Router upgrade - ASUS RT-AC68U?

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Stu

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#150069 10-Jul-2014 13:05

I'm looking at replacing our Telecom supplied HG630b VDSL modem/router and thinking at this stage of going with a DrayTek Vigor DV130 (or maybe a Zyxel?) bridged to an ASUS RT-AC68U. I'm looking for a stability within the LAN and of course a solid VDSL connection.

Any gotchas with the ASUS RT-AC68U?

Are there likely to be any issues with using our ancient Linksys SPA-2102 ATA with this setup? Never used the pass through, always just hangs off a port on the modem. Should I look at replacing it with something newer/better/more appropriate? Currently with WorldxChange for VOIP, but want to be able to move to any provider if we wish. (The SPA-2102 refuses to work reliably with the HG630b. Everything is sweet for a few hours, then incoming calls fail and outgoing calls fail seconds after the call is connected. Tried a number of things, no joy so the HG630b is history.)

Possibly also need to add a Wireless AP at the other end of the house. Won't know if it'll be required until the AC68U is up and running. Don't need anything high power/long range but any suggestions of something cost effective and stable would be most appreciated.

Anything I've overlooked? After a reliable setup that can be expanded if required and should last a while.

Cheers!

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#1086398 10-Jul-2014 13:11

DrayTek DV130 + some sort of Mikrotik = Stable as hell + cheap.

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Stu

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#1086719 10-Jul-2014 20:46

What's wrong with the ASUS? They're mentioned regularly here and seem to get good reviews.

I haven't used them so can you explain what makes Mikrotik a better option?

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#1088367 14-Jul-2014 10:08

Anyone with an RT-AC68U able to add anything? Any comments on ASUS routers or higher end consumer products in general?

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#1088438 14-Jul-2014 11:49

BigHammer: What's wrong with the ASUS? They're mentioned regularly here and seem to get good reviews.

I haven't used them so can you explain what makes Mikrotik a better option?

Mikrotik routers are super-powerful, and super cheap.

However.. they are not easy to use, and will let you do anything.. which is a both good and a bad thing. If you know what you are doing: great. If you sorta-kinda know what you are doing it can get you into trouble.

So if you've got plenty of time, and like routers/networking getting a mikrotik router is a great plan. The other option is to explain to someone who knows them what you want setup, and then not touch the bugger. (This is how most mikrotiks get deployed.. setup by someone who knows, then left alone.) However if you are a super-user and things like NAT are just a set of letters, you probably want to leave them alone (or be prepared for a hell of a learning curve)

Warning: reality may differ from above post

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#1088534 14-Jul-2014 13:31

Thanks for that. That's what I figured. Although I have no experience with MikroTik RouterOS I'm not exactly new to networking, but the reason I wasn't considering Mikrotik (or a few other similar options) is purely because of the time I figured would be involved with setting up, configuring and tweaking everything (just because you can). If I was charging for my time it might be different, but I'd sooner spend that time on other priorities around the house (and SWMBO would also rather I get on with renovations than 'playing' with tech). Not to mention the kids won't be happy if they can't access the interwebs for a while every other day just because dad wants to try tweaking things.

I think I'll stick with the higher end ASUS or similar for now (even though there'll be a degree of tinkering there also) and maybe leave the really cool toys for when the kids move out.

Thanks again for clarifying my thoughts on the MikroTik

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#1088591 14-Jul-2014 14:24

The ASUS RT-AC66U and AC-RT68U are imo fantastic. They don't offer quite the level of customisation as you would get by going mikrotik, but they are more than capable, with very good performance.

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#1088617 14-Jul-2014 14:36

That's what my research is indicating also, thanks.

Will possibly run the Asuswrt-Merlin firmware although it looks like they're quite capable units without it.

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#1115781 26-Aug-2014 11:30

Just an update on this. I picked up an RT-AC68U from Computer Lounge when they had an 8% off sale. Unfortunately I did end up with a faulty unit that experienced random reboots for no apparent reason, which was replaced immediately by Computer Lounge (excellent service thanks team).

The replacement unit is so far rock solid and running well *knock on wood*. Excellent GUI and very easy to configure.

I'm currently using my old Netcomm NF4V as a modem which sits nicely on a VDSL 17a profile.

Thanks to those who commented. Most appreciated.

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#1115795 26-Aug-2014 11:52

I have an RT-AC66U, and it's fantastic. Merlin firmware is highly recommended - it's mainly bugfixes, so do stick it on when you can. If you need something more advanced, look into installing custom software via EntWare, or switching to DD-WRT.

Not sure if DD-WRT has been ported to the 68U though, it's on ARM architecture rather than the MIPS of the 66U and the vast majority of other routers.

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#1115803 26-Aug-2014 12:13

The Merlin firmware seems to be a nice bit of kit. A number of cool tweaks to the UI as well as the bug fixes. I'm following the threads on SNB and after a month or two of running stock I'll look at switching (just to be sure this unit's bug free first!). Pretty sure DD-WRT has been ported to the AC68, but from what I read of Merlin's work I'll probably head in that direction.

Cheers!

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#1115811 26-Aug-2014 12:43

BigHammer: I'm looking at replacing our Telecom supplied HG630b VDSL modem/router and thinking at this stage of going with a DrayTek Vigor DV130 (or maybe a Zyxel?) bridged to an ASUS RT-AC68U. I'm looking for a stability within the LAN and of course a solid VDSL connection.

Cheers!

You need to check that you can bridge your VDSL connection. The Vodafone connection is IPoE not PPPoE and can't be bridged. Which is why I went with the Asus DSL-N66U.

I initially tried a DrayTek Vigor 2760 but the software was fatally flawed and the hardware that I was shipped was almost certainly faulty. If you're going with the DV130 you'll first want to test that it doesn't forcefully proxy all DNS traffic to its configured DNS.

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#1115831 26-Aug-2014 13:08

would love to hear your thoughts about the router after a few months.. like a followup review or something. How does it handle HD streaming (if you got a NAS and are streaming to TV and other computers at once etc). How often it drops.

Thanks!!

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#1115850 26-Aug-2014 13:30

Glassboy: You need to check that you can bridge your VDSL connection. The Vodafone connection is IPoE not PPPoE and can't be bridged. Which is why I went with the Asus DSL-N66U.

I initially tried a DrayTek Vigor 2760 but the software was fatally flawed and the hardware that I was shipped was almost certainly faulty. If you're going with the DV130 you'll first want to test that it doesn't forcefully proxy all DNS traffic to its configured DNS.

Telecom VDSL = PPPoE and as above using an NF4V bridged and running sweet. Cheers

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#1115856 26-Aug-2014 13:40

Krishant007: would love to hear your thoughts about the router after a few months.. like a followup review or something. How does it handle HD streaming (if you got a NAS and are streaming to TV and other computers at once etc). How often it drops.

Thanks!!

Will do. Haven't given it a real hiding yet. Might get the chance in a couple of weeks.

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#1115923 26-Aug-2014 15:39

The Asus routers are really slick consumer grade routers. I'm not sure I'd be tempted to put dd-wrt on one.

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