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Technical News & Discussion => Networking & Routers => Topic started by: captainpud on Aug 24, 2010, 07:41:31

Title: Router Recommendations
Post by: captainpud on Aug 24, 2010, 07:41:31
I currently have a Voyager 2110 which has been very stable and reliable in holding my connection, syncing at 8096 and 832. It goes months and months without dropping. I am having a few problems with my download speeds at the moment, down to 2 or 3MB from a constant 6MB and support have stated there is no problem at BT's end. I have swapped everything but my router and I am being told by support that swapping my modem/router is all I can do now.

So I need suggestions for a fast stable modem/router with wireless. I have been reading about a few, netgear etc but they all seem to have one problem or another. Help please :)
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: DorsetBoy on Aug 24, 2010, 10:07:20
DrayTek are excellent, otherwise a Speedtouch 585 would do the job very well.
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: Ray on Aug 24, 2010, 10:31:34
Having just changed to a Draytek, I would agree with Dorset.
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: Steve on Aug 24, 2010, 10:38:04
Are we talking 2710 or something more business like?
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: Ray on Aug 24, 2010, 10:43:47
2710n in my case, Steve.
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: esh on Aug 24, 2010, 13:37:45
I recommend.... *not* Netgear  :)
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: captainpud on Aug 24, 2010, 19:14:39
So are you all finding the Draytek very stable? are they reasonably easy to set up? Do they have a DMZ feature for my Xbox Live gaming?

I had already worked out how rubbish the new Netgear stuff is  >:D

Thank you for all the replies :)
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: DorsetBoy on Aug 24, 2010, 20:22:14
Draytek are fully configurable and mine ( Vigor 2820 ) has been consistently stable ,   http://www.draytek.co.uk/   is the UK site and  http://www.forum.draytek.co.uk/ is the UK support forum.
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: Lona on Aug 24, 2010, 21:41:44
Quote from: esh on Aug 24, 2010, 13:37:45
I recommend.... *not* Netgear  :)

I love Netgear. ;D
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: pctech on Aug 24, 2010, 23:13:24
The DG834G v4 (which uses the Broadcom chip and I have) has always received excellent reviews but sadly they are no longer produced and the v5 is not supposed to be as good though cant comment as never used one.

Speedtouch are used by a lot of ISPs but not used one of the routers but used to have the USB modem which seemed to do the job ok.

Steer clear of Zyxel as have had one of their one port routers and it ran so hot you could fry an egg on it and it was very unstable, probably because it was cooking its insides.




Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: Tacitus on Aug 25, 2010, 07:44:12
Quote from: pctech on Aug 24, 2010, 23:13:24
Steer clear of Zyxel as have had one of their one port routers and it ran so hot you could fry an egg on it and it was very unstable, probably because it was cooking its insides.

FWIW I've had several Zyxel routers pass through my hands both for myself and others.  I've not had a problem with any of them, ranging from a couple of single port 660s, via the 661H/662H range.  Most use the AR7 and tend to sync a little lower than others, but all have been very stable.

Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: klipp on Aug 25, 2010, 15:39:25
I just ordered a DrayTek Vigor 2710n which has PC Advisor Gold Award.  It should be arriving in the post tomorrow or the day after.

Info here: http://www.draytek.com/user/PdInfoDetail.php?Id=82

It is kinda pricey though, but hopefully worth it.  I'll post a review here if you want in a week or so.

Now, the easy part.  What I DON'T recommend.  Keep clear of anything that has the Belkin logo on it!!!  Also after recent experiences I am reluctant to recommend netgear.
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: Rik on Aug 25, 2010, 15:40:32
I agree with you on Belkin, we've seen a lot of failures from them.
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: klipp on Aug 25, 2010, 15:47:24
QuoteThe DG834G v4 (which uses the Broadcom chip and I have) has always received excellent reviews but sadly they are no longer produced and the v5 is not supposed to be as good though cant comment as never used one.

My experience with v5 was disasterous.  Actually to be precise, my experience with v5 is currently sat in my green wheelie bin awaiting collection next monday morning. :)

Previously I'd had a v4 which served me faithfully for 2 years before it finally gave up the will to live.

