Alternatives to Huawei HG630b router ?

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Scotdownunder

225 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 108

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#143753 25-Apr-2014 17:54

I am looking closely at upgrading to Ultra Fibre plan but the stock modem, the Huawei HG630b only has 100M Ethernet LAN ports. I have wired network between iMac and secondary modems providing multiport local access in different parts of a large house plus a NAS type box off my Technicolor ADSL modem.

I would prefer GigE LAN ports to enable fast access to the NAS. As I already have a multi-node network I am wary of just adding a GigE router. I note Telecom Business offer the HG659 which would fit the bill (ac wireless a bit overkill). I understand this not being offered to domestic customers but if I bought it, are their any issues in deploying it ? Alternatively I can buy the likes of Asus DSL-N66U although some have commented here on issues.

Thoughts ?

nitrotech

1285 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 168

#1031340 25-Apr-2014 20:20

So your using modems or routers as switches and or access points?

What's your budget for a new router? What experience do you have in networking?

The draytek 2130n is excellent and easy to configure otherwise a mikrotik is cheaper and better but is difficult to configure for the average user.

The asus gets good reviews but make sure you get the right one that works with UFB.

Scotdownunder

225 posts

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+1 received by user: 108

Subscriber

#1032107 27-Apr-2014 16:54

I am using the Technicolor modem's four ports for two wired connections to wireless access points, wired connection to my iMac and local connection to a NAS (3 TB WD Mycloud). On of the access points is a Timecapsule whose LAN ports are connected to a TiVo, AV Rx and TV or Blueray player (for firmware upgrades) and occasionally a Apple MBP.

I am looking to give GigE access to the NAS from the iMac and MBP as well as a couple of iPads (wireless so speed limited anyway). A GigE switch off the HG630b would work but will it complicate my access point configuration ?

The Huawei HG659 is sold by Telecom to business customers for ~$129 and has superior specs, i.e. GigE LAN ports, dual band WiFi (including ac which may be useful when I upgrade PCs). I see no reason not to use it as it keeps things simple but are there any catches or support issues ?

nitrotech

1285 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 168

#1032136 27-Apr-2014 17:52

The 659 is a solid device - sounds a bit cheap at 129 but hey if you can get it for that i'd say its a good deal