Mweb, Metrofibre, New ISP or New Router???

[Skylastic]

Hi all,

Looking for some advice.

I am currently with Mweb, 150/150mbps (Fibre line through Metrofibre). Recently (past few weeks) when streaming or gaming our connection is unstable - buffering, lagging etc.
We have the Zyxel EMG3525-T50C router that was sent to us by Mweb last year Feb (when they said our previous router was not good enough to handle the speeds).

I have noticed the router gets quite hot, but did not think this was cause for concern.
We are continuously having to reboot and power cycle the router just to get some stable connectivity.
On cellphones/iPad/laptops we are getting decent speeds, however the Smart TV and PS5 have terrible speeds.

My dilemma is this:

1. Attempt to get in contact with mweb - I'm thinking they will tell me nothing is wrong or send me another subpar router.

2. Get a new router (budget max R1500)

3. Change ISP
Current available ISPs in my area:
Metrofibre
Pluxnet
WiruLink
WTS
Stem Connect
Activefibre

I have a 1 level, 3 bedroom house, we generally have 1 TV, 1 PS5, 2 phones, iPad, Laptop and some cameras on the wifi.
I am also WFH this year so need stable connectivity for online calls.


Advice and assistance are much appreciated.

 

[PBCool]

Hi, if you are on Metrofibre you have many more available ISPs vs just that list.

Have you engaged with Mweb as yet?

 

[Skylastic]

Hi, if you are on Metrofibre you have many more available ISPs vs just that list.

Have you engaged with Mweb as yet?

Yes, about 6 more, however trying to keep the price under the R840 I am currently paying.

I am in conversation with them at the moment.

 

[PBCool]

So best is to test with a cabled device first, I see there are some reports of congestion at peak hours. Do you notice any difference of performance throughout the day?

 

[Hotfuzz]

It sounds like your TV and PS5 are getting bad signal or connecting on 2.4Ghz. If its just a signal issue you can replace the Zyxel with a mesh system. Cable is always king though so if you can run cables to the TV + PS5 it would be the most reliable solution.

Cudy Dual Band WiFi 6 3000Mbps Multi-Gigabit Mesh 2-Pack | M3000 (2-Pack)

Cudy's CD-M30002 is a 2-Pack dual band WiFi 6 mesh system featuring 1x Gigabit Ethernet Port, 1x 2.5Gbps Ethernet Port, integrated antennas and an aggregate data rate of up to 3000Mbps.

scoop.co.za

 

[Skylastic]

So best is to test with a cabled device first, I see there are some reports of congestion at peak hours. Do you notice any difference of performance throughout the day?

Definitely during Peak times it seems.
TV even when connected via wired connection only gets up to 94mbps (just did software update on the TV to see if that would change anything as well).

If peak times are the issue, is there any way that one could 'fix' that or work around it?

 

[PBCool]

Definitely during Peak times it seems.
TV even when connected via wired connection only gets up to 94mbps (just did software update on the TV to see if that would change anything as well).

If peak times are the issue, is there any way that one could 'fix' that or work around it?

If the tv gets 94Mbps that's enough for any kind of stream, but changing ISPs may help. Also FYI we are R9 off your budget price