New router/modem - thoughts?

Forums › LAN (ethernet/Wifi/routers/Bluetooth) › New router/modem - thoughts?

E3xtc

773 posts

Ultimate Geek

#154836 10-Nov-2014 07:41

Hello,

I am looking to replace my modem/router (currently an old Linksys WAG200) with something and found the Netcomm NF8AC which seemed to tick many boxes. What are peoples thoughts - is there something better suited?

What I am after:

Price - keep it as low as possible
Connection - ADSL and VDSL compatible (currently on ADSL, but will look to move to VDSL soon)
Wireless - as fast as possible so looking at 802.11ac devices, not only for now, but to future proof a tad for more and higher usage in the house
Am not too fussed about other things such as swanky features I might be able to do if I was sitting there and tweaking the daylights out of it...I am time poor, so just want to plug it in and have it work :)

Any comments?

Thanks all
Troy

sbiddle

30853 posts

Uber Geek

Retired Mod

Trusted

Biddle Corp

Lifetime subscriber

#1171906 10-Nov-2014 07:57

I've had a NF8AC for a few weeks got testing and it seems a good unit. I haven't tested AC performance beyond 100Mbps so can't tell you what it will get in the real world.

The Netcomm gear right now is pretty good, it's certainly no means perfect, but there are a huge number of NF4Vs out there now and the fact there are very few complaints about them really sums things up.

littleheaven

2130 posts

Uber Geek

#1171964 10-Nov-2014 09:47

I recently bought an ASUS RT-AC68U because I suspected my wireless speeds on my telco-provided router were not optimal. It's only a router - I've attached it to my modem in bridge mode. It is VDSL capable and will also work if we ever get fibre in my street. It has dual 2.4/5Ghz wireless, and you can set up guest networks in addition to the primary one that are either 2.4 or 5Ghz, which is particularly helpful if you want a dedicated 5Ghz network to reduce clutter on the other band. I've found a 30% plus improvement in my wireless speeds since I installed it. I found it really easy to connect and configure (I'm not that savvy) and am really happy with it. Online reviews are overwhelmingly positive. The only thing is the price - in the high $300's. For me, it was worth it, but your mileage may vary :)

Geek girl. Freelance copywriter and editor at Unmistakable.co.nz.

E3xtc

773 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1172550 11-Nov-2014 06:58

Okay thanks guys. The ASUS (while loving their products), is just out of the price bracket for me at the moment...need to watch the dollars and cents :) Will dive in and give it a nudge.