Whats the best VDSL router out there at the moment??
- Thread starter StevieP
- Start date
Considering the way Asus handled the previous issues with its combined modem/router products and the obscenely long issues thread on here, that's not a direction I'd recommend to anyone lightly. I know things have improved, but they abandoned a lot of users with hardware that is unfit for purpose after realising they couldn't fix it. Is that really the best suggestion you can come up with?
For the op - 'Best' is beyond vague, it's also rare that any all in one would be better than dedicated products in the majority of individual areas. What's important? Which ISP? What special features do you need and how are you going to use it?
The Asus DSL-AC88U has one of the most recent broadcom VDSL chipsets, it even supports G.fast. I have no experience of using it, but it seems to be getting a good reputation online.
I have quite a few 2860's running at work and they are generally very reliable. I wish Draytek would release one with a Broadcom VDSL chipset though.
I bought an Asus DSL-AC88U to be used on a BT Infinity2 connection with IPTV. With the latest firmware it would flood the LAN & wireless with IPTV packets so had to be returned. Got a Draytek 2860ac instead, no issues after setup but for consumer use a bit overkill. Works though.
Also doesn't get hot like the Asus.
Also doesn't get hot like the Asus.
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One of the reasons I suggested they are getting better, I'd still not buy an AIO given the choice and if I did, then based on the issues mentioned previously it wouldn't be an Asus. You don't take top end money for a product, acknowledge the issue then when you discover you can't fix it, just ignore them.
My personal weapons of choice are as follows:
Modem: HG612 (in fairness the ECI is equally good for most situations).
Router: AC56U + Merlin - same CPU/RAM as AC68U, just cheaper and slightly inferior wifi, Merlin adds quite a bit of functionality and multiple fixes that Asus often don't or ignore.
AP: Unifi AP, better coverage than any router I've tested, rock solid and ample throughput for loads of clients/great admin & management features.
The only slight negative I've found is the HG612 sync is fractionally slower than the newer chipsets, but that's such a small a difference, it's not worth the cost/time to try and fix. I suppose others may prefer an AIO such as the OP, Draytek are decent and support seemingly lasts forever, Billion are decent and Zyxel get a lot of love elsewhere for consumer kit, the TP Link stuff is also surprisingly good for the money.
As the OP hasn't been more specific about what he needs, it's a bit vague. Pointless spec'ing him a product that isn't compatible with Sky if that's his chosen ISP, or with dodgy QoS if he has real issues with hogging in a shared student house (time of year).
Which chipset is that? The TP-link Archer VR900 has a Broadcom BCM63168, which supports vectoring but not G.fast.
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Which chipset is that? The TP-link Archer VR900 has a Broadcom BCM63168, which supports vectoring but not G.fast.
The chipset in the Asus AC88U is much better than the VR900:
https://www.broadcom.com/products/broadband/xdsl/bcm63138
Sorry for not replying sooner - thanks to everyone who's chipped in!
My ISP (at the moment) is Plusnet and space and convenience are the main reasons for looking at an all-in-one (limited space and plug sockets behind my TV where it needs to go!)
My house is on 3 storeys and so I was after something with decent WiFi - although I am considering getting some ethernet cables wired in so an AP could be a possibility in the future!
I'll take a look at the Asus and the Drayek models mentioned - thanks again!
My ISP (at the moment) is Plusnet and space and convenience are the main reasons for looking at an all-in-one (limited space and plug sockets behind my TV where it needs to go!)
My house is on 3 storeys and so I was after something with decent WiFi - although I am considering getting some ethernet cables wired in so an AP could be a possibility in the future!
I'll take a look at the Asus and the Drayek models mentioned - thanks again!
I'm using a Draytek 2860n with Plusnet on a static IP. I've got a home web-server, also an API taking data feeds from London every few seconds, i'm not really a typical user.
I really like the Draytek it just works and does everything you want, I think for most people a 2860 is total overkill however and unless you have a specific need your maybe better saving money. Also you need the 2860ac to get dual band so it adds cost.
Another option could be the Vigor 2760 (cheaper but less features), however looking at the specs it does not support dual band.
Also I will add this. I only use WiFi if I absolutely have to, say like doing a phone update. I live in a 4 bed detached house, yet in my Draytek 2860n WiFi settings I have the power set to just 20%. My router is positioned in a upstairs back bedroom, with the 20% power setting I can just about cover the entire house, and the rear garden (but not front garden). I've added this as there was some threads saying Draytek WiFi range poor, however my experience is WiFi range is fine at least on this router.
I really like the Draytek it just works and does everything you want, I think for most people a 2860 is total overkill however and unless you have a specific need your maybe better saving money. Also you need the 2860ac to get dual band so it adds cost.
Another option could be the Vigor 2760 (cheaper but less features), however looking at the specs it does not support dual band.
Also I will add this. I only use WiFi if I absolutely have to, say like doing a phone update. I live in a 4 bed detached house, yet in my Draytek 2860n WiFi settings I have the power set to just 20%. My router is positioned in a upstairs back bedroom, with the 20% power setting I can just about cover the entire house, and the rear garden (but not front garden). I've added this as there was some threads saying Draytek WiFi range poor, however my experience is WiFi range is fine at least on this router.
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Using a Netgear D7000 solid as a rock l'm about 800mtr's from my fttc cab.
Its coming up to its first 1000hrs with no disconnections not like the Sky hub piece of rubbish which would disconnect when it felt like it even after my faulty line was repaired..
Its coming up to its first 1000hrs with no disconnections not like the Sky hub piece of rubbish which would disconnect when it felt like it even after my faulty line was repaired..
Soldato
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Is the Draytek 2860AC an all-in-one modem and router?
I've had a Netgear DG834Gv5 for the past 8 years and my internet keeps dropping out all the time, to the point now where it's getting unbearable. My ISP sent me a list of Openreach approved VDSL routers of which the Draytek is one.
I currently have standard ADSL, but looking to upgrade to VDSL soon. I live in a one bed flat with my partner and we have approx. 10 devices connected to wifi. I just want a stable and fast wifi connection.
Is the Draytek too overkill or would you guys suggest something simpler?
I've had a Netgear DG834Gv5 for the past 8 years and my internet keeps dropping out all the time, to the point now where it's getting unbearable. My ISP sent me a list of Openreach approved VDSL routers of which the Draytek is one.
I currently have standard ADSL, but looking to upgrade to VDSL soon. I live in a one bed flat with my partner and we have approx. 10 devices connected to wifi. I just want a stable and fast wifi connection.
Is the Draytek too overkill or would you guys suggest something simpler?
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