Modem recommendation please

Andkat on 07/02/2025 - 09:23

Hello hello!. Disclaimer: I'm not very techy.

I feel like my fibre should be faster than it is. I have never bought a modem and always used what the ISP has provided. I just switched and have received two x Nokia Beacon's.

I don't do anything super hungry internet wise, but I stream and have set up stremio recently and i'm noticing slow buffering times unless i select 720p files to watch.I almost never game anymore, kids keep me too busy, and if i do its generally older games anyway.

What do you all recommend modem wise? Will I get a better streaming experience if I upgrade?

I'm just clueless in this area. TIA

The other consideration is improving coverage so i get better wifi all through the house. ITs pretty decent at the moment, but will a beefier modem help? Or is it a matter of looking at the extenders?

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  • kiwijunglist on 08/02/2025 - 07:41
    +1

    Hi

    Just to correct your technical terms, you want a router not a modem.

    A modem is used for copper line internet and it is required for an adsl/vdsl internet connection. This type of internet connection is slower and is being phased out in urban cities in NZ. The modem needs to connect to a wifi router to serve internet up for the house.

    A fibre internet connection doesn't require a modem. The chorus ONT (optical network terminal) takes the place of the modem and you just need to buy a "router".

    Some router might have a modem built in, but you don't actually require a modem.

    My opinion:
    Your providor supplied router should be sufficient for a basic user like yourself. So you either have a faulty router, a faulty setup, a bad fibre connection or very poor wifi reception, which is usually trouble shooted by phoning your internet providor technical support line.

    If you don't know much about computers you might find using a router that is different to the one provided by the internet providor difficult to setup and they might not be able to troubleshoot for you if you are not using their standard hardware.

    • Andkat on 08/02/2025 - 08:22

      Thanks for your answer. I suspect it is just the bad wifi reception due to the issues of where it is placed more than anything else. Admittedly yes i thought modem and router where interchangeable!

      • kiwijunglist on 08/02/2025 - 09:41

        You also have not mentioned using a wifi analyzer app to check if you're wifi is not set to the same channel (frequency) as your immediate neighbors.

        • Andkat on 08/02/2025 - 09:42

          I didn't even know that was a thing. Will let you know how I get on!

          • kiwijunglist on 08/02/2025 - 09:44

            @Andkat: It might be the nova router automatically chooses a channel it thinks is best. Or if night happen to be on the same channel or immediately adjacent channel to neighbor which would result in poor wifi performance.

            I'd recommend trouble shoot with technical support, they probably have remote access to your router and can test the line speed separate to the wifi speed to diagnose the issue

            • Andkat on 10/02/2025 - 09:45

              @kiwijunglist: Thanks. I note the neighbours both seem to have Nokia wifi as well according to the networks that I can see so that might be part of the issue. CHeers

              • kiwijunglist on 10/02/2025 - 10:01

                @Andkat: Neighbors brand doesn't matter it's channel number.

                However In your other comment you mention that is only the tv that has a problem, and other devices at the same location of the TV are fine, so that's what your issue is.

                You could try force the tv to 2.4ghz or 5ghz by creating an additional wifi network on the router software that is only 2.4 or 5ghz to see if that solves the issue. (Or just disable 2.4 or 5ghz to see if helps). Otherwise use Ethernet for tv or rma the tv or use a separate wifi dongle for the tv if you can't run Ethernet.

                • Andkat on 10/02/2025 - 10:34

                  @kiwijunglist: Right. I hadn't drawn that conclusion but that makes sense now that you say that and seems blindingly obvious that it is just the t.v. that is the issue.

                  Part of the wider issue has been wifi coverage throughout the extremities of the house though, so a mesh system that is a bit bigger would definitely help other problem areas. I've ordered that 3 pack of the TP-Link Deco BE5000 so that should help with coverage. Knowing what I know now maybe I could have got another Nokia Beacon from Nova to do the same thing though?

                  One advantage I can see with the TP-Link Deco BE5000 is that each unit has 3 ethernet ports where as the Nokia Beacons only 3 ports between the two units provided by Nova.

                  I have just bought a switch for my other ethernet cables, but it seems they aren't necessarily compatible with my CCTV camera system as it is not working since incorporating my switch. (Which really sucks because yesterday some bastard stole something on the doorstep - i caught him in the act but he got away).

                  I only needed the switch as the provided Nokia Beacon only had two ports. Previously I had a router with extra ports so my desktop and cctv ethernet cables just went straight in to the router and worked. I'm not bothering to work that out now because I will wait for the TP-Link Deco BE5000 to arrive and see if i can plug the CCTV into that directly and hopefully it works again.

                  • kiwijunglist on 10/02/2025 - 10:40

                    @Andkat: Cctv cameras makes it complicated, some cctv cameras run on their own sub network and the nvr has its own switch. Or you might just have standalone style ip cameras. I'm not familiar with the hardware you are using but i hope you get it sorted.

  • Wakrak on 07/02/2025 - 09:39

    Who's your internet with and what plan are you on?

