods. If they're like the VM routers then they get into a knot if they are set to auto for too many things. My SH2 was complete rubbish until I fixed it on 5ghz and set the security methods, fixed the wifi channels and turned off compatibility modes. With that in place it is acceptable and no longer drops wifi connections at all (it was dropping them all the time).
 
srichards said:
It's also worth spending a short while in the admin interface and setting the router to fixed wifi channels and fixed security methods. If they're like the VM routers then they get into a knot if they are set to auto for too many things. My SH2 was complete rubbish until I fixed it on 5ghz and set the security methods, fixed the wifi channels and turned off compatibility modes. With that in place it is acceptable and no longer drops wifi connections at all (it was dropping them all the time).
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Yep, done that Suz, my old iMac had a problem that it just wouldn't connect on most channels, so since then have always set them to a specific channel. Have tried each channel in turn on this thing, but basically it is rubbish. It is the cheapest they can get away with supplying [understandably] and is probably fine for a desktop and a couple of tablets or a laptop in an average sized house [ie, what normal people might have], but thats about it.
 
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Tintin124 said:
Especially if you want poor customer service and year wait for outrageous bug fixes.... that shouldn't be there in the first place.

Edit: Though they are great WIFI routers better than the cr@p BT hand out.
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The bug I think you are referring to was only visible if you exposed your system via AiCloud. Personally, I wouldn't rely on a router to expose ANYTHING on the net as it is far too easy for someone in the company writing the software to miss something get it wrong (as was done here). The RT-N66U has great wifi and is what I'd recommend for most people.

OP: I'm 99.9% certain the other box you have is between the router and the phone line, in which case the TG852n is only being used as a router. You can replace it with the RT-N66U (or AC66U if you'd prefer). You will still need to setup the PPPoE connection which will be your login details.
 
Another vote for Asus, mine works a treat :)
 
Well I just managed to get through to UW technical, and the technicolour part is just acting as a router, even though the model is a modem router [basically they send the same pre-programmed box to everyone, whether they are on std broadband or Fibre] so I can just replace it with a router and he has supplied me with the settings I need too [although I had actually already noted them down from existing one]

So, the Asus is a bit more than I wanted to spend, but reviews are generally good for the purposes I need it for, so that is currently top of the list. ;)
 
Don't skimp on network infrastructure..... (I have and I ended up replacing it all with decent quality stuff :))
 
Shame the B word is off limits! I have a redundant (upgraded to fibreoptic and got given new boxes) F5D8633-4 N Wireless Modem Router going spare.
 
tg582n rocks! been running one over 80/20 fttc for year and never missed a beat - originally got it as it was one of the few routers that do native ipv6 (many routers still only do legacy ipv4 networks) - the control panel is good and i have loads of devices running through it without trouble.
 
Yv said:
Guys. Huge thanks, have got the Asus and never had such an easy router to set up, absolute doddle and is working very quickly. Will be interesting to see how it performs over the next few weeks. (y)
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would be interested to know, been looking for a new one for a while now
 
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