Replacement Router options/suggestions

kev2009

Hi all,
I have a BT Smart hub and recently it keeps dropping connection randomly and usually re-connects.  I had the same issue with the Smarthub 6 and when I replaced it all was well so i suspect its the smarthub as its been on 24/7 for a good number of years now. I bought the smarthub as BT wouldn't provide it at the time and I had issues with the smarthub6.
I was looking at replacing it with a WIFI 6 router but it seems most are just a router and don't have a inbuilt modem so require a separate modem which unfortunately i though the old BT Openreach modem away as have not used that since I moved away from it back in ADSL days.  I am on a FTTC BT Fibre package.
What would people recommend?  I thought in general they were moving to routers with built in modems but maybe not now?
Thanks
Kevin

blue.peter

Combined modem/routers were certainly common in the days of ADSL. However, they appear not to be available (AFAICT) for fibre connections. I'd also prefer a combined box, but was unable to find any when I was looking. To be fair, that was a few years ago now, so things might have changed.

I use a Netgear router, so I've just had a look at their website. They appear to offer quite a few routers, but I don't see any combined modem/routers.

My router is a Netgear WNDR4500. I'd be happy to recommend it, but it's an obsolete model (bought about six years ago). Netgear kit has, in my experience, generally been reliable, so I'd say that that's a brand worth considering. Having said that, I think that most of their current range looks pretty ugly. I wouldn't want one of them in my home. You might disagree.

FWIW, I have a BT Openreach modem (made by Huawei), supplied when I switched from ADSL to FTTC.

unforeseen

Combined modem/routers were certainly common in the days of ADSL. However, they appear not to be available (AFAICT) for fibre connections

Modem/routers for VDSL (FTTC) are common as muck. The majority will do both ADSL & VDSL.

Just about every router these days, unless it's labelled as a cable router will handle VDSL. 

[Deleted User]

You are right, proper high end routers don't have a modem which is the right way to go because ADSL/VDSL technology is outdated and isn't applicable to all markets, cheaper to produce a router only model that can be used on any connection. It is also better to separate the two functions in your home network anyway so that any reboots of the router don't cause the modem to reboot which if done frequently can cause broadband line speed to be decreased.

For Wifi 6 it will be hard to find a combined modem-router and quite rightly, the performance of Wifi 6 is a bit pointless on an ADSL/VDSL modem unless most of your traffic is internal - the market is moving away from in-built modems.

You are best off buying a separate modem and router then you have more choice and upgradability if and when you move to fibre / cable in the future.

However there are some good combined Wifi 5 modem routers available that will perform better than the BT Hub - note the external aerials which are vital for Wifi performance:
TP-LINK Archer VR2800 WiFi Modem Router - AC 2800, Dual-band
ASUS DSL-AC88U WiFi Modem Router - AC 3100, Dual-band
ASUS DSL-AC68U WiFi Modem Router - AC 1900, Dual-band 

But if you want to future proof, go for a Wifi 6 router and independent modem such as:
Asus RT-AX58U / Asus RT-AX88U
Netgear Nighthawk MK63
combined with a DrayTek Vigor 130 modem

kev2009

Thanks, I see DrayTek have a 166 modem, i presume that is better than the 130 or a replacement?
I seen the Asus DSL AX82U which is due out is a combined model, so considering that but no actual date of release yet.  I have BT Fibre - just the standard fibre package.
Yes, WIFI i was thinking of for better throughput for local lan more than internet and hopefully a bigger range on WIFI as my phone tends to suffer if i go to back of house which isn't a massive distance from router.
Kev

unforeseen

166 can handle 300Mbps fibre speeds. 130 handles 100Mbps

[Deleted User]

kev2009 said:

Thanks, I see DrayTek have a 166 modem, i presume that is better than the 130 or a replacement?
I seen the Asus DSL AX82U which is due out is a combined model, so considering that but no actual date of release yet.  I have BT Fibre - just the standard fibre package.
Yes, WIFI i was thinking of for better throughput for local lan more than internet and hopefully a bigger range on WIFI as my phone tends to suffer if i go to back of house which isn't a massive distance from router.
Kev

Yes, good spot, the Draytek 166 will also do "G-Fast" which is the next level VDSL broadband with up to 330mbps so might be a good option to future proof ready for the BT roll out at some point.

DSL-AX82U - Looks good and seems to support the G-Fast modes from what I can see from the spec.

You will always get better range with routers with big external aerials, I can't understand why ISP modems still hide them away inside the box and often integrate them on the circuit boards - probably aesthetics / cheaper / less chance of breaking etc but really isn't the best for good wifi.

You do of course have the cheaper option of running an ethernet cable to another Wifi access point to improve the coverage in your house.

kev2009

Just to confirm, the 166 would still work on a line les than 100mbps or not and would need the 130?  Just thinking best to get the 166 and then if my speed/package increases I don't need to buy anything else for a while at least
Kev

A_Lert

Your BT hub can probably be put into "modem mode" to enable you to use a separate router. That means you won't need to manually enter login and config details into a new modem or modem/router.

If you have a large house you will probably want an additional access point somewhat connected by ethernet or powerline anyway. Imagine you're trying to talk to someone in a busy room. Is it better for the other person to shout louder or to walk closer? "A better router" is them shouting louder, an additional access point is them walking closer.

Regarding antennas, the latest wifi technologies work best with multiple antennas in a fixed arrangement, which is why external antennas are less common nowadays. They're still used in some cases but most of the best access points and wifi routers now are just a box with no visible antennas.

Chino

A_Lert said:

Your BT hub can probably be put into "modem mode" to enable you to use a separate router.

It probably can't:
https://community.bt.com/t5/BT-Devices/Smart-Hub-6-Bridge-Modem-mode/td-p/1906815

Chino

blue.peter said:

I use a Netgear router, so I've just had a look at their website. They appear to offer quite a few routers, but I don't see any combined modem/routers.

Did you look here?
DSL Modems & Routers