    • Andkat on 07/02/2025 - 11:02

      My wife signed us up to Nova. I've just had a look at their plans (My wife and i discussed nothing). So quite possibly she has signed us up to the lower one, which has 51 Mbps download 10 Mbps upload. WIll have to confirm with her… and that would explain our problem I gues

      EDIT - no we signed up for the $79 - which is 312 Mbps download 107 Mbps upload

  • ace310 on 07/02/2025 - 10:27

    What modem/router are you using currently? There are number of factors which can affect the performance. Location of the router, Interference from the surrounding(microwave, other electronics, neighbour's network).

    If you need new decent modem/router look at tp-link or Asus. Mesh would be good if you think single router is not enough. Don't buy extenders, they are worst no matter what others say. As a non-tech person, you will make matters worse with extenders.

    look for reviews at Dong Knows

    • Andkat on 07/02/2025 - 11:05

      Thanks Ace. We are using the Nokia Beacons supplied.

      The current location is not near any other electrical stuff (Its in a bedroom which backs on to the lounge). The nearest electronics I guess would be the t.v. in the lounge. Which is at least 6 meters away through a wall. This is the same TV we are streaming on… so it is the closest item to the router.

      I have no troubles watching anything on youtube or any of the subscription services etc.

      • ace310 on 07/02/2025 - 11:11

        Stand near the TV and go to speedtest.net from your phone or computer and test out the speed. I assume you only have 1 wifi network. TV & phone connected to the same.

        Hopefully the router in the bedroom is in a open location and not inside a cabinet or hidden under something.

        Edit: Do you have different network for 2.4ghz & 5ghz?

        • Andkat on 07/02/2025 - 11:35

          It is in side a large built in wardrobe. That could easily be remedied by punching an ethernet cable through the wall and moving it into the lounge? But that moves it further away - and through more walls - from the problem area - A small flat at the back of the house which is where our boarder stays.

          Standing next to the tv using a brand new iPad I got ping of 14, 116 download, 89 upload.

          On my Pc which is via an Ethernet cable I got ping of 11, 292 download, 97 upload.

          • ace310 on 07/02/2025 - 11:39

            @Andkat: That's your problem being inside a wardrobe, considering you got half the speed on wifi. Can you temporarily move the router out of the wardrobe and test it? Maybe atleast keep the door open if you can't pull the router out.

            Permanent solution would be to get a 2 Node mesh to cover more area.

            • Andkat on 07/02/2025 - 11:43

              @ace310: OK. I can't move it as I don't have an ethernet cable long enough to make much of a difference on location. But I can punch an ethernet cable through the wall and relocate the modem into the lounge. I think that should fix at least part of the issue. I just have to think about how I do that tidily. My brother is an electrican so I will get him to put one of those little flush port thing-ies in.

              I think the 2 node mesh sounds like the answer then. Do they require an Ethernet cable between them or is it all wireless?

              Thanks for your assistance.

              • ace310 on 07/02/2025 - 11:56

                @Andkat: So I am assuming the fibre modem is inside that wardrobe as well along with the router. Do you have any other Ethernet ports in the house? Check with your brother if he can extend the Ethernet cable from the wardrobe to somewhere in the house.

                There are 2 types mesh.
                1. wired backhaul - Both nodes connected via an ethernet cable. More reliable and fast.
                2. wireless backhaul. Can be good if both nodes are not much far from each other. Recommend getting a tri-band routers if you are looking for wireless backhaul.

                Look for recommendation on dong knows. Asus is great, tp-link is next and rest.

                • Andkat on 07/02/2025 - 12:16

                  @ace310: Yeah the fibre modem is in their as well. Hence my suggestion of putting a short ethernet cable through the wall to get the main modem into the lounge.

                  I already have an ethernet cable run up into our little flat so I can wire the two together easily enough if I buy two of the wired backual ones you have described.

        • Andkat on 07/02/2025 - 11:38

          Regarding teh 2.4 and 5 ghz query - I'm not really sure sorry. Reached my limit of understanding now. Appreciate the help so far though!

  • Andkat on 07/02/2025 - 11:47

    Out of interest I went and stood by the modem with my iPad and tested it with direct line of sight/wardrobe door pulled back, standing about 1 m away. I still only got 137 download 94 upload. Does that mean it is a router limitation?

    • ace310 on 07/02/2025 - 11:57

      Yes, better to get a new router.

      • Andkat on 07/02/2025 - 13:44

        Done some reading and educated myself over the last 2 hours. I'm thinking something like this should be sufficient? Anything you would comment on or highlight with this choice?

        https://www.noelleeming.co.nz/p/tp-link-deco-x50-ax3000-whol…

        • ace310 on 07/02/2025 - 14:06

          That's a good option. But I think x55 is cheaper on Amazon check below. All are good, just read the reviews and decide which you like.

          If you want to go for bit of future proof options look at below
          1. TP-Link Deco BE5000, Wifi 7
          2. TP-Link Deco AXE5400, Wifi 6E
          3. TP-Link AX3000 x55

          Also at pbtech TP-Link Deco BE5000 - $489, 3 pack

          • Andkat on 07/02/2025 - 14:18
            +1

            @ace310: Thanks. Went ahead with the TP-Link Deco BE5000. Thank you very much

          • Huntakillaz on 09/02/2025 - 00:58

            @ace310: BE5000 doesn't have 6ghz wifi

            • Andkat on 10/02/2025 - 08:28

              @Huntakillaz: Is that significant for some reason? Doesn't it have WiFi 7 (802.11be)?

