No Modem with My New Fibre Deal, Recommendations on Getting My Own

tacobaron on 20/02/2024 - 15:39
Last edited 21/02/2024 - 09:07

I've been using the providers modem for a long, long while. Could I get a recommendation on some possible replacements? I figure this is better than paying the $10 a month anyway.

Nothing too complex use wise, a bit of gaming, some smart devices e.g. tv and alexa. I also have Plex but only use it within the house.

Not looking for anything too high end, but would rather buy it once than go to cheap and need to get another next year.

edit - Sorry I should have added this will be connected to a TP link DX 20 mesh setup, so is really a slave between the ONT and mesh.

General Discussion Modem Router

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  • FiveFeetUnder on 21/02/2024 - 08:13
    +3

    For the full Cheapies way, get a second hand Spark Smart Modem 3 off Facebook/TradeMe for like $20 and use that. They are surprisingly good

    • 0mfgroflmao on 22/02/2024 - 15:33

      I've got a Smart Modem 2, basically the same but in a smaller footprint, can recommend. Also supports 4G if you want a backup.

  • Everettpsycho on 20/02/2024 - 22:18
    +2

    Have to ask what tp-link mesh are you sporting? If it's a mesh system most will have a router built in you might be using by accident or have in access point mode you could try and use and spend nothing extra. I wouldn't break the bank on a router if all you are doing is using it between the only and TP-Link without using any other functions. The higher priced models add features but the tp link would likely cover most of them if you aren't using the wifi. You could search trade me for your provider and see if anyone is selling off an old leased router. Even the Netcom ones are still fine for what you're after and will bit gigabit speeds wired.

    • tacobaron on 21/02/2024 - 09:09

      Currently I have 2 TP Link DX 20 mesh units from the vodafone deal with a vodafone router. I have it setup ONT -> Router -> mesh through ethernet. Are you thinking I could possibly go ONT -> DX20?

      • ace310 on 21/02/2024 - 10:07
        +2

        Yes. It should work directly from ONT -> DX20. You don't need another router. Though you will have to find out the settings for your current provider.

      • Bob on 21/02/2024 - 10:37
        +1

        This is EXACTLY what I have done.

        I ordered the SuperWifi from Vodafone and got sent two DECO DX20 units.

        I have plugged the DX20 directly into the ONT, and bingo, it just worked.

        Give it a go. Should take less than 5 min to test.
        Ive tested this unit on two properties with no issues, and no modem in site..

        Let us know here how you get on

        • tacobaron on 21/02/2024 - 13:40

          Brilliant thanks lads, just waiting for the switchover and I'll set it up.

          Any idea why voda would send a router if it's not needed? I suppose the buggers got to charge me $10 a month rental for 2 years because I was too dumb to look into this.

          • Everettpsycho on 21/02/2024 - 18:43

            @tacobaron: Some people don't understand how to program a router and the one they offer just works. If you don't already own one and you don't know or care what you get it's probably cost effective to pay them for it over buying one. Generally speaking for most people out there they don't know their wifi of bottlenecking their connection and they don't care. As long as Netflix doesn't buffer it's good enough. It amazes me how many people used to complain about wifi performance when their router antenna is touching their tv and they haven't run a 20cm ethernet cable to get around it.

            The only reason I used to get the ISP provided router was for technical support. Generally speaking if you call them when it breaks they won't help if you don't have their equipment plugged in. When it was free it was worth having stowed in the garage just in case, but I'm not paying $5 a month for technical support I've almost never used.

            • tacobaron on 22/02/2024 - 12:02

              @Everettpsycho: Interesting development, Contact sent me a AX3000. Shout out to them for providing something like that with no contract or charge.

              My internet swapped over today and I did as mentioned, unplugged the vodafone router and just plugged the Deco straight into the ONT. It worked immediately. Kicking myself for wasting the modem rental for such a long time.

              Anyhow, I now have 2 DX20s and an AX3000. For the sake of speed I've gone with the DX20s as they were already setup. 2 questions:

              • Can I use these in combination somehow to have super strong signal everywhere?
              • If not, which of these is the better choice? I've got a fairly large house and the 2 DX20s have been doing a great job, but I'm curious if the AX3000 is better.
              • justaddwater on 22/02/2024 - 12:14
                +1

                @tacobaron: Asus AX3000 ?

              • Bob on 22/02/2024 - 12:31
                +1

                @tacobaron: Great news on everything just working.

                I don't have any experience with the AX3000. From what i know the Ax3000 (TPLink) is also a mesh system, so it may be possible to set your two
                x20 as satellites in the deco app and give yourself greater spread. I think you will only need this if your house is large <300 SM.

                Tzry adding more units menu in the app

                Here is a thread i have found that may help.

                https://community.tp-link.com/en/home/forum/topic/547728

                • tacobaron on 22/02/2024 - 12:48

                  @Bob: Thanks mate! We're about 220SQM and the DX20s have done a good job, only thing is we have a sleepout at the extreme edge of the property that gets a weakish signal. Mesh systems are outstanding IMO!

              • Everettpsycho on 22/02/2024 - 18:53

                @tacobaron: Maybe see if you can either use them as a coherent mesh if they are all the same brand, the alternative is put the dx20s in to access point mode, they can then be a mesh system but it will turn off the routing functionality they offer to make a single network. You'd have to run the same ssid and might not get seamless handoffs when moving about so if make sure they aren't too close together. You could potentially put the second in the sleepout to use as an extension to your coverage.

  • papa1701 on 21/02/2024 - 07:17
    +2

    I am thinking you are likely after a router If yes, I have found Deco X58 on facebook market places for like $50 and got a couple. Whatever you get I would recommend Wifi 6 technology as they are way faster and stable.

  • NovaAlpha on 20/02/2024 - 16:28
    +1

    The Xiaomi AX3600 or AX6000 from PBTech is decent, although you can get it cheaper from Aliexpress. Easy to setup and use, very good and stable performance on both 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz WiFi and ethernet is good too. I use it for one of my properties and it's really stable. Supports Wifi 6 too.

    You could also have a look at 6e routers, they should be a bit cheaper now that wifi 7 routers are coming out, but 6e is still rather expensive.

  • desikiwi on 23/02/2024 - 07:25

    If you want cheap and not super fast or cutting edge it's easy to get 1st gen Google wifi it's based on wifi 5 standard it's decent , imo i use it since 6+ years or something now .
    If you want cheap wifi 6 then Amazon au tp link deco x20 and many others are a good dual band mesh wifi .
    Wifi 7 is just getting popular and slowly cheaper it is a giant leap in speeds stability and coverage though at lot higher price points but if you have money to spend get to link wifi 7 models
    Imo tp link has lot of features and good value there core business is wifi

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