Is it worth upgrading the stock Spark router?

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fraserg

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#173201 14-May-2015 17:09

About to upgrade to the 200mbps Spark plan (from 30/10), is it worth upgrading the router Spark provides?

Router is connected by LAN to 2 PCs and one access point.

About 10 wireless devices will also be connected (with 2 of these using the other access point).

If it is worth upgrading, what would you recommend?

Thanks.

Scotdownunder

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#1305315 14-May-2015 17:17

Are Spark giving you the HG596b router ? This has GigE ports and the latest 802.11.ac WiFi which would be needed to make use of 200 Mbit speeds.

Scotdownunder

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#1305316 14-May-2015 17:19

Sorry the HG 659b router is what I meant, as provided by Vodafone.

fraserg

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#1305330 14-May-2015 17:47

I haven't yet inquired with Spark directly about upgrading, but I would assume they would give us the modem?

Their website states that those on Fiber 200 will receive the Huawei HG659b Modem.

https://www.spark.co.nz/shop/internet/modems/

Any benefit in upgrading from this?

Jase2985

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#1305345 14-May-2015 18:23

if the wireless devices are just getting their wifi from the access point, and the spark modem is just doing the job of PPPoE and a switch it should be fine

if its providing some wifi as well it should also be fine unless you consider yourself a power user

lxsw20

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#1305346 14-May-2015 18:24

What sort of benefits are you looking for? The HG659b will handle 200mbit fine.

fraserg

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#1305352 14-May-2015 18:29

What would make me a power user?

The majority of devices will connect to the Spark router directly via wifi, only 2-3 devices will use the other access point.

The most taxing job the wireless devices will be doing is watching HD video. While HD video streaming, file sharing and online gaming will be done on the PC connected by LAN.

Edit: I'm getting the picture that the router provided by Spark should be fine?

Batman

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#1305358 14-May-2015 18:44

You are asking and have no problems then no. Are you currently or do you feel limited in any way?

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fraserg

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#1305359 14-May-2015 18:46

Range isn't ideal, but the other access point has solved this.

Looks like I'll stick with the stock router.

Thanks to all who contributed.

Jase2985

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#1305365 14-May-2015 19:08

what router do you currently have?

if it handles everything fine then do you need to upgrade?

Scotdownunder

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#1305394 14-May-2015 19:40

The real question is what WiFi capability do you have on your PCs, Tablets etc. if some of them are recent with 801.11ac and 801.11 n as minimum then the HG 659b with make full use of them and has both 2.5 and 5 Ghz bands to spread the load. Will you secondary AP have similar capabilty ? Perhaps that is the device to upgrade.