              • Huntakillaz on 10/02/2025 - 12:25

                @Andkat: Really depends on where you setting it, like I live in an apt block so lots of WiFi signals around meaning with 6ghz band and my new devices I can avoid much more interference.

                But yea if most of your devices are old then BE5000 is fine as the devices won't be able to connect to 6ghz spectrum

            • ace310 on 10/02/2025 - 08:54

              @Huntakillaz: That should be fine if you are doing wired backhaul.

  • AaronDalgleish on 08/02/2025 - 08:38

    I'm also with Nova and using the Nokia beacons and they're great! They're wifi 6, which means they're fast and have good coverage compared to older wifi units. I don't think you'll get anything better than those unless you spend a lot of money. I use the first nokia beacon as the modem. I plugged the ethernet cable from the ONT into the WAN port on the first beacon. I have a two story house, so I put the second beacon downstairs (connected wirelessly). I don't think I had to do much in terms of setup - it just worked. Your second beacon should be placed somewhere that has a good signal to the first (if using a wireless mesh).

    I have two apps on my iPhone which might be helpful to you: "Nova Hub" which will show you what plan you're using and "Nokia Wifi" which will give you some more information on the beacons.

    I'm not sure what device you're using for streaming, but if you walk around the house with your phone, you might have to turn the wifi off and on again to connect to the other beacon.

    • Andkat on 08/02/2025 - 09:26

      I'll download those and see how I go. Thanks.

  • sroby on 08/02/2025 - 10:28

    More specific info needed before any meaningfull answer can be given.

    making some assumptions …..
    What you are after is a better wifi access point . Not a better modem , not a new router

    We need to know , what router you actually have , what type of internet connection you have , what plan you have from your ISP , how many rooms in your house, how many levels/stories , where your router is & where your pc/laptop/ph etc is : ie how many walls does the wifi go through .

    SOME ISP routers are as good (for wifi) as aftermarket replacements
    Some houses/ buildings are just bad for wifi (some , not all).
    Each wall can give a 3db reduction in wifi , thats alot . So think how many actually walls does the wifi go through

    1) Connect to your router via a network cable (wifi off) and start do some speed tests with that. Then test via wifi in the same room. Then at the other end of the the house
    If wifi just wont penetrate all your walls , then you really need more access points (or mesh) connected via network cable.

    A last resort option if things are really bad is EOP/homeplug/powerline . Ive had to use that on some homes where there was no other realistic option . Its a last resort when you cant run cables through the house.

  • Hayce Irri on 09/02/2025 - 12:18

    Stremio is also gonna work a lot better with a Real Debrid subscription if you don’t have one already

  • Andkat on 09/02/2025 - 12:35

    I did have the real debrid set up so I’m guessing that’s not the problem. I’m still trying to sort it out but made some progress. Th tv was only getting very low speeds like 3mbps. I don’t know why it’s so low. I switched to a different net work and got it up to 60ish. I’m now in the processes of moving the beacon into the same room to see what improvement that makes.

  • Andkat on 09/02/2025 - 12:59

    All right I’ve thoroughly confused myself.

    I have disconnected (unplugged completely) the second Nokia beacon to remove that from the equation.

    I have moved the first Nokia beacon from the wardrobe unit into the main lounge by running my cable from the fibre fox thing through the wall. This means the tv is about 3-4 metres away from the beacon with direct line of site.

    Using speed test I have tested my Sony tv and got speeds of about 60 on one network and 30 on the other.

    But on my iPad in the same location I’m getting speeds of close to 300 and then 150.

    I have reset the beacon back to factory settings and now while our portable devices are all getting close to 300 mbps the tv is only showing 8 for download and 83 for upload.

    My tv is less than 12 months old. Sony Bravia

    • Liger Zero on 10/02/2025 - 02:49

      Could be an average WiFi chip on the TV. Might be worth using a seperate top box like the latest Apple TV 4K w/ WiFi which supports AX, one of the latest WiFi standards. Another option is, with some mesh devices like the netgear you can use it's ports on the back, so you're using the satellite as a receive, which will be significantly better than the internal antennas on your TV.

      This is a decent deal: https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/marketplace/computers/networking…

      • Andkat on 10/02/2025 - 08:36

        Thanks. Since my last post I have had speeds as low as 3mbps on the tv on speedtest for download. Although the upload speed always seems to be much better (Not sure what the significance of that is, if any). I am thinking once the new routers arrive I can just run an ethernet cable to the back of the tv directly from the router for our main screen.

        • Liger Zero on 10/02/2025 - 12:09

          That is weird. Have you checked if there are any firmware or software updates for your TV?

          Edit: Just thinking, are there any QOS settings in the router settings? That could be throttling the download speeds. Also I’d check for updates on the Nokia Beacon too

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