Is my hardware too old?

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ushare

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#115793 7-Apr-2013 09:38

Hey guys

So I have a problem which makes me think that my router and modem are just too old.

Firstly i still have one of those telecom THOMSON ST5x6v6. This is plugged into one of those 4 port ethernet switches. 2 ports are used on this ethernet switch. One goes to the router (asus rt-n13u with dd-wrt) and the other to a powerline adapter which ends up at a pc at the other end.

So if you think about it the modem is connected to 2 devices. The PC and The router.

The router is connected to astrill vpn which is used for the roku to stream hd content. roku is connected via wifi. Other devices that connect to wifi include laptop, 2 smartphones.

Here is the problem.
The HD content buffers often and gets really annoying. If i am downloading on the pc, it becomes impossible to watch and download at the same time. The wifi signal around the house is not to strong too.

Here is my question.
Will upgrading my modem and router help. I want to upgrade to an rt-n66u which is a dual band router and apparantly quite good for dd-wrt. I dont know which modem to get.. The modems many years old, could that be a reason for slow connection? Like it cant handle so much bandwidth or something... (Kinda new to the internet connection side of things :P)

And what about VDSL? Would that help?

Cheers

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BDFL - Memuneh
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#794510 7-Apr-2013 09:55

First you have the modem (which has a built in router) and a second router? IF you have two routers than you might end up having problems with double NAT, wrong DHCP leasing, etc.

The router is connected to astrill vpn which is used for the roku to stream hd content. roku is connected via wifi. Other devices that connect to wifi include laptop, 2 smartphones.

Here is the problem.
The HD content buffers often and gets really annoying. If i am downloading on the pc, it becomes impossible to watch and download at the same time. The wifi signal around the house is not to strong too.

Your problem is not the router. Your problem is using WiFi. WiFi is really not great for HD streaming. If you want good HD performance you have to use an ethernet connection instead.

You might get some improvements in WiFi speeds if you change channels around in case your property is in an area with lots of WiFi access points around and some interference may be happening. But really, it would be a temporary solution.

ushare

483 posts

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#794519 7-Apr-2013 10:22

Cheers for you reply.

And no, the thomson is only a modem. No router functions in it. TRUST me.

And also, you think wiring my roku would help a lot?

I only have the one router as an access point. And one last question :P

Are powerline adapters fine for hd streaming??

sidefx

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#794523 7-Apr-2013 10:50

ushare:
And no, the thomson is only a modem. No router functions in it. TRUST me.

I think you might be mistaken there, unless you've set it up to half-bridge?

But freitasm's advice on wifi is the best place to start. Try it with wired and see if the problems persist. You can stream HD over wifi (I do it) but you need a good access point, good network adaptor and to check surrounding wifi channel usage. Not really sure what affect the powerline adaptor will have though.

Also, if you're just on ADSL, it wouldn't surprise me if "downloading" (torrents?) makes HD impossible to watch, unless you're using some of the QOS features of DD-WRT?

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DarthKermit

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#794524 7-Apr-2013 10:51

ushare: And one last question :P

Are powerline adapters fine for hd streaming??

Simple answer is: nope.

Whatifthespacekeyhadneverbeeninvented?

sonyxperiageek

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#794529 7-Apr-2013 11:18

DarthKermit:
ushare: And one last question :P

Are powerline adapters fine for hd streaming??

Simple answer is: nope.

Why do you say that?

Sony

sbiddle

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#794537 7-Apr-2013 11:39

DarthKermit:
ushare: And one last question :P

Are powerline adapters fine for hd streaming??

Simple answer is: nope.

Why do you say that? I'm guessing you've never actually played with any modern powerline kit to have that opinion.

ushare

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#794543 7-Apr-2013 12:08

yea and that is why i ask about vdsl.. Would that help?

Also, i am thinking of purchasing the new roku 3 as my current roku hd doesnt have ethernet support.. Only wifi.
Anyone can recommend a place to buy the new roku 3?
My current one was given to me by a friend

And trust me the telecom modem i have is a modem only. I purchased the wired package with telecom years back.

