Will replacing ONE NZ's modem bring a noticeable change?

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wza1212

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Wannabe Geek

#318659 9-Feb-2025 05:21

Hi all,

I've finally decided to upgrade my network by setting up a wired mesh system throughout my home, along with a switch and other equipment. I've done quite a bit of research but still feel somewhat confused.

Currently, I'm using a TP-Link Deco mesh system, and my ISP-provided modem (a Huawei device connecting the ONT and Deco – though I'm not sure if it should be called a "modem") is only acting as a bridge between the ONT and Deco. Would replacing this modem bring noticeable improvements?

If a replacement is necessary, can I consider a modem without built-in Wi-Fi? Is there any model recommendations? Looking at TP-Link ER605/EdgeRouter ER-X

Also any recommendation for swith? I’m currently on the Fibre Max plan, and it seems that 1 Gigabit is sufficient but still there are many options and price variations.

Thanks in advcance!

MaxineN

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#3340693 9-Feb-2025 05:34

If you don't have voice just get rid of the Huawei DN8, as the Decos support VLAN tagging. That cuts down the complexity and then you can just have a dumb unmanaged switch from the first deco if you need any extra Ethernet.

Although you could go the other way around and get something more fun and turn the Decos into access points (feature you can set in the app), which will remove the double NAT situation you're probably in now, and keep the Huawei in play.

Will you gain anything? Not really anything except removing complexity.

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RunningMan

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#3340703 9-Feb-2025 09:17

MaxineN:Will you gain anything? Not really anything except removing complexity.

There's a pretty strong argument that reducing complexity is a substantial gain!

RunningMan

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#3340705 9-Feb-2025 09:21

wza1212:[snip] by setting up a wired mesh system throughout my home, along with a switch and other equipment.

Being pedantic, it's not really mesh if the backhaul is wired. Multiple access points that are cabled is just multiple access points. Multiple access points where you cannot cable them and therefore uses a different wifi channel for the backhaul is called mesh.

What you're proposing to do with the cabled backhaul is definitely the superior option. Radio spectrum is a shared resource so you will always be at the mercy of other sources of RF, being it your neighbour's wifi or some other interference.

scuwp

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#3340731 9-Feb-2025 10:43

Best thing I ever did was remove the OneNZ supplied modem from my mesh set-up, against their tech supports 'party line' that it wouldn't work. Plugged the deco straight into the ONT and away it went, didn't have to touch a thing. So much simpler/better.

Lazy is such an ugly word, I prefer to call it selective participation

wza1212

2 posts

Wannabe Geek

#3342834 14-Feb-2025 11:30

Ok, so if get rid of the Huawei and just set the Main Deco as the modem/router, I assumed the switch will be put between Main Deco and Sub decos?

ONT - Main Deco - Switch - multiple decos

something like this?

freitasm

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#3342839 14-Feb-2025 11:43

RunningMan:

wza1212:[snip] by setting up a wired mesh system throughout my home, along with a switch and other equipment.

Being pedantic, it's not really mesh if the backhaul is wired. Multiple access points that are cabled is just multiple access points. Multiple access points where you cannot cable them and therefore uses a different wifi channel for the backhaul is called mesh.

What you're proposing to do with the cabled backhaul is definitely the superior option. Radio spectrum is a shared resource so you will always be at the mercy of other sources of RF, being it your neighbour's wifi or some other interference.

I disagree with this definition. A mesh network can use wired or wireless backhaul. What defines it is the central management feature and the system's ability to reduce Wi-Fi interference between nodes.

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lxsw20

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#3342859 14-Feb-2025 12:46

freitasm:

I disagree with this definition. A mesh network can use wired or wireless backhaul. What defines it is the central management feature and the system's ability to reduce Wi-Fi interference between nodes.

You could argue that defines most enterprise Wi-Fi systems which I wouldn't consider mesh (even if they can as a last resort) Thinking Meraki/Aruba etc.

Anyway its all semantics at the end of the day. If you can do wired backhaul, do it.

freitasm

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#3342860 14-Feb-2025 13:05

lxsw20:

Anyway its all semantics at the end of the day. If you can do wired backhaul, do it.

That's the way. If you can do wired backhaul, while centrally managing everything, that's the best. It keeps the speed consistent to the nodes, without interference, and keeps more spectrum free for actual devices to use.

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lexie11

1 post

Wannabe Geek

#3350403 5-Mar-2025 12:28

Hi, I have a similar issue as the OP. However, our ONT box is in the garage and there are LAN ports in the living room. Is it possible to leave the main Deco in the living room and connect it to the ONT via the LAN ports?

r0bbie

239 posts

Master Geek

#3350407 5-Mar-2025 12:49

yes - if you have a lan port in the garage , on your patch panel - just patch the lan port in the garage to the lounge port