ADSL Router that handles crap broadband

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RichardBigBuddy

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#69557 11-Oct-2010 10:14

I am hoping for some advice on a ADSL router.
I run a small WAN/LAN system with a server in the centre - we use remote access a lot , VPN, RDC etc
but broadband connectivity issues are causing a few headaches.

My broadband occasionally drops out, rain , telecom , acts of god , who knows.
If I am near my server I can of course simply reboot the router and I am back online. But this is of course hopeless for remote access.

I am looking for an ADSL router that is smart enough to do that for me ie the router should monitor the broadband status and if it drops off do what ever is necessary to regain the connection.

It's been suggest I should look at CISCO level routers but which one ?

Any ideas

Richard Aston

cyril7

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#390365 11-Oct-2010 10:23

Have you followed through any wiring issues, either in you house which is your responsibility or on Telecoms side, surely this would be an action that ultimately would provide better results.

Cyril

RunningMan

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#390390 11-Oct-2010 11:13

RichardBigBuddy:
My broadband occasionally drops out, rain , telecom , acts of god , who knows.

I would suggest a bit more investigation as to why it is currently dropping out, before laying down money for a new modem, which then may or may not make things better for you.

As Cyril suggests, getting the wiring checked first would be a good idea, especially if there are weather related problems - this suggests a bad or broken connection outside somewhere.

Also, what is happening when the internet drops at the moment? Does the router/modem freeze and require a restart, or does the ADSL link just go down, and the modem doesn't log on again? What modem do you currently have?

RichardBigBuddy

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#390411 11-Oct-2010 11:56

Yes I have had a lot of work done on wiring - we used to get very low broadband speeds before I got the office lines completely rewired - I now have a direct single line from telecom to the router .

My office is West Auckland (Te Atatu) and my home broadband in Titirangi is really bad - have to reset that router 2-3 times a week - apparently line quality problems on the telecom side , seems to be worst in bad weather. Maybe west auckland is especially bad.

When then internet drops - the ADSL link goes down and the modem doesn't log back on .
I do a simple hard boot - pull the power for 30 secs - re power a its fine.

Modem is US Robotics 9107

Ragnor

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#390459 11-Oct-2010 13:48

I suggest you pickup a TP Link TD 8840 or Netcomm NB6Plus4 and try it out for a week, see if there is any difference in line stability and reconnection time.

It uses a common solid broadcom chipset that is known to work well with Telecom's ADSL hardware in the exchanges and cabinets and is only ~$70.

TP Link TD 8840
http://www.computerlounge.co.nz/components/componentview.asp?partid=9314
http://ascent.co.nz/productspecification.aspx?ItemID=361956

Netcomm NB6Plus4
http://www.ascent.co.nz/productspecification.aspx?ItemID=377689

* The NB6Plus4 is more expensive and basically the same hardware and only slightly different firmware

In the best case you'll find it may improve stability and reconnection time.

In the worst case you'll spend ~$70 to confirm the Telecom lines in your area are the chief problem as opposed to the USR modem/router being a contributor to the issue.

Cisco stuff is expensive and I doubt it would make a true difference if the chief issue it really poor lines in your area.

RichardBigBuddy

36 posts

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#390478 11-Oct-2010 14:18

Thanks Ragnor,
So it seems I need a router that can handle the telecom network
I don't understand about how a router handles the broadband dropping off - would a good router just reconnect ?

RunningMan

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#390494 11-Oct-2010 14:40

A good modem will automatically keep trying to reconnect if the connection goes down. Just a quick suggestion - have you made sure your current modem has the latest available firmware?

Also, depending on what modulation is being used to connect (i.e. ADSL / ADSL2+ etc. - this will be dependant on both your modem, the exchnage/cabinet you connect to, and line quality), the connection speed can be negotiated down without dropping if the line quality degrades for some reason.

webwat

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#390507 11-Oct-2010 14:59

Connection speed will only re-negotiate on ADSL2/2+, but even cheapo routers should mostly reconnect on their own if sync drops. Some models might not do that if they have problems, maybe compatibility or something. If restarting the router fixes it for a while, then its often a router problem (like my router).

Time to find a new industry!

Wise

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RichardBigBuddy

36 posts

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#390794 12-Oct-2010 10:23

Thank you everyone for you help - I now understand the issue a lot better - and my current router is clearly the crap in the system .
Am buying a Cisco SRP 527W router _ $300

Ragnor

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#390930 12-Oct-2010 13:32

Personally I would borrow or get reasonably cheap alternative modem/router to test with first before dropping $300 for the Cisco.

cyril7

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#390945 12-Oct-2010 14:05

Totally agree, as mentioned above by Ragnor, the TP-Link and Netcomm have the distinct advantage in that they match the chipset used in the ISAM at Telecoms end (unless you are on a ikanos port which still seems most compatible with Broadcom CPE, they cost a fraction of the Cisco and personally I would find it hard to justify the extra cost.

Cyril

RichardBigBuddy

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#390948 12-Oct-2010 14:12

thank you guys - will reconsider the Cisco option