Should i pay $99 for telecom's wireless ADSL router?

Forums › Spark New Zealand (including Skinny and BigPipe) › Should i pay $99 for telecom's wireless ADSL router?

Batman

Mad Scientist
30012 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 6217

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#37855 20-Jul-2009 16:00

Yei coming off slingshot contract on 5 august so planning to take up telecom broadband again but have this question:

i have a d-link DSL-G604T. i live in an ADSL2 area.
- so should i get telecom's $100 wireless router - will that give me an advantage over what i have, should i not bother (don't torrent, only have 2 laptops and a wiredLAN connected most of the time).

Batman

Mad Scientist
30012 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 6217

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#238960 25-Jul-2009 22:10

erm here are some stats (with my current DLink):

ADSL Firmware Version: 5.00.04.00 - 5.00.03.00 - 5.00.03.00 Annex A - 01.07.2b - 0.52
ADSL Software Version: V3.00B02.NZ.20060711
Line State Connected
Modulation ADSL_2plus
Annex Mode Annex A
Max Tx Power -38 dBm/Hz

Item Downstream Upstream Unit
SNR Margin 12 12 dB
Line Attenuation 23 12 dB
Data Rate 11716 660 kbps

i have a feeling telecom's modems are not the best ones available?

l43a2

1784 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 591

ID Verified

Trusted

#238964 25-Jul-2009 23:02

your best to buy your own modem imo, linksys belkin etc

kingjj

1730 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 450

ID Verified

Trusted

#238980 25-Jul-2009 23:51

Can't say I've had any issues with the Telecom Supplied wireless router (The Thomson), than again I never had any issues with its prequel (in our house), the Dlink G604T. Have you upgraded the firmware on the Dlink to be ADSL 2+ compatible? How old is the DLink? While you could go out and get a decent Linksys for not much more than the Thomson, Telecom will support the Thomson whereas they will only provide basic limited support for a Linksys or similar on their network. The Thomson is rather limited feature wise, unlike the Dlink where you can manipulate many settings and generally configure it any way you want, the Thomson's are kind of "idiot proof", there are very few settings that you can change with the default firmware; this is not always a bad thing though.

If your just wanting a stable modem that does the basics and comes with good after sales support than the Thomson's are fine for your situation. If you want something thats a bit more flexible and configurable than a Linksys or a Belkin (higher end models mind you) would suit you better.

Offtopic: I never understood the lack of love for the Dlink's that seems to be evident around here, my old G604T was rock solid for over three years and is still in use at my parents house now.

Batman

Mad Scientist
30012 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 6217

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#238985 26-Jul-2009 00:25

hmm ... will keep the dlink i guess.

how do i know i'm connected at ADSL2? does my line stats above mean anything?

ANglEAUT

altered-ego
2436 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 841

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#238986 26-Jul-2009 00:26

I fully agree with kingjj.
The Thompson is locked down pretty much. Can't change DHCP scope, can't disable the Admin user account, parental control is pathetic. The firewall is so so, but it does get the job done if that's all that you need.

If you're like me, you want to tinker & re-configure this ain't the device for you.

Please keep this GZ community vibrant by contributing in a constructive & respectful manner.

l43a2

1784 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 591

ID Verified

Trusted

#238987 26-Jul-2009 00:27

Modulation ADSL_2plus = ADSL2+

Samsung

Shop now on Samsung phones, tablets, TVs and more (affiliate link).

trig42

5889 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2094

ID Verified

#239040 26-Jul-2009 12:16

If that speedtest result in your signature is using your DLink, then you are on ADSL2 as the max speed on ADSL1 is 7.6Mb/s

grb67

63 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 2

#239195 26-Jul-2009 22:15

In my experience almost everytime I have replaced a DLink with a new Thomson the internet speed has improved. The Thomson is quite stable and will self reconnect (usually) if there is an outage.
You can change the DHCP range etc but you have to use telnet. Stops 'normal' people messing with the settings (and having to phone the help desk) Telecom support the warranty by sending a repalcement. Try that with a Linksys, Belkin or similar.

Batman

Mad Scientist
30012 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 6217

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#239204 26-Jul-2009 23:01

grb67: In my experience almost everytime I have replaced a DLink with a new Thomson the internet speed has improved. The Thomson is quite stable and will self reconnect (usually) if there is an outage.

You can change the DHCP range etc but you have to use telnet. Stops 'normal' people messing with the settings (and having to phone the help desk) Telecom support the warranty by sending a repalcement. Try that with a Linksys, Belkin or similar.

sorry - does that mean you suggest paying $99 for a thomson over my dlink? will it get me above 10Mbps down and 660Kbps up? cheers!

also the speed posted is with slingshot. will it change when i connect with telecom, all other things being equal?

bonkiebonks

389 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 7

#239205 26-Jul-2009 23:06

You don't have to pay $99 for the wireless router if you're willing to sign up for their 24-month contract. You've got to ring up to do that though, it's not available online.

Batman

Mad Scientist
30012 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 6217

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#239206 26-Jul-2009 23:08

hmm i wonder if i can get a no contract plan if i choose not to get anything from them

Samsung

Shop now on Samsung phones, tablets, TVs and more (affiliate link).

Diggzzy

32 posts

Geek

#239417 27-Jul-2009 17:59

joker97: hmm i wonder if i can get a no contract plan if i choose not to get anything from them

Nope, All new broadband connections are contratced with Telecom. You would struggle to find a provider that didnt contract you.