Help needed with ONT connection to DIR885L

As others have advised you need to configure the modem correctly.

Vlan tagging is a must, as others have pointed out likely you need to upgrade the firmware first.

If you have obtained your Ultra Fibre modem elsewhere you will need to follow your modem user guide and adjust the settings to match the ones provided below for Spark Ultra Fibre.

Operating Mode : MDI/MDIX
PPP Protocol : PPPoE
PPP Username: user@spark.co.nz
PPP Password: password
PPP Auth Type : PAP
PPP Mode : Always on (Dial on Demand disabled)
Encapsulation : 802.1Q
PCP Marking : 0
VID (or VLAN) : 10
MTU : 1,500 or AUTO
Note: You may not be prompted for all values. A specific PPP Username and Password are not required, but you will not be able to connect if either field is blank.

Router should be configured as above for UFB. If you have already spoken to spark about this, i highly expect they will have forwarded you this already along with a number to call (Dlinks support in this case, for help in getting your device online)

The HG659B is actually pretty decent in terms of wifi, So i suspect what you might be wanting to actually look at is positioning your Router or a second AP for coverage.

Buying a router that states 'long range' is often little to no benefit in the real world. Often that means it simply has higher power output by default.

Clearly external antenna is sometimes a good option for wifi range, however wifi only goes as far as the device can respond. Think about your smart tv, how decent is it's wifi chipset?

I would highly advise to avoid any "Wireless Repeater" and look at a proper second AP solution if required for your household.

Last key bit of advise is, If streaming performance is the factor you really do care about for a fixed device, Run a cable if at all possible or try using a powerline alternative. Both are great options 99% of the time! (powerline not always depending on the physical power wiring in your house)

Scarpie

hio77