On the assumption that v4's cannot be bought anymore, I would struggle to recommend netgear now.  Shame really...
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: pctech on Aug 25, 2010, 17:52:46
Quote from: Tacitus on Aug 25, 2010, 07:44:12
FWIW I've had several Zyxel routers pass through my hands both for myself and others.  I've not had a problem with any of them, ranging from a couple of single port 660s, via the 661H/662H range.  Most use the AR7 and tend to sync a little lower than others, but all have been very stable.



The one I had could have been faulty I suppose but the design of it did concern me a little.

I also had a netgear DG834N v1 for a while which I believe was based on the AR7 too and found it a bit unstable and so someone recommended the 834G because it had DMT which did seem to stabilise it a bit.

Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: Steve on Aug 25, 2010, 17:56:16
The DG834Nv1 was a broadcom chipset and DMT compatible the later firmwares were pretty good for me apart from wireless connection problems on auto.
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: pctech on Aug 25, 2010, 17:57:31
Ah I stand corrected but it lost sync quite a bit which is why I replaced it.
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: Steve on Aug 25, 2010, 18:05:57
It was a faster version of the chipset used in the dg834g series can't recall the speed difference,I think by the time they stopped selling it they had finally managed to get some decent firmware and indeed DMT lead the way for the earlier versions. It worked well on my short line and didn't have any issues heat related or otherwise. 
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: pctech on Aug 25, 2010, 18:07:50
I have a very long line and would lose sync often which was a right pain.

Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: Rik on Aug 25, 2010, 18:19:36
Which is why I like my 2700. :)
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: Ray on Aug 25, 2010, 18:54:50
Quote from: klipp on Aug 25, 2010, 15:39:25
I just ordered a DrayTek Vigor 2710n which has PC Advisor Gold Award.  It should be arriving in the post tomorrow or the day after.

Info here: http://www.draytek.com/user/PdInfoDetail.php?Id=82

It is kinda pricey though, but hopefully worth it.  I'll post a review here if you want in a week or so.

Now, the easy part.  What I DON'T recommend.  Keep clear of anything that has the Belkin logo on it!!!  Also after recent experiences I am reluctant to recommend netgear.

Good luck with the Draytek, I've been using my 7210n for nearly 3 days, so far it is looking good with no problems at all, seems to be a good well designed router and it certainly runs very cool compared to Netgear and Speedtouch models I've used previously.
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: klipp on Aug 25, 2010, 19:08:40
Thanks Ray.  Do you have a long line?  My typical Line Attenuation is 53db, and I know through experience that certain routers do not like the longer lines.
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: Ray on Aug 25, 2010, 19:27:37
My line would appear to be fairly short, my loop attenuation is showing as 28db.
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: esh on Aug 25, 2010, 21:02:45
Quote from: Lona on Aug 24, 2010, 21:41:44
I love Netgear. ;D

I'm just bitter, don't mind me. I bought a £120 high end Netgear ADSL VPN router and had nightmares with it. Support then told me it wasn't compatible with BT lines. For the record it still doesn't work properly a year after and 6 support cases later.
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: Lona on Aug 26, 2010, 03:13:02
I have a Netgear 834PN and it has never let me down.  Had it a few years now.
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: captainpud on Aug 26, 2010, 05:12:52
Quote from: Ray on Aug 25, 2010, 18:54:50
Good luck with the Draytek, I've been using my 7210n for nearly 3 days, so far it is looking good with no problems at all, seems to be a good well designed router and it certainly runs very cool compared to Netgear and Speedtouch models I've used previously.

I may go for the 2710n as everyone seems happy with them. May I ask where you purchased yours from? Also which firmware are you running? Standard or 232201 which it says is for the UK?

Thanks

Paul
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: Baz on Aug 26, 2010, 07:38:16
Quote from: Lona on Aug 26, 2010, 03:13:02
I have a Netgear 834PN and it has never let me down.  Had it a few years now.

same here Lona with the same results.its just recently that doubt is creeping in and im wondering if its on the way out.lots of advice for replacements but I just cant make my mind up.

i guess its like most electrical items, a lot of it comes down to luck with what you get.
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: Ray on Aug 26, 2010, 08:19:26
Quote from: captainpud on Aug 26, 2010, 05:12:52
I may go for the 2710n as everyone seems happy with them. May I ask where you purchased yours from? