Time to replace old router?

Soldato
Joined
18 Oct 2003
Posts
19,415
Location
Midlands
So I've had my trusty Netgear DG834G v3 for about 6 years, maybe more. It works, but should I be replacing it with something newer? If so, what?

I don't think my model was affected by the backdoor exploit posted earlier in the year. But if I can get better WiFi coverage, maybe even better connection speed then that would be great.

I'm on Max ADSL with a 3-4 meg connection speed, which I don't think is too bad for where I am. We have an RFS date for FTTC as December, but I don't expect it to actually be here till mid way through 2015 considering a larger neighbouring village has theirs as September and still no activation.

Any help is much appreciated.
 
Yep the above Billion is an all-in-one solution for current ADSL service and includes a VDSL modem for future switch to FTTC.

There are other makes such as Asus DSL-N66U and DSL-AC68U that cost more, but the Broadcom chipset the Billion uses might be more suitable.

Worth noting that VDSL built-in modem units all seem hit and miss. Too early to know which will be the most stable after all the firmware updates.
 
I have a DG834GT and bought the RT-AC68U (well actually bought 2, one for each side of the house so can get 5GHz nice and strong anywhere).
As the RT model doesnt have a modem built in i use the DG834GT on modem only mode and connect it to the RT's WAN port.
When FTTC comes (same as you, 31/12, cab has been installed since August) i will get a BT Openreach modem and plug that in instead.

The RT's have been solid and the wifi range excellent.
I have loaded the Merlin Forked firmware and with it you can increase the wifi power to increase range even more - http://forums.smallnetbuilder.com/showthread.php?t=19262

Only downside is its more like £140-150.
 
Thanks guys, great info. I think I'm going to do a bit more research into the models Bane suggested. I do like the all-in-one style, but I'd prefer external aerials so I can pump wifi further.

Inq, how do you know when/if cabs have been installed? Or did you go and physically look?
 
You have to look really. Do you know which cab you are connected to?
You can check the number by putting your phone number in https://www.btwholesale.com/includes/adsl/adsl.htm

The normal cabs have a number on them.
There should be a newer larger cab with vents nearby, maybe next to it or within say 15-20m usually, this would be a Fibre cab.
 
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