wired adsl router/modem

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gingeralenz

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#60108 19-Apr-2010 15:59

My nokia m1122 is finally broken and i'm in the market for a replacement, not looking to go wireless yet. What is a good solid adsl routers these days? thanks for your suggestions.

Buttonmash

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#320326 19-Apr-2010 17:00

I've been told many a good thing about the Linksys AM300, and I'm in the market for an ADSL router so will be watching this thread :)

Ragnor

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#320353 19-Apr-2010 17:29

If I recall correctly (might be wrong) the Linksys AM300 uses a Texas Instruments chipset which I believe will run into the 7Mbit sync speed issue with Telecom's Alcatel-Lucent DSLAM's (ie: you'll be limited to 7Mbit sync speed even if you line is capable of higher).

The usual recommendation is to go for a Broadcom based device like the Dynalink RTA1025W or TP Link TD 8840, DSE has a modem and switch only device for about $60 too but I can't see it on their site with a quick look

Geabot is a great replacement for Pricespy, see here:
http://www.gearbot.co.nz/store_products/search/rta%201025/
http://www.gearbot.co.nz/store_products/search/tp%20link%20td%208840/

Note: I recommend you not always go for the cheapest seller and check the store you're buying from has a good reputation, preferably accepts credit card and has a real physical store.. as opposed to being an etailer run out of mum's garage drop shipping stock from the wholesaler.

Buttonmash

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#320433 19-Apr-2010 20:17

The last time I used an ADSL connection I had a Dynalink RTA220. That, and the Plexuscom I had before it would crash and need restarts on a regular basis. The Linksys Wireless router (rebranded Belkin it turns out, with a large price premium) I bought when I first switched to Cable would crash regularly as well.

Right now I'm using a Cable modem and an Apple Airport Extreme and don't have to restart. Ever.

I'd be keeping the Airport as my Router so in my case all I need is a fast and completely reliable ADSL router/modem.

I assume by your post gingeralenz you're the same?

kyhwana2

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#320466 19-Apr-2010 21:41

Ragnor: If I recall correctly (might be wrong) the Linksys AM300 uses a Texas Instruments chipset which I believe will run into the 7Mbit sync speed issue with Telecom's Alcatel-Lucent DSLAM's (ie: you'll be limited to 7Mbit sync speed even if you line is capable of higher).

Really? I have a Linksys AM300 that i've been using for the past 2 years (I'm using a Cisco 877 now) and the entire time it would sync at ADSL2+ speeds of ~16-17mbit down/~900kbit up. I could pull that through it too (during offpeak, obviously)
This was on Xnet's fusion (naked DSL) plan..

AFAIK Xnet don't have their own DSLAMs, so it would be wholesaled telecom gear. So obviously the 7mbit sync speed issue "isn't an issue"..

I would recomend the AM300, it's been solid, even when torrenting a bunch of linux iso's while pulling a few fast http streams through it.

Ragnor

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#320497 19-Apr-2010 23:53

kyhwana2:

Really? I have a Linksys AM300 that i've been using for the past 2 years (I'm using a Cisco 877 now) and the entire time it would sync at ADSL2+ speeds of ~16-17mbit down/~900kbit up. I could pull that through it too (during offpeak, obviously)
This was on Xnet's fusion (naked DSL) plan..

Are you directly connected to the exchange or connected to a cabinet?
http://www.telecomwholesale.co.nz/maps

Anyway as far as I remember there definately are some incompatability issues with certain chipsets (other than broadcom chipsets) and new Telecom ISAMS.

You may be right, the AM300 might be fine but it's something to double check first imo. I'm sure there are some guys here on GZ that know more about it.

I'm actually using an AM300 here currently, but I'm directly connected to the exchange and far away from it (no cabinet yet).

I guess my point is that TP Link TD 8840 is using a solid broadcom chipset, is cheaper than the Linksys AM300 and includes a 4 port switch, where as the AM300 is just single port.

cyril7

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#320508 20-Apr-2010 07:33

I dont understand there are any real issues with the Ti (now Siemens) modem pumps other than an issue that was identified sometime ago in the UK relating to noisy lines where they would slowly spiral in speeds rather than maintain a consistent but possibly lower speed due to noise issues.

If the lines not noisy as should be the case in a FTTN enviroment where you would have shorter tails and running on lines with less pairs/wrapper, then it should not show up as a problem.

Cyril

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tanivula

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#320546 20-Apr-2010 09:24

I'm on a very flakey line and have had the most success with a Thomson ST536v6 (picked up new - shrink wrapped an all - off trademe for $10). Also tried an RTA1320 and a DLink 502T.

The interface to the ST536 is a bit strange, but where the other routers would disconnect a few times every day, the Thomson has been up for the last 11days (and counting).

gingeralenz

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#320716 20-Apr-2010 14:57

thanks ragnor, it doesnt take long to be out of touch with new technology! went with the tp-link td-8840 in the end.

FreakyKiwi

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#320718 20-Apr-2010 15:00

AM300's almost impossible to find lately - have had to go to RTA1320e (just my 2c)

cyril7

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#320720 20-Apr-2010 15:02

The interface to the ST536 is a bit strange, but where the other routers would disconnect a few times every day, the Thomson has been up for the last 11days (and counting).

Bit like hoping in a Citroen after getting out of a Corolla, all the controls are their just in funny places with weird handles.

As Ragnor has mentioned, when connecting with Telecoms ISAM infrastructure, if you want least hassles and best performance go for a Broadcom based solution, the TP-Link 8840 is an excellent unit and pretty reliable and not at all expensive. Its identical except for the case to the DSE XH9949 which seems to have been deleted from the catalog.

Cheers
Cyril

Ragnor

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#320813 20-Apr-2010 18:53

cyril7: I dont understand there are any real issues with the Ti (now Siemens) modem pumps other than an issue that was identified sometime ago in the UK relating to noisy lines where they would slowly spiral in speeds rather than maintain a consistent but possibly lower speed due to noise issues.

If the lines not noisy as should be the case in a FTTN enviroment where you would have shorter tails and running on lines with less pairs/wrapper, then it should not show up as a problem.

Cyril

I was thinking of the 7.54 Mbit sync rate issue, even when the attainable line rate was much higher. People were seeing it on on new Telecom Alcatel Lucent ISAM's (in the cabinets) when using some modems with TI, Globalspan, Conexant and Siemens chipsets.

If I recall there were some posts on GZ and a huge thread about it in the Vodafone forums. Lots of Vodafone customers were affected because they typically supplied modems with some of those chipsets and people were running into the issue when their area was cabinetised.

In the end I think firmware updates resolved it for some modems like the Huewei devices, but Linksys AM300 hasn't had a firmware update in years so I'd advise caution.

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cyril7

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#320837 20-Apr-2010 19:25

Hi, yes true there was a big issue with newer Heuwai routers and ISAMS, but as I understand it the modem vendor made changes not Telecom/AL, dont forget AL supply something like 75% of DSL ports worldwide, pays to make sure you can play with them market share is everything.

Cyril