Spark modems

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mrplane

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#154528 30-Oct-2014 21:13

Hi everyone, i'm in the process of changing from adsl2 to vdsl. The free modem spark supplies is a 100mbs unit and has 2.4ghz wifi. I want to get the modem used for the business plan which is a gbit unit and has 2.4 and 5.0 wifi. Spark won't let me pay the extra amount to upgrade modems. My question is will my internet be any faster if i use the gbit modem than the 100mbs unit. Also is 5.0 ghz wifi faster than 2.4. Cheers

Sideface

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#1165319 30-Oct-2014 21:27

"My question is will my internet be any faster if i use the gbit modem than the 100mbs unit. Also is 5.0 ghz wifi faster than 2.4."

No and no (although 5ghz is theoretically faster - but with a shorter range)

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Batman

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#1165342 30-Oct-2014 21:45

if your devices support it of course it will be faster copying files between devices. that's it.

streaming between devices, internet, etc won't be faster.

BUT if you're in a high density block the 5ghz is life changing

matisyahu

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#1165357 30-Oct-2014 21:59

Depending on how big your house is and how many wi-fi networks there are in your neighbourhood you might be better off going with 5Ghz. Regarding modems - I have a hg659b which is around NZ$200, supports 802.11ac, UFB compatible and does a pretty good in terms of connection stability, reliability and performance on 5Ghz (which is what I use). You'll need to pay for the hg659b modem but it is worth it in my experience.

"When the people are being beaten with a stick, they are not much happier if it is called 'the People's Stick'"

mrplane

28 posts

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#1165387 30-Oct-2014 23:02

My current modem has 2.4 and 5.0 . My new phone supports 5.0 and runs well on it. All i can do is wait and see how things go and sell the new free spark modem so i can buy the better one. I think it's pretty poor that they won't let me pay the difference to upgrade.

My pc does support gigabit ethernet

Jase2985

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#1165450 31-Oct-2014 07:44

if your current modem supports wireless AC are you sure it doesnt support VDSL too?

ashtonaut

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#1165913 31-Oct-2014 14:09

Not sure why OP couldn't get the upgraded gateway. Over the past week I've talked with 3 different Spark CSRs who all confirmed that this is an allowable upgrade if you pay the cost difference when signing up (HG630b RRP: $149, HG659b RRP: $199).

When I signed up for a new VDSL connection earlier this week (not currently a Spark customer) I asked nicely, paid a $50 upgrade fee, and today I received the HG659b gateway in the mail.

littleheaven

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#1165948 31-Oct-2014 15:23

Recently I noticed my VDSL connection speed had deteriorated. Whereas I used to get wireless speeds of 18-24Mbps, I was languishing around the 12-16Mbps range most of the time, sometimes dropping lower. Spark tested my line, which was fine, and a cabled test clocked in at 35Mbps, so either the wireless performance of the modem was degrading, or there was increased noise on the 2.4Ghz band in my little cul-de-sac.

I bought an Asus RT-AC68U router which I bridged to the Spark-supplied Technicolour modem. The Asus has dual-band 2.4/5Ghz and you can also set up additional guest networks on either band, so I've also set up a dedicated 5Ghz only network, which I can connect my mobile devices to in order to reduce 2.4Ghz clutter for the older computers. I was a bit of a gamble, as I wasn't sure it it would make a huge difference, but I've been really surprised. My old Mac Pro, which is upstairs from the modem, consistently speed tests at over 30Mbps now, and during busy times ranges from 22-28Mbps. That machine only picks up 2.4Ghz, so the performance of the Asus 2.4Ghz seems to be far superior to the Technicolour. Just ran a test now - 3pm on a Friday - and got 33.83 down and 9.81 up. I've never had wireless speeds of over 30 before, so I am totally happy with the decision to outlay that much money (it was around $300). It lessens the frustration of not having any fibre date in sight, knowing I am managing speeds equivalent to the Ultra-Fibre 30 plan

.

Anyway, I'm not sure whether your experience would be the same, but I am very impressed with this particular router.

Geek girl. Freelance copywriter and editor at Unmistakable.co.nz.