I need an ADSL modem/router with maximum range

D

Dratsab

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Hi Guys,

So I have a Belkin Wireless N+ Modem/Router and it is a piece of crap.

I need a router that can give me good networking speeds upstairs (the router will be downstairs by the phone line). I also want one that doesn't need to be reset five times a day.

I wouldn't call myself an experienced network guy, but I can forward ports and understand the basics.

Assume that money is no object - what is the best router out there for MAX range and stability?
 
You are going to have to separate the modem from the wireless into 2 devices.

go for a Ubiquity Power AP. Scoop distribution is the local distributors.
http://www.scoopdistribution.co.za/product_info.php?cPath=101_75&products_id=1093


You can get much better range with it than with normal router because it can put out 1000mw of signal whereas your normal basic combo's will only put out about 200-300mw

tip:
with the power AP set the location to Australia to unlock the higher power output and move the DB slider to 28DB for max power. if you select South Africa, it assume you are in America and sets it max output to something feeble.

warning:
it does not have a setup wizard, so I suggest reading its wiki page to get an understanding of how to set it up.

post back here if you need help with the setup, so everyone can benefit.
 
@sapphiron:
Most routers/ADSL modems are limited to 100mW output.

Secondly, the AP that you gave does not include an ADSL modem.

Lastly, simply pushing up the transmit power to 1000mW is just silly. You don't necessarily get a better signal that way. All you're doing is overriding the other signals in your area and generating a lot more noise.
Using high gain antennas is always better than just boosting the transmit power, because the antenna gain has a positive effect on both the AP and its client(s). The transmit power has only an effect on the client(s).

@Dratsab:
For the best results upstairs, you should place a router/WiFi AP upstairs and use a LAN cable or EoP (Ethernet over Power) device to connect it to the router/modem downstairs.

Although high gain antenna's are beneficial to both the AP and its client(s), it also limits the area where reception is possible.
The high gain antennas have a narrow band in which it sends/receives, so you'll have to point it perpendicular to the direction where you want reception.
eg. if you want reception on the same floor, then you point the antenna vertical. If you want reception on another floor, then you point it vertical with an angle.

If you already have a modem with a WiFi AP downstairs, then you can always go for a WiFi range extender aka WiFi repeater, if you don't want to use LAN cables to connect the 2 floors.

Here's a good guide on optimizing your range/throughput: http://www.lmi.net/wp-content/uploads/Optimizing_802.11n.pdf
* it is aimed at 802.11n devices, but it is still applicable to other WiFi technologies.

Lastly, if you don't already have an ADSL modem, then I would also vouch for that TP-Link W8960N like ichigo suggested.
Another option would be the D-Link DSL-2750U / DSL-2760U.

If you already have a good ADSL modem, then you can consider a router/WiFi AP that does not include an ADSL modem - like the one that Sapphiron suggested. Scoop Distribution does not ship, and their prices does not include markup or VAT.
Uniterm Direct's prices excludes VAT, but it includes their markup and they do ship and sell directly to consumers.
 
Ok thanks for the advice - I'm leaning towards the TP-Link at the moment. Just to give you guys some more context:

1. I currently have a Belkin Wireless N router/modem - it has weak signal and constantly needs to be reset
2. My phone line is downstairs and so that is where the router must live
3. The router is in plain sight, and I have a wife who insists it doesn't look bad - hence no high gain antennas, lots of wiring, etc.
4. I have a Netgear Wifi Extender which doesn't play nicely with the Belkin Router - to the point that I no longer use the extender since I am then resetting both of the damn things about ten times a day.
5. Ideally I want a single device that will allow for decent signal downstairs and upstairs
6. I need it to be stable - so no Belkin products
7. I don't want a separate modem

Any changes to the TP-Link advice based on the above? Remember - money is no object!
 
The TP-Link routers aren't the best looking ones, but I suppose that is what you'll have to sacrifice for good WiFi coverage.

One of the best looking ADSL modem + WiFi AP's that I know of is the Cisco WAG320N (~R1400 in SA), but I've seen mixed WiFi throughput results.

Unfortunately there aren't any direct comparisons in terms of wireless range between the Cisco WAG320N, D-Link DSL-2750U and Tp-Link W8960N on the Internet. Usually I favour the ones with external + detachable antennas, because then you can always replace the antenna's if you need more signal strength.
WiFi is just one of those things where you don't know if it is going to work until you test it out yourself, which is why my dad always tells me and my brother to first test out the service provider's 3G/HSDPA dongles at our home before we even consider buying it.

Have you already tried upgrading the firmware of the Belkin & Netgear routers that you have?

With the TP-Link and D-Link routers, you can get pretty good support, especially with D-Link, who has local myBB reps since like March this year. Both of these brands make excellent routers, but I've also seen my fair share of firmware or other issues that require the router to be replaced/repaired.
 
With the Netgear extender, get aNetgear modem, they'll play nicely. With bad signal propagation the location of the both repeater & AP are going to be critical. Try them at different positions, with particular note to surrounding equipment. moving a device by a few cm's can effect things.
 
Pada said:
@sapphiron:
Most routers/ADSL modems are limited to 100mW output.

Secondly, the AP that you gave does not include an ADSL modem.

Lastly, simply pushing up the transmit power to 1000mW is just silly. You don't necessarily get a better signal that way. All you're doing is overriding the other signals in your area and generating a lot more noise.
Using high gain antennas is always better than just boosting the transmit power, because the antenna gain has a positive effect on both the AP and its client(s). The transmit power has only an effect on the client(s).

@Dratsab:
For the best results upstairs, you should place a router/WiFi AP upstairs and use a LAN cable or EoP (Ethernet over Power) device to connect it to the router/modem downstairs.

Although high gain antenna's are beneficial to both the AP and its client(s), it also limits the area where reception is possible.
The high gain antennas have a narrow band in which it sends/receives, so you'll have to point it perpendicular to the direction where you want reception.
eg. if you want reception on the same floor, then you point the antenna vertical. If you want reception on another floor, then you point it vertical with an angle.

If you already have a modem with a WiFi AP downstairs, then you can always go for a WiFi range extender aka WiFi repeater, if you don't want to use LAN cables to connect the 2 floors.

Here's a good guide on optimizing your range/throughput: http://www.lmi.net/wp-content/uploads/Optimizing_802.11n.pdf
* it is aimed at 802.11n devices, but it is still applicable to other WiFi technologies.

Lastly, if you don't already have an ADSL modem, then I would also vouch for that TP-Link W8960N like ichigo suggested.
Another option would be the D-Link DSL-2750U / DSL-2760U.

If you already have a good ADSL modem, then you can consider a router/WiFi AP that does not include an ADSL modem - like the one that Sapphiron suggested. Scoop Distribution does not ship, and their prices does not include markup or VAT.
Uniterm Direct's prices excludes VAT, but it includes their markup and they do ship and sell directly to consumers.
Click to expand...

Scoop definitely do shipping, and at a very reasonable fee.
 
Pada said:
Thank you, I didn't know that! I always drove in from Stellenbosch to Milnerton to collect my stuff!
Click to expand...

As long as you don't live in the former homeland of Bapetikosweti I'm sure delivery won't be an issue. Stellies should be fine :)
 
hmm will have contact them about it also, need some of those el cheapo tenda adsl routers :P
 
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