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michaelmurfy

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#794573 7-Apr-2013 13:17

1) Purchase a better modem -

If you're wanting VDSL I'd recommend a Fritz!Box - Retire your other wireless router.
If you just wanna stick with xDSL I'd recommend grabbing [This] and put it into a PPPoE bridge.

2) If you're wanting to stick with the same hardware, the only thing you can really do is give the Thompson a IP range outside of your lan, and set your router up in a DMZ (by setting a static IP on your routers WAN port)

{{Internet}} -- [Modem] -- [Router] -- [[Switch / Devices / Powerline Adapter]]

Note, this kinda gets around the "Double NAT" issue but it's better than fully double-natting.

Ideally, if you were to get a Fritz!Box it's WiFi is pretty good, I have not had any issues with streaming HD content over it.

Whilst you're at it use a app such as Inssider to make sure you're not sharing a frequency with any of your neighbors, with me for example I can't escape but use the least used channel, but if you're on a channel that had quite a few wireless networks on it this will impact performance of your wireless.

Also, how about using a Raspberry Pi + Raspbmc for your media needs? They're pretty awesome devices for the price.

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freitasm

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#794584 7-Apr-2013 13:34

Also note if you're going to use VDSL YOU MUST USE A MASTER SPLITTER or you will post here on Geekzone later complaining of speed problems.

You should consider a master splitter now anyway.

ushare

483 posts

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#794598 7-Apr-2013 14:07

I wouls buy a fritz box but i need a router that has dd-wrt support so i can connect to astrill vpn for the roku.
Can anyone recommed me a really good router with dd-wrt support? Price wont matter. Also a good modem?
And i dont know what you are talking about whem u say wifi channels :(

DarthKermit

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#794611 7-Apr-2013 14:40

sbiddle:
DarthKermit:
ushare: And one last question :P

Are powerline adapters fine for hd streaming??

Simple answer is: nope.

Why do you say that? I'm guessing you've never actually played with any modern powerline kit to have that opinion.

Just going by what others have said on these threads. If my opinion is incorrect then sorry.

Whatifthespacekeyhadneverbeeninvented?

chevrolux

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#794620 7-Apr-2013 15:04

ushare: I wouls buy a fritz box but i need a router that has dd-wrt support so i can connect to astrill vpn for the roku.

Can anyone recommed me a really good router with dd-wrt support? Price wont matter. Also a good modem?

And i dont know what you are talking about whem u say wifi channels :(

You dont need a VPN to run a roku. It can be done using unblock-us and using a router that can specify authoritative DNS server based on domain. Fritzbox runs DNSmasq which can do that and is probably the best home router available IMO. The wireless is lacking a little though so a separate WAP is a really good idea.

Powerline is fine for HD streaming.

ushare

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#794632 7-Apr-2013 15:44

oh ok great. Where can i get a fritz!box? :P

And also, when i play ps3 will i be connected to usa players or nz players because of the change in dns on the router?

Cheers

chevrolux

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#794639 7-Apr-2013 16:08

I dont know about playstation.

The way I have my network setup is for all domains excpet netflix.com it uses my ISPs dns meaning all the local stuff is served that way. But when I go to Netflix.com it uses the unblock-us dns service. This means everything else runs nice and fast and then when I need to go to netflix it only needs a bit of dns magic and not a heavy open vpn connection leaving lots of bandwidth to stream video.

Snap are the local distributors for FritzBox. $390 for the 7390. They will sell to you even if you arent a customer. I would highly recommend them though when you look to move to VDSL.

ushare

483 posts

Ultimate Geek
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#794661 7-Apr-2013 17:19

So i have ditched the use of vpn and started using unotelly for my roku. It works great! :D

I am thinking of calling snap for a fritz!box but the thing is i dont think i need all the extra features avaliable on the fritz!box such as the voip features.

Are there any other modem routers you can recommend? Something with a really strong wifi signal?

I used the inSSIDer application and found that channel 1 is free. Should i change my wifi channel to that? Will that make a difference in speed ? roku streaming?

I want to stick with Telecom and am willing to wait for them to release VDSL (Which i am hoping will be soon).

Cheers for all your help guys!!

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