Is it worth consolidating current modem + router setup into a single device setup?

MarcLister · 19 Jun 2012 at 20:48

I have a Linksys AM200 modem coupled to a Linksys WRT54GL wireless router in my room. Would I have a better connection or a better performing network if I ditched the two device system I have now and got say the Billion BiPAC 7800N?

I'm just wondering if doing so would improve what I have now and make things easier to administer.

KIA · 20 Jun 2012 at 09:52

You would get gigabit ports and 802.11n.

MarcLister · 20 Jun 2012 at 12:55

KIA said:
You would get gigabit ports and 802.11n.

The WRT54GL has gigabit ports. I'm just wondering it it'd make sense to get a single modem/router device rather than have two separate devices.

Can't think of any reason why not, so I'll probably go ahead and do this sometime.

Tealc · 20 Jun 2012 at 13:10

I suppose you might save a watt hour or two in powering just the one device rather than two.

The Billion is supposed to be good with ADSL2+ lines and can help you squeeze as much out of a line as you can.

It would be neater to have one device.

MarcLister · 20 Jun 2012 at 19:58

Tealc said:
I suppose you might save a watt hour or two in powering just the one device rather than two.

The Billion is supposed to be good with ADSL2+ lines and can help you squeeze as much out of a line as you can.

It would be neater to have one device.

Yeah, one less device taking up space, one less plug to worry about, one less device with sleep preventing, eyelid penetration LEDs.

Think I'll go ahead with this in the summer hols.

tals · 21 Jun 2012 at 16:48

It really a depends what you want from your router. I want a qos that works, proper monitoring etc and the billion wouldn't do that. But if the billions features (handling of poor line) is what you want then yes. But do research properly, I had a billion and sold it 6 months later as it didn't do everything that I had expected. Ultimately except for tidiness which is a mute point what are you aiming to achieve with your new setup

MarcLister · 21 Jun 2012 at 20:17

tals said:
It really a depends what you want from your router. I want a qos that works, proper monitoring etc and the billion wouldn't do that. But if the billions features (handling of poor line) is what you want then yes. But do research properly, I had a billion and sold it 6 months later as it didn't do everything that I had expected. Ultimately except for tidiness which is a mute point what are you aiming to achieve with your new setup

Don't really NEED QoS. What kind of monitoring does the Billion not do?

I don't think my line is rubbish. I'm sure it can be improved on of course.

My current stats from my modem are below. Do they look OK?

Code:

DSL Status:	 UP 
DSL Modulation Mode:	 G.992.5 (ADSL2+) 
DSL Path Mode:	 INTERLEAVED 
Downstream Rate:	 15459 Kbps 
Upstream Rate:	 1219 Kbps 
Downstream Margin:	 6 db 
Upstream Margin:	 6 db 
Downstream Line Attenuation:	 21 
Upstream Line Attenuation:	 13 
Downstream Transmit Power:	 22 
Upstream Transmit Power:	 9 
LOS Errors:	 0

james.miller · 21 Jun 2012 at 21:24

i don't think any of the wrt54gx range had a gigabit switch - are you sure your does?

MarcLister · 21 Jun 2012 at 21:42

james.miller said:
i don't think any of the wrt54gx range had a gigabit switch - are you sure your does?

Hmm, now you mention I must have gotten confused! I have a gigabit switch that I run everything through. The switch then connects to the WRT54GL so traffic between devices on the switch would travel at gigabit speeds but not including the WRT54GL.

What can I say? It's been a long week and tomorrow's going to be a long one!

tals · 22 Jun 2012 at 06:18

MarcLister said:
Don't really NEED QoS. What kind of monitoring does the Billion not do

It doesn't do any

but by the sound of it this device is just for your personal use so with the billion you'd gain with the 802.11n wifi and the gigabit ports and reduce the footprint in your room.

I'm not a great fan of the 7800n but non of my requirements effects you.