would i gain anything from a new router

Magic_x_uk · 5 Jun 2011 at 07:34

Hi
I have a netgear DG834v2 wireless router, which (touch wood) works well but it must be 6 years old now.

Would I gain anything from a new upto date router or now?

my ips is Orange and I am on about 4.7MB down and 278 up.

thanks

BunnyKillBot · 5 Jun 2011 at 07:43

Is the modem in that router ADSL2+, because as far as i can tell, the v3 is, but the v2 is ADSL only. What does samknows say about your local exchange?

Magic_x_uk · 5 Jun 2011 at 08:09

No idea what you mean about adsl etc. Just looked at samknows web site.
No idea what that is about. sorry

BunnyKillBot · 5 Jun 2011 at 08:18

If you have a look on:

http://www.samknows.com/broadband/broadband_checker?address=true

Put in your details, it will show you what the capabilities of your exchange are, and what ISPs serve your area. My BT ADSL page shows this:

Because your router is a v2, which as far as i can tell is not ADSL2+ compatible, you may see a benefit from getting a newer router. Check sam knows to see what your local exchange supports.

Magic_x_uk · 5 Jun 2011 at 08:34

Here we go.
first picture done via postcode.

second picture done via telephone number

BunnyKillBot · 5 Jun 2011 at 08:46

Interesting. First thing i note is that you are quite some distance from the exchange which means you are always going to see a drop off from the theoretical max. Given you are getting 4.7 down suggests you are syncing at ADSL max, and given the ADSL2+ date of last month (!) it may be moving in that direction.

As to whether its enabled now, and what line speed you may be able to achieve with an ADSL2+ compatible modem you may need to make a further investigation with BT/your ISP. Unfortunately, the front line support people you get to talk to usually use the same data the samknows website runs off, which means they are normally as useful and informative as a tea cosey.

Magic_x_uk · 5 Jun 2011 at 09:15

Thanks for your advice BunnyKillBot.

Just was curious thats all.

BunnyKillBot · 5 Jun 2011 at 09:45

Magic_x_uk said:
Thanks for your advice BunnyKillBot.

Just was curious thats all.

No worries

This is only concerned with the ISP syncing side of things, if you have allot of data flying around on your wireless network there may be benefit in wireless N instead of wireless G. N replaces and improves upon the G specification.

Can you just confirm for me which DG834 it actually is, as the DG834v2 is not a wireless model. The wireless models are DG834 then Gv2, GVv2 or Nv2. The GV and N are adsl2+. Given the age of the model it is likely to be the Gv2, i just want to check to make sure i am not telling you rubbish.

Magic_x_uk · 5 Jun 2011 at 09:50

My bad, it is the DG834G V2 (i forgot to put the G in)

BunnyKillBot · 5 Jun 2011 at 10:04

Magic_x_uk said:
My bad, it is the DG834G V2 (i forgot to put the G in)

My advice, replace it anyway. Routers are not that expensive and the gains outweigh the costs.

If you want to be even more sneaky, call Orange and try to wrangle yourself what ever router they provide to new customers, for free. They may send one out to you there and then, they may complain that you are in contract so they can't do it. Stress how long you have been with them and you have always paid your bills etc

Do NOT lead with 'i want a new router', explain that the old one is looking a bit decrepit and you are not sure you are getting the best performance.

Magic_x_uk · 7 Jun 2011 at 11:42

Okay I rang Orange yesterday around 11am and they said they will send me a free wireless router out to me. It arrived today at 10am. Fast service.

Also bear in mind I dont pay for home broadband from Orange as I am a mobile phone contract user with them for the last 10 or so years.

I get broadband free as I was with freeserve/wanadoo then Orange bought them out and anyone with them got for free broadband. One of the reasons i keep my mobile phone contract with them, as saving £15 per month give or take not paying for a broadband supplier.

Anyway. this is what they sent me today.
DGN1000
N150

Should I use it? would it be any better than my present Netgear DG834Gv2

My set up at home is

Netgear DG834Gv2 downstairs connected to master BT socket

Desktop computer upstairs with a http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=NW-023-TP&groupid=46&catid=1600&subcat= which wirelessly connects to router.

Laptop wherever. connects to router

PS3 to router and laptop/desktop wirelessly

Squeezebox music player connected wirelessly to router and desktop to stream music.

Also if I do use this one. is there any use for my old router, or shall i just put it in a cupboard?

Magic_x_uk · 7 Jun 2011 at 21:25

Thank you Bunnykillbot. Your idea about Orange worked.

Magic_x_uk · 21 Jun 2011 at 12:50

Can anyone shed some light on this for me please?

Would I gain anything from the Router I have presently to the one Orange kindly sent me as in a couple of posts up?

Thank you

KIA · 21 Jun 2011 at 14:05

Hook it up and compare the stats.

xNytramx · 21 Jun 2011 at 14:33

Agreed.
Give it a whirl, if your exchange is now ADSL2+ enabled you could well see an increase, if not and you feel that its slower you can always revert back to your old router.
But then 'as my father always says'; "If it isnt broken, dont fix it!"