Recommendations for a cheap, simple rock solid modem?

Forums › LAN (ethernet/Wifi/routers/Bluetooth) › Recommendations for a cheap, simple rock solid modem?

aboylikedave

243 posts

Master Geek

#150558 26-Jul-2014 19:33

So, I've got the Airport Express so don't really need the wireless (or the router) functionality of my modem/router. It's a bigger footprint than I need. I know its not a lot but any reduction of size/clutter is a good thing and will be welcomed by Mrs Aboylikedave.

Any suggestions for a simple, basic and reliable modem? Or alternatively a modem/router and I could just use the AE for the wireless.

I've a simple home set up and don't need to fiddle with router options, port forwarding, QoS etc.

Would a Telecom supplied one off TradeMe do the job?

My EPL football websites: Get the results but hide the score of your team at HidetheScore.net. Compare league positions with wage bills at RealPremierLeague.net.

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#1096295 26-Jul-2014 19:58

Draytek Vigor 120 or 130. Can do full bridge so will act as a modem only, giving full control to your wifi router.

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meesham

973 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1096297 26-Jul-2014 20:10

coffeebaron: Draytek Vigor 120 or 130. Can do full bridge so will act as a modem only, giving full control to your wifi router.

I have the Vigor 120 in bridge mode (with pfsense doing the routing/firewall), the modem's been rock solid for a couple of years.

aboylikedave

243 posts

Master Geek

#1096310 26-Jul-2014 20:36

I know the Draytek is highly thought of round these parts, but is here anything cheaper?

My EPL football websites: Get the results but hide the score of your team at HidetheScore.net. Compare league positions with wage bills at RealPremierLeague.net.

OmniouS

423 posts

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#1096339 26-Jul-2014 21:12

meesham:
coffeebaron: Draytek Vigor 120 or 130. Can do full bridge so will act as a modem only, giving full control to your wifi router.

I have the Vigor 120 in bridge mode (with pfsense doing the routing/firewall), the modem's been rock solid for a couple of years.

Same here!

These units are absolutely worth the $$. If you don't need one immediately, keep an eye out on Trade Me. It looks like there are a couple on there now.

chevrolux

4962 posts

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Inactive user

#1096384 26-Jul-2014 22:38

aboylikedave: I know the Draytek is highly thought of round these parts, but is here anything cheaper?

Nope, nothing compares. $130 for a ADSL/VDSL modem is pretty great.

I find full bridging with VDSL on the DV130 a little funky but it works perfectly so no worries

deadlyllama

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#1096386 26-Jul-2014 22:43

aboylikedave: I know the Draytek is highly thought of round these parts, but is here anything cheaper?

If you just need ADSL2, you can pick up a second hand RTA1320 on Trademe quite cheaply. I gave away my last spare a month ago (but still have a spare Vigor 120, you're welcome to make me an offer).

richms

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#1096388 26-Jul-2014 22:44

The right version of the netgear dg834g was rock solid in all the installs I had them in. Web IF got really laggy under high load but never seemed to crash it even with 1000's of connections in utorrent.

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datahawk

251 posts

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#1096404 26-Jul-2014 23:32

+1 for the Drayteks

I have used both the Draytek Vigor 120 for ADSL/ADSL2+ and now currently using the Vigor 130 for VDSL2 as a modem only installations.

Both models are rock solid modems.

RunningMan

8953 posts

Uber Geek

#1096445 27-Jul-2014 07:11

+1 for RTA1320 for stability in bridge mode - you could set one up in half bridge mode through to the AE.

Or if you want a draytek, here's a fairly cheap one on TM (nothing to do with me).

http://www.trademe.co.nz/computers/networking-modems/adsl-modems/auction-759336716.htm

aboylikedave

243 posts

Master Geek

#1096456 27-Jul-2014 08:11

Thanks, yes, it's for ADSL+ only. The future is unclear so another reason for not wanting to spend too much now. Off to check out the RTA.

My EPL football websites: Get the results but hide the score of your team at HidetheScore.net. Compare league positions with wage bills at RealPremierLeague.net.

aboylikedave

243 posts

Master Geek

#1096471 27-Jul-2014 08:32

Just checked TradeMe, I didn't realise the Drayteks were so reasonable.

My EPL football websites: Get the results but hide the score of your team at HidetheScore.net. Compare league positions with wage bills at RealPremierLeague.net.

dimsim

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#1096473 27-Jul-2014 08:35

$50 for a Cisco 877 on TradeMe

Use the Airport Express as an Access Point/Airplay device only.

Happy to help with config if required.

RunningMan

8953 posts

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#1096483 27-Jul-2014 09:00

What are you currently using?

Behodar

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#1096491 27-Jul-2014 09:48

deadlyllama: If you just need ADSL2, you can pick up a second hand RTA1320 on Trademe quite cheaply.

Just make sure that it's a black one. My beige one died after a couple of years, and it was apparently a common problem with the beige ones. My black one's been running for nearly five years now :)

datahawk

251 posts

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#1096512 27-Jul-2014 10:47

aboylikedave: Just checked TradeMe, I didn't realise the Drayteks were so reasonable.

BTW, The Draytek DV130 supports both ADSL2+ and VDSL2 if you are in a position where you may get a VDSL connection in the future. I had a DV130 running on ADSL2+ for a couple of weeks after the cabinet was upgraded from ADSL1 then moved to VDSL2.

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