[WXC/VFX] what modem should i get?

Forums › One New Zealand (including Vodafone, WxC, Farmside) › [WXC/VFX] what modem should i get?

jff1625

50 posts

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#13784 29-May-2007 10:09

Hi,
I'm about to switch from woosh to xnet broadband, and i've noticed xnet doesn't supply a *free* dsl modem like some other providers. I regard this as a good thing as I won't be stuck with a crappy modem because I can chose my own. So whcih one should I get?

I use internet mainly for surfing and also for p2p (bittorrent). I haven't tried VoIP yet, but may want to look into it in the future. I already have a Linksys WRT54GL wifi router, so I'd want the modem to play nice with that. I want to make sure I get something reliable, that I won't have to keep rebooting every now and then. I also don't want to spend too much of course!

Oh, and I'd also quite like it to be 'future proof' re: ADSL2+ when that comes along. (When will that be anyway?)

A friend of mine has about the same usage profile as me (except for the WRT54GL) and he has an ASUS modem that he says cost about $60 (don't know the model no.) and he finds it very reliable. Should I get the same one?

So whats out there that I should consider?

thanks,
Jeff

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#72664 29-May-2007 12:42

When I went dsl in Jan [with Xnet] I had the same issue. I also had an existing wifi router too.

I got an dynalink rta1320 on trademe for $25 including 2 filters.

Small, very reliable, supports adsl2+ out the box and they provide excellent support. I think it also has a SPI firewall but I use my Wifi router for that.

I've been really happy with it. I didn't want to get a everything in one box as this way if I change to cable modem or when and if vdsl comes along I just replace the modem not my whole setup.

I have been very happy with it.

bradstewart

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#72668 29-May-2007 13:37

I have a Netgear DG834G. Best modem router I have ever owned. Very very stable, easy to configure and has far more configurable settings than most.

Can't recall if it is ADSL2+ but it would would be well worth looking at or maybe the ADSL2+ equivilent if its not.

stevonz

397 posts

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#72682 29-May-2007 14:18

bradstewart: I have a Netgear DG834G. Best modem router I have ever owned. Very very stable, easy to configure and has far more configurable settings than most.

Can't recall if it is ADSL2+ but it would would be well worth looking at or maybe the ADSL2+ equivilent if its not.

I have the same modem/ router... just checked the fact sheet & its ADSL2+ compliant!

Cheers, Stevo

bradstewart

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#72739 29-May-2007 18:59

WOOT! No need to go replacing it then. You should be able to pick one up for a bit over $150 retail

Andy_Walker

89 posts

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#72811 30-May-2007 11:16

If you are considering using VOIP then I'd suggest getting the WAG54GP2 now. You can get them from Cartertonryan for $239. It is ADSL2 compliant and will save you from buying a PAP2T as well later for your VOIP because it has the phone ports built in. It also has the QoS feature you won’t get plugging a PAP2T into your router. Plus it will also save a lot of the wiring spaghetti that accumulates around the place. You will have one item to plug in with one power adapter instead of 3.

I’ve just migrated from Woosh as well I’ve been very satisfied and the improvement in my connection quality & VOIP. I think with the WAG54GP2 if you consider it will save you $119 from not needing a PAP2T & you could get some money back if you sold your router then it would come in under your budget. The devise is also fully supported by Xnet.

jff1625

50 posts

Geek

#72818 30-May-2007 12:35

I'd prefer to get a modem that's just a modem and only a modem.

I understand the Netgear DG834G is a wifi router as well. I already have a wrt54gl. Why would I want 2 wifi routers? (house not big enough to need 2)

I've read a few horror stories about the dynalink rta1320. Is there a firmware upgrade or something that'll make it 'torrent friendly?

A quick filter-search on ascent.co.nz shows only 2 results:
D-Link DSL-502T
or
Netgear DM111.
Are either of those any good / torrent friendly / will bridge nicely to my wrt?

thanks,
Jeff

xlinknz

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#72980 31-May-2007 10:43

What are these "horror stories" with the dynalink rta1320 ?

I use xnet with an rta1320 and have never had one disconnect or performance issue and I use uTorrent and had no issues whatsoever

New firmware is available from Dynalink at http://www.dynalink.co.nz/firmware.htm?prod=RTA1320 I'll let you know what version I have if you like

I can assure you that the dynalink WILL do bridge mode ie work with a downsteam router.

As I said for $20 spent including filters I am very happy

FYI I was advised not to get a dlink 502T, accordingly to the xnet helpdesk this is the modem they have the most issues with - but they did say that may be because that they are the most widespread modem in use mainly due to TCNZ giving them away. Also I'd check whether the 502T needs to be sent away to allow it to run adsl2+

Sharesies

Trade NZ and US shares and funds with Sharesies (affiliate link).

jff1625

50 posts

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#73001 31-May-2007 12:24

so i must assume the people having troubles with rta1320's were beacuse they didn't know how to set it up properly.
or maybe they had a faulty unit.

anyway, i've put in a bid on a 1320, so we'll see how it goes.

thanks all!

j

btw, i've decided against VoIP for now as our main call costs are to my fiance's parents in their small town in india. The best internet in their town is verrry slow even by dial-up standards, and they're not about to get online just for phone calls anyway. The best rates we can get currently are from pre-paid phone cards.

Andy_Walker

89 posts

Master Geek

#73005 31-May-2007 12:44

The VOIP/VFX phone offered by Xnet does not require people you are calling to also have VOIP. It works like any regular land line phone.

jff1625

50 posts

Geek

#73008 31-May-2007 13:15

it's still cheaper using the card tho, for us. I checked.

maybe when naked dsl comes along things'll be different...

jff1625

50 posts

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#73143 1-Jun-2007 14:17

i won the auction. i got an rta1320 for $27 shipped.

I wonder should i wait until delivery of the modem before i sign up with xnet? or are they pretty flexible with start dates and things like that?

how long does it usually take between clicking the "sign-up" button, and service starting?

cheers,
j

xlinknz

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#73145 1-Jun-2007 14:38

Jeff

Call xnet and ask them, from memory it is 10 working days but that was for over the last xmas break when TCNZ [their wholesaler] have a different lead times

You can call them and still join online

ps: get my private msg ?

Niel

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#73151 1-Jun-2007 15:37

Whne you fill in the online form they will call you on the next business day (or in my case evening, working during the day). I don't think it is their own staff calling, I think it is a call center service but am not sure. Anyway, the lady told me it would take 3 to 5 work days to switch me from a normal phone line to ADSL, but 2 days later I was connected! That was middle of April, I think the 10th. I am in Pakuranga, so if you are in a main center I think it is very quick. Telecom used to drag their feet, but got into trouble over that.

I would also say wait for the modem to arrive, unless you have a tracking number and can confirm it was sent. Mine got "lost", but I tracked down the seller and after a month I did get my modem. It was a $200 auction...

You can never have enough Volvos!

grant_k

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#73192 1-Jun-2007 22:35

Niel: ...I don't think it is their own staff calling, I think it is a call center service but am not sure.

I'm pretty sure it is WxC's own staff calling because they go through that "Voice Verification" process with you -- where they record the call so it serves as an agreement between you and WxC (saves doing any paperwork).

Niel: ...the lady told me it would take 3 to 5 work days to switch me from a normal phone line to ADSL, but 2 days later I was connected!

Yeah, that was my experience as well, connected by the 2nd business day. Can't argue with that

richms

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#73217 2-Jun-2007 12:37

xlinknz:
What are these "horror stories" with the dynalink rta1320 ?

I use xnet with an rta1320 and have never had one disconnect or performance issue and I use uTorrent and had no issues whatsoever

New firmware is available from Dynalink at http://www.dynalink.co.nz/firmware.htm?prod=RTA1320 I'll let you know what version I have if you like

I can assure you that the dynalink WILL do bridge mode ie work with a downsteam router.

As I said for $20 spent including filters I am very happy

Major issues with overheating with our one if we upload a decent amount of data, frequently needs powercycling when it just stops passing traffic, absolutly useless support from dynalink for it. Only still use it because it gets the best downstream speed on out crappy long line here in beach haven, some others wont even sync at all on it so at least its adsl performance is quite good, even if the reliability isnt.

Richard rich.ms

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