Spec me..

danb21t · 10 Dec 2018 at 10:47

...a FTTC router with built in modem.

I'm currently with Plusnet and have the usual Openreach HG612 modem that I'd like to be rid of.

I have a requirement for decent wifi and VPN capability, L2L IPsec to maintain connectivity to my parents house.

Go!

BigT · 10 Dec 2018 at 11:28

What do you currently use for that VPN connectivity to your parent's house?

Avalon · 10 Dec 2018 at 11:45

Define 'decent wifi'... client's are important and spec'ing the latest and greatest won't help a device limited to 'g' for example, ac is also poor for penetration, without knowing what you have, it makes it difficult to suggest an improved solution. Also how fast does your VPN need to be capable of? Generally what you describe is better suited to individual products that are good at what they do, not one box that's a bunch of compromises shoved next to the master socket.

Also

WJA96 · 10 Dec 2018 at 13:08

Anything with a built-in FTTC modem is unlikely to be what you want really. The only semi-decent ones are Draytek’s Vigor line and they’re not cheap - the flagship Vigor 2862 is well over £400.

Personally, I would keep the HG612 and mate it to a Mikrotik RB4011iGS+5HacQ2HnD-IN which is a heck of a router/access point for the money.

Steveocee · 10 Dec 2018 at 13:25

Keep the HG612 and go for a really good router and then a stand alone AP. Would be the very best solution.

danb21t · 10 Dec 2018 at 14:24

Avalon said:
Define 'decent wifi'... client's are important and spec'ing the latest and greatest won't help a device limited to 'g' for example, ac is also poor for penetration, without knowing what you have, it makes it difficult to suggest an improved solution. Also how fast does your VPN need to be capable of? Generally what you describe is better suited to individual products that are good at what they do, not one box that's a bunch of compromises shoved next to the master socket.

Also

Yeah fair enough, I just want something with better coverage than the standard Plusnet router, which incidentially I'm using as wifi only at the moment. Just phones, laptops, upstairs TV, etc are connected. VPN is used for general file sharing/streaming and Domain sites and services and currently limited to our upload speeds which are ~11mb.

WJA96 said:
Anything with a built-in FTTC modem is unlikely to be what you want really. The only semi-decent ones are Draytek’s Vigor line and they’re not cheap - the flagship Vigor 2862 is well over £400.

Personally, I would keep the HG612 and mate it to a Mikrotik RB4011iGS+5HacQ2HnD-IN which is a heck of a router/access point for the money.

Currently running the HG612 with Mikrotik RB750Gr3, using the old Plusnet router as a wifi only device.

Steveocee said:
Keep the HG612 and go for a really good router and then a stand alone AP. Would be the very best solution.

Really the purpose of this is to consolidate and reduce the number of required power outlets. Maybe I will rethink my power situation.

Steveocee · 10 Dec 2018 at 14:47

danb21t said:
Currently running the HG612 with Mikrotik RB750Gr3, using the old Plusnet router as a wifi only device.

Stick a UniFi AP into that and you'll be golden.

danb21t said:
Really the purpose of this is to consolidate and reduce the number of required power outlets. Maybe I will rethink my power situation.

I will concede the individual approach is not the most eye pleasing. You "could" get a VDSL SFP and go down the RB4011 route but the HG612's are brilliant and as you have a Hex as well, a UniFi AP would be the icing.

Caged · 10 Dec 2018 at 15:56

An RB4011 with a ridiculously expensive SFP VDSL2 modem. Which is probably not a good use of money vs. installing another power outlet to let you keep the Huawei modem.

Avalon · 10 Dec 2018 at 19:34

Going to a AIO as a significant functionality step backwards, till my g.fast install I had been running similar (it alternated between an APU2C and HeX then towards the end I chucked a ER-X in for fun). Yes, the modem, router and AP required multiple power points. Thing is by the time I run a UPS to power the modem and router, i’m using one plug, the rest are on an IEC extension anyway and it’s all effectively invisible due to furniture and the HeX can do PoE as can the modem, this may simplify your issue?

danb21t · 11 Dec 2018 at 08:57

Steveocee said:
Stick a UniFi AP into that and you'll be golden.

This, thoughts on a model? AC LITE?

Avalon said:
Going to a AIO as a significant functionality step backwards, till my g.fast install I had been running similar (it alternated between an APU2C and HeX then towards the end I chucked a ER-X in for fun). Yes, the modem, router and AP required multiple power points. Thing is by the time I run a UPS to power the modem and router, i’m using one plug, the rest are on an IEC extension anyway and it’s all effectively invisible due to furniture and the HeX can do PoE as can the modem, this may simplify your issue?

The HG612 can do PoE?

Turns out I don't actually have a HG612, doh! I actually have an ECI, spent half hour trying to unlock it to get some line stats and firmware version, no wonder I was banging my head against the wall lol

If the HG612's are PoE then that could work, I was toying with the idea of a PoE capable switch.

Steveocee · 11 Dec 2018 at 10:52

danb21t said:
This, thoughts on a model? AC LITE?

Ample for most. I would say a "normal" house (IE 3 bed semi) should get coverage throughout however the UAP-AC-Pro is significantly better with coverage and throughputs, my 4 bed semi (30's build) is totally covered with great signal throughout from 1 of those.

danb21t said:
The HG612 can do PoE?
If the HG612's are PoE then that could work, I was toying with the idea of a PoE capable switch.

They aren't powered by PoE as such however you can get an adaptor similar to I have which split out PoE and can power the modems. Makes a far cleaner end result.