Best ADSL2+/Fibre Router

[wecpcs]

Hi
I am just about to return to Idnet from BT and I require a new modem/router. I currently only have the BT Home Hub 4 and a TP-Link TL-WR740N cable router from Vfast as I gave away my previous Netgear DGN3300v2. Currently there is only ADSL2+ on our exchange, but it is due for a fibre upgrade Oct-Feb hopefully, so I am looking for a good wireless modem/router that would suit both without problems and breaking the bank. I have always favoured Netgear, but some models I know have had many problems in the past and I am not keen on some models that look like a porcupine with aerials sticking up all over it and preferably in black to suit the rest of my hardware.

Thanks

Colin

[Steve]

You could look for a Vigor 120 on Ebay although only an adsl2+ modem I think should work with the TP-Link router. Then once you've got FTTC the OpenReach VDSL modem will replace the Vigor 120. Any Router with a WAN input will work on FTTC but depending on your throughput some of the cheaper ones will struggle to provide full throughput.

I'm personally not too fond of the single modem router combinations for FTTC and indeed there are not many available, the HH5 for instance will only work with BT and Plusnet I believe

[MisterW]

TP link have just started delivering a modem/router capable of being used for VDSL(FTTC) and ADSL http://www.broadbandbuyer.co.uk/products/17047-tp-link-td-w9980/
No real feedback on it yet since it's pretty new but there is a pre-release review from kitz here http://www.kitz.co.uk/routers/tplink_TD-W9980_review.htm

[Steve]

Seems a reasonable price.

[MisterW]

Does , doesn't it. Then again TP Link do seem to do reasonably priced and specc'd stuff.

[stevenrw]

Another one that you might want to consider is the Trendnet TEW-812DRU. It gets a stonking review in the July edition of Computeractive Magazine, and there's another review here http://www.expertreviews.co.uk/wireless-routers/1305091/trendnet-tew-812dru/specifications.
I'm sure you will find more writeups on the web.
And its fairly cheap....
I don't have personal experience of this model and it is a bit simple (or should we say "limited in functions") but it is dual band and 802.11ac so its right up to date with the latest specs. If it has everything you need then (IMHO) there's no point in paying more for a fancy router that is so complicated you never want to touch it.
You will end up with a two box solution with this unit, and btw, the BT OpenReach fibre modem you will get is white I'm afraid. I don't believe there is a black option, so you'll have to hide it away. That shouldn't present a problem as long as the router is out in the open so you can get the best wireless coverage.
I assume you know that the BT modem has to go into your main incoming BT socket, so you need to look at the location of your router, BT socket and mains arrangement in advance to ensure you can in fact set everything up as required.
I use the Billion Bipac 7800n, which is still under £100. Its a fine, reliable unit, but it is white, ugly, and has antennae sticking out of it, which is just about everything you said you don't want.

[J!ll]

My new one arrived yesterday from here http://www.comms-express.com/products/tp-link-td-w8970/  Usually have Netgear, although the last one lasted for 2 years. This one has a three year guarantee. Went for economy delivery and came next day! very impressed with that. It's an ugly looking thing, but for now am pleased, especially as I managed to get it working! 

[camdave]

I know this is an old thread but I am in the market for a new router/modem and have more or less decided on the TP-Link TD-W8970 as my needs are fairly simple and my current 'old' TP-Link has served me well.

J!ll - having had yours for over a year now has it performed to your satisfaction ?