I need a new modem router, help?

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Falvation

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#94678 16-Dec-2011 09:11

I've been looking at various wireless modem routers for both Internet wirelessly and wired throughout the house. I need one that's reasonably fast and is more importantly is very compatible with Mac, as well as PC. It's main use we be using it for is accessing the Internet wirelessly on 2 iPhones and an iMac as well as using it wired to my Xbox, but maybe wirelessly down the track. So NAT port configuration has to be easy too for online gaming. I would like to be able to use my xbox for gaming wirelessly as well. An N type modem router would be ideal. I am living in a very large house, so a good signal is also preferred. I've been looking at a Belkin N600DB. Is it good? Can someone suggest a router and place to get from? My budget is $250, less is also fine if suitable.

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#558578 16-Dec-2011 09:28

Recently I help my PIL to get and install Cisco Linksys X2000 which has capability for switching between router mode or modem-router mode. It has 3x 100/10Mbps ports and 1x WAN port and 1x ADSL port.

Pretty good for $200 at Dick Smith: http://www.dicksmith.co.nz/product/XH4149/linksys-x2000-wireless-n300-modem-router

Otherwise WAG120n $120: http://www.dicksmith.co.nz/product/XH9929/linksys-wireless-n-adsl2-modem-router-wag120n

Or go a bit more for dual-band WAG320n $300: http://www.dicksmith.co.nz/product/XH1386/linksys-wireless-n-dual-band-modem-router

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#558584 16-Dec-2011 09:38

chiefie: Otherwise WAG120n $120: http://www.dicksmith.co.nz/product/XH9929/linksys-wireless-n-adsl2-modem-router-wag120n

Or go a bit more for dual-band WAG320n $300: http://www.dicksmith.co.nz/product/XH1386/linksys-wireless-n-dual-band-modem-router

No! these are junk. Don't buy any of the internal aerial 'UFO' routers. Wireless performance is hopeless.

chiefie

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#558585 16-Dec-2011 09:40

I personally am on TelstraClear Cable and use Apple AirPort Extreme. Other than it doesn't support UPnP, it works great.

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Falvation

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#558596 16-Dec-2011 09:53

So what would you recommend then Skolink?

jonb

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#558604 16-Dec-2011 10:10

The tp-link one has a very good reputation here on geekzone, if you look through some old threads..

http://www.pbtech.co.nz/index.php?z=p&p=MODTPL8960

I bought myself a vodafone complete hg556a from trademe, I've has no problems with it personally ( I don't use the file storage or 3g backup capability), but I would probably get the tp-link one if I was buying again.

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#558960 17-Dec-2011 13:34

jonb: The tp-link one has a very good reputation here on geekzone, if you look through some old threads..

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Would recommend TP-Link for good performance and good value. The Linksys/Cisco modem/routers with external aerials were quite good, not sure about their latest models.
I have cable at home, so just have a router, which is TPLink.
I would also avoid D-Link, I have found that brand to be very unreliable.
I friend has Netgear which seems uite reliable interms of ADSL and wireless performance.

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#558971 17-Dec-2011 13:53

i have netgear dgnd3700 (~6 months now). this modem/router is flawless

gigabit wired connection : TV, 2xNAS

usb: 1 x harddrive

wireless : desktop, macbook air, 3x android devices, printer

i bought this for about $250 from jb hifi when they have cost+gst special

sbiddle

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#558972 17-Dec-2011 13:57

If you want rock solid DSL performance you can't go past TP-Link. The wireless performance is also very good on most of their hardware.

Falvation

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#558989 17-Dec-2011 14:42

Thanks for your help guys. Ive now gone off the Belkin, I've been hearing bad things and it sounds like overkill for what I need. I am thinking something N300.

I have been recommended this by a technician who installs them. He reckons they are extremely reliable and never break down, which is what most people should want:

http://www.netcomm.co.nz/products/adsl/nb6plus4wn

nakedmolerat

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#558992 17-Dec-2011 14:53

Falvation: Thanks for your help guys. Ive now gone off the Belkin, I've been hearing bad things and it sounds like overkill for what I need. I am thinking something N300.

I have been recommended this by a technician who installs them. He reckons they are extremely reliable and never break down, which is what most people should want:

http://www.netcomm.co.nz/products/adsl/nb6plus4wn

that router will cost you nz$124.90. TP link costs slightly less and known to perform well.

anyway, enjoy your new router

chevrolux

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#559077 17-Dec-2011 19:26

My boss likes netcomm. We have had endless problems with them losing login information and port forwards going on the piss after a reboot. yet he still sticks by them. i hate them. for rock solid performance cant go past draytek 120 with pfsense but if you are worried about overkill than this is the pinnacle of overkill.

edit: also, the search function on this forum works well. would suggest using that for router info as this topic has been re-hashed SO many times it isnt funny. and that is only the 6 months i have been on here for.

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Falvation

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#559079 17-Dec-2011 19:33

Ok thanks. I have been on here a while. I have read through a few of them. The reason I started a new forum is because I have specific requirements like everyone I guess, so thats why I chose to start a new forum.

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#559085 17-Dec-2011 19:55

Falvation: I've been looking at various wireless modem routers for both Internet wirelessly and wired throughout the house. I need one that's reasonably fast and is more importantly is very compatible with Mac, as well as PC. It's main use we be using it for is accessing the Internet wirelessly on 2 iPhones and an iMac as well as using it wired to my Xbox, but maybe wirelessly down the track. So NAT port configuration has to be easy too for online gaming. I would like to be able to use my xbox for gaming wirelessly as well. An N type modem router would be ideal. I am living in a very large house, so a good signal is also preferred. I've been looking at a Belkin N600DB. Is it good? Can someone suggest a router and place to get from? My budget is $250, less is also fine if suitable.

If you want to future-proof wireless then you should be looking at dual-band wireless N. The throughput is dramatic when you can use both 2.4GHZ and 5.0GHz at the same time. They are around your top price but they also have higher specs than the $100+ routers.

Falvation

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#559086 17-Dec-2011 20:02

Any models and brands you would recommend?

Hammerer

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#559093 17-Dec-2011 20:49

Falvation: Any models and brands you would recommend?

Modem routers, it seems, are all low-end. I've never used one for that reason. So if you've got a modem already then you can keep using it and attach your router to it.

If you top wireless performance, e.g. for gaming and HD video streaming, then look at dual band. There are several reviews that give you some options.
PCMag How to buy a wireless router
CNET Best networking devices

Sorry, have to go out now. I was looking for an excellent review I saw in Australia recently but haven't found the link yet. It gave the best product comparison I've seen for dual-band wireless n routers.

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