What router for upg...
 

  You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more

[Closed] What router for upgrade to plusnet bog standard router?

9 Posts
8 Users
0 Reactions
209 Views
Posts: 1713
Full Member
Topic starter
 

Ready to throw our plusnet fibre router out if the window!

Always dropping and inconsistent and doesn't have dual band options. Grrr!

I've been recommended TP Link Archer models as the dual band should help with range and consistency.

Any advice, bargains or recommendations?

Budget is up to £70

Thanks


 
Posted : 29/01/2016 12:59 pm
Posts: 1968
Free Member
 

When we were on Plusnet previously I ugpraded to a BT Home Hub 5. Wasn't quite as fancy as the TP Link but got reviewed well at the time and great VFM as was available cheap on Ebay and Gumtree, presumably because of BT customers who got them as upgrades but didn't want them.
Ours has performed flawlessly since and is miles ahead of the Plusnet one in every way.


 
Posted : 29/01/2016 1:03 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

On Plusnet FTTC here, using a TP-Link TD-W9980.
Its a bit cheaper than the 'Archer' models, not sure what the difference is. Works fine anyway, fast enough, and decent wifi coverage for most of the house.


 
Posted : 29/01/2016 1:15 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

I use one of the Asus Dark knight routers (RT-N66U) with the custom Merlin firmware instead of the crap Sky sends out.

Works really well for me!


 
Posted : 29/01/2016 2:18 pm
Posts: 1713
Full Member
Topic starter
 

Thanks all, had a look at BT HH5 but ended up going to TP Link


 
Posted : 29/01/2016 2:58 pm
Posts: 28475
Free Member
 

How much better do you find the signal range with TP Link compared with the standard Plusnet router?


 
Posted : 29/01/2016 3:03 pm
Posts: 0
Free Member
 

Always dropping and inconsistent and doesn't have dual band options

Are you talking purely about the WiFi signal?

If so you could just get a wireless access point and stick it where you like, or use a WiFi extender (but not a repeater style one as they halve your signal. A powerline type will do. A WAP is basically same but you Ethernet wire from router to WAP).

The router does two jobs. One is the routing and connection to the ISP, and the other is an in-built WiFi but often these are a bit rubbish. Plus a lot of people have the router in a poor location for WiFi, like the downstairs corner of the house where the phone line comes in and/or the main PC is located. The wireless access point is better located centrally.

If the router is actually dropping the Internet connection then that's another matter, but it's more than likely an issue with the line to the house, internal wiring, green box down the road or exchange.


 
Posted : 29/01/2016 5:30 pm
Posts: 1713
Full Member
Topic starter
 

Tried a Powerline extender to no great avail. Didn't like being cloned so was constantly having to join each network as you move through the house!


 
Posted : 29/01/2016 7:01 pm
 csb
Posts: 3288
Free Member
 

Just been through this with a plusnet Thomson router. I got a belkin dual band router but it didn't extend the range at all. So that went back. I think as above, I was advised to get a devolo plug in thing that attaches by cable to the router, and sends the signal through the house electric circuit, and two extra plug ins that go at either end of the house. I now have consistent signal throughout.


 
Posted : 29/01/2016 9:21 pm
Posts: 7
Free Member
 

I changed my plusnet box and BT modem with a Fritbox 7390. Works very well. 2.4 & 5.0 GHz. Can attach an external drive via its USB 3 port and use it as your own personal home based cloud. Built in dlns server. Oh, I think the modem chipset !might be the same as the BT modem, so no connection surprises. The original +net box WiFi used to vanish when the microwave was used. This now doesn't happen. Finned 50's styling takes a bit of getting used to. Can be wall mounted.
Wish I'd actually bought the 7490 with the built in DECT base station. Would have been a very neat solution.


 
Posted : 29/01/2016 10:55 pm

6 DAYS LEFT
We are currently at 95% of our target!