Need some advice regarding BT Fibre/Asus RT/VDSL Router

[SM8]

Hi everyone! New here so bare with me.

I am in need of some advice and assistance in regards to a few internet connection queries I have and I can't seem to get exact answers.

Right so basically what I'm wanting to do is change my whole router setup and make full use of the new features and bands available etc as it's fairly outdated.


I have BT infinity fibre optic internet and currently i have the OpenReach white modem with an ancient BTHomehub 2.

Wanting to upgrade to a 5ghz/802.11ac router but also because i want the best i can get right now if I'm going to be buying so want to make the most of it.

Now I've done all my research etc and I want the Asus RT-AC87U


However i have a few questions.

Firstly would i be able to use this with the OpenReach modem without any compatibility issues or any other problems?

Are there other better vdsl fttc standalone modem units that I can use or not? If there are would it be wise to change if possible from the OpenReach or wouldn't it make any difference?

Also there are vdsl fibre routers with built in modems and I was wondering do these perform better for connections like BT as opposed to using two seperate units (modem+router) or is the appeal nothing to do with function but moreso just the fact it's cleaner and one less plug etc?

As apparently there may be a DSL-AC87 on the way and I was thinking whether to wait for that if the built in modem routers fare better as instead of getting the RT-AC87 now. I would be considering the DSL-AC68U but the other thread on here has definitely put me off it!




Much appreciated for any help and advice and hopefully I can make a decision today!

 

[bremen1874]

The only reason to use a router with an internal VDSL modem is cosmetics and having one less thing to plug in.

I haven't seen any reports of internal modems actually outperforming the OR modem, it's usually the opposite.

Unless you're with Sky almost any router with an Ethernet WAN port will work. It just needs to support PPPoE (which they all basically do).

 

[SM8]

The only reason to use a router with an internal VDSL modem is cosmetics and having one less thing to plug in.

I haven't seen any reports of internal modems actually outperforming the OR modem, it's usually the opposite.

Unless you're with Sky almost any router with an Ethernet WAN port will work. It just needs to support PPPoE (which they all basically do).

Brilliant, as to be honest I don't mind having the OR modem plugged in at all as it hasn't bothered me all these years so I don't need to free up the plug space.

If this is the case then I think i will order the RT-AC87U now.



Would it be advisable to change the OR modem for another standalone modem or is the OR one actually very good? I'm just trying to make sure each component is up to scratch to maximise potential.

 

[bremen1874]

Just stick to using the OR supplied modem.

OR supply both Huawei and ECI modems. It has been suggested that matching the manufacturer of the modem to cabinet can show some benefit, but it makes zero difference to my connection.

 

[SM8]

Just stick to using the OR supplied modem.

OR supply both Huawei and ECI modems. It has been suggested that matching the manufacturer of the modem to cabinet can show some benefit, but it makes zero difference to my connection.

Thank you very much!