Benefit of upgrading router

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shakedown14

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#324459 13-Apr-2026 09:22

Hi all,

I currently run a Huawei HG659 with a basic fibre plan 100/20Mbps from Simply broadband.

Devices using internet:

-Ethernet: PC and TV

-Wifi: my iPhone/wife Samsung Galaxy S22/wife work Laptop/PS3

Is there any benefit in upgrading our router?

We use Internet for Netflix HD/Youtube/browsing so nothing fancy.

If upgrading makes sense what models are recommended on the second hand market?

Thank you.

Linux

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#3480335 13-Apr-2026 09:25

Not really maybe if you were on a Gb connection for Wi-Fi6 - ax

antoniosk

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#3480342 13-Apr-2026 09:48

Your requirements are pretty straightforward and you only have a few devices well within the capabilities of that router.

Unless it's not performing or is randomly rebooting because of age and so on, you're probably okay for the moment. Safe your pennies for when you do need a new one

________

Antoniosk

MikeAqua

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#3480416 13-Apr-2026 13:18

If you're having stability issues with current router, especially if its also providing your Wifi there may be some benefit in upgrading. When we had that router, it was super-unstable, particularly with WiFi connections (depsite keeping firmware up to date). Replacing with something entirely different resolved all those problems instantly. But if it's performing OK for you, no benefit in changing.

Mike

cddt

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#3480697 14-Apr-2026 06:22

You will only notice a benefit after upgrading if you have a problem with the current equipment. We had that router for many years and it was rock solid for us. Only upgraded when I wanted more features and we had moved to a larger house.

mljdpl

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#3480731 14-Apr-2026 09:47

Due to its age I assume that your Huawei HG659 is not getting firmware/security updates. That would be an issue for me that would prompt an upgrade.

shakedown14

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#3480859 14-Apr-2026 19:59

I have wifi drop out every now and then but nothing serious.

I didn’t think about the firmware update being a point of worry but I’ll check for any firmware update and go from there.

Thank you all!

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noroad

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#3480948 15-Apr-2026 08:59

shakedown14:

I didn’t think about the firmware update being a point of worry but I’ll check for any firmware update and go from there.

It certainly should be

EviLClouD

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#3480967 15-Apr-2026 10:07

shakedown14:

I have wifi drop out every now and then but nothing serious.

I didn’t think about the firmware update being a point of worry but I’ll check for any firmware update and go from there.

Thank you all!

I upgraded from the HG659b (Spark) modem to a Spark Smart modem.

I too was having random disconnects which were resolved with the switch. Wifi coverage is also better

openmedia

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#3480990 15-Apr-2026 11:15

Couple of issues to be aware of with the HG659b

It can run out of MAC addresses which is often a cause of connectivity issues / disconnects
No firmware updates for many years which is becoming an increasing risk factor
Huawei is on a US embargo and personally I wouldn't use any of their gear these days.

Sadly there is no Open Source firmware for these devices. You can jail break them and a few of us have taken a look for projects like OpenWRT, but it is just too hard given the hardware base.

Personally I'd only use a device with an Open Source firmware like OpenWRT / dd-wrt / freshtomato / pfSense for my router/firewall these days.

Generally known online as OpenMedia, now working for Red Hat APAC as a Technology Evangelist and Portfolio Architect. Still playing with MythTV and digital media on the side.

MikeAqua

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#3481015 15-Apr-2026 13:13

openmedia:

Personally I'd only use a device with an Open Source firmware like OpenWRT / dd-wrt / freshtomato / pfSense for my router/firewall these days.

I had fresh tomato going on a modem router a few years ago and it was reasonably friendly. What are the other two like?

Mike

Tinkerisk

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#3481041 15-Apr-2026 14:30

openmedia:

Personally I'd only use a device with an Open Source firmware like OpenWRT / dd-wrt / freshtomato / ~~pfSense~~ non-US OPNsense 😁 for my router/firewall these days.

Fixed that for you. 😉

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