ADSL2+ Router Advice Please

Ardua · Jan 21, 2011, 14:46:30

IdNet, BT and SamKnows are showing that the ADSL2+ RFS date for my exchange(WMMAL) is 28 Feb.

I have an early version Netgear DG834G router with Firmware version V3.01.25. Simple question: will I need to replace this router for an ADSL2+ service?

Less simple question: if I need to upgrade then which is the best router to go for? My Netgear has performed flawlessly; however, I note that Draytek routers get good reviews.

Thanks for your help and advice.

Rik · Jan 21, 2011, 15:36:20

What are your current line stats? (Downstream sync speed, attenuation and noise margin.)

Ardua · Jan 21, 2011, 16:46:24

System Up Time 1096:44:25
Port   Status   TxPkts   RxPkts   Collisions   Tx B/s   Rx B/s   Up Time
WAN   PPPoA   4784413   6043380   0   359   960   483:48:10
LAN   10M/100M   1729821   1639525   0   42   38   1096:44:21
WLAN   11M/54M   7489188   5544902   0   122   381   502:59:28

ADSL Link   Downstream   Upstream
Connection Speed   8128 kbps   448 kbps
Line Attenuation   19 db   4 db
Noise Margin   11 db   27 db

Rik · Jan 21, 2011, 16:51:52

You can expect to receive 16-17M with those stats. I'd definitely hangup the existing router, replacing it with a v4 if you can find one, or v5. Another choice would be a 2-Wire 2700 HGV from eBay, <£20 including carriage. Speedtouch is also worth a look. Personally I'd avoid Belkin, but some people like them.

Glenn · Jan 21, 2011, 16:54:40

I bought a Speedtouch 585 v6 for £14.99 delivered from ebay this week, my cousin had my spare router last week.

Rik · Jan 21, 2011, 16:55:14

eBay, Glenn?

Glenn · Jan 21, 2011, 16:55:47

Yup.

Rik · Jan 21, 2011, 16:57:10

Where else...

Ardua · Jan 21, 2011, 17:21:51

Thanks to everyone. How will I know when ADLS2+ has actually gone live on my exchange? I know that RFS dates can move to the right.

Rik · Jan 21, 2011, 17:23:08

Use the checker in your customer portal.

Ardua · Jan 22, 2011, 09:18:12

Trouble with change is that it makes one look at value for money. Apart from the odd service blip, I have been very happy with IdNet for the past 4 years; however, ........ I now need to think about a new router if I want to upgrade to ADSL2+. I can get this free from BT (worth £91.90) and get a discounted service charge for the first 3 months and then a 40Gb download, free WIFI, line rental and free weekend calls. Can someone persuade me that I would be foolish to consider this as an option.

Rik · Jan 22, 2011, 11:08:11

How much do you like talking to Mumbai?

Steve · Jan 22, 2011, 11:10:21

Do you fancy a year's contract on a line that's throttled on numerous ports.

Technical Ben · Jan 22, 2011, 11:57:21

Same with Mobile Phones. You can go monthly, or pay as you go. You do not get a new phone with pay as you go. But most people I know either get a cheap phone on pay as you go, or a cheap phone on monthly.
Only a few go for the big 2 year contracts for the likes of Iphones or another expensive phone.
But when it comes to the internet, most people who want fancy routers have to buy them themselves. And BT/Sky ect do not allow you (at least in principle) to use your own router.

vbed · Jan 22, 2011, 12:39:24

Quote from: Ardua on Jan 22, 2011, 09:18:12
I now need to think about a new router if I want to upgrade to ADSL2+. I can get this free from BT (worth £91.90)

Who is telling you that the router is worth £91.90? The only places I can find it for £91.90 on the web are from BT, BT Business or Dabs (who are, funnily enough, owned by BT).

A quick search on Amazon reveals this at £47.95 and very middle of the road reviews.

Ask yourself this, why are they trying so hard to get your business?

Technical Ben · Jan 22, 2011, 13:07:15

"If you cant give it away..."

Ardua · Jan 22, 2011, 17:09:49

Broadband
BT Total Broadband Option 2

Up to 20Mb download speeds
40GB monthly usage
Wireless BT Home Hub (worth £91.90)
Advanced online security

Source: BT Broadband Website

Rik · Jan 22, 2011, 17:11:07

Remember that BT traffic-shape though.

Steve · Jan 22, 2011, 18:16:17

Don't know how reliable this site is or what time of the day the tests are performed but I know I have the fastest 8Mb service, and only just slower than the average 20Mb TalkTalk user, sadly the reported average 24Mb Sky user is twice as fast as me @13-14Mbps

http://www.broadbandspeedchecker.co.uk/

klipp · Jan 25, 2011, 13:26:14

The DG834G used to be a great little router, particularly the v.4 but times change and really if you use wireless equipment in your house you need to be looking at a wireless-N compliant router. My recommendation therefore is the Netgear DGN2200 N300 router.

Lance · Jan 25, 2011, 14:15:04

I've got the DGN2200 myself and it seems perfectly good for an average home user with a few more advanced features as well.

davej99 · Jan 25, 2011, 14:20:12

Quote from: Lance on Jan 25, 2011, 14:15:04
I've got the DGN2200 myself and it seems perfectly good for an average home user with a few more advanced features as well.

One of which is the ability to plug in a USB hard drive and get instant Network Attached Storage. You can also have multiple wireless ID's with different security settings.

Ardua · Jan 29, 2011, 13:57:22

Thanks for all the recommendations. My 'research' is pointing me towards either the DGN 3300 or DGN 2200 - with the 2200 in pole position. Before I invest £55 with Amazon has anyone got any experience of connecting a Blackberry Bold 9700 BIS to this router? I understand that some 'N' routers are not Blackberry wifi sympathetic. My Blackberry works fine with my present DG834 as do all the other computers in the house( Mac OSX (Snow Leopard)).

Lance · Jan 29, 2011, 23:54:37

Not any experience of blackberry but I've got a couple of 'g' only devices connected no problem at all (although it does mean everything runs at 'g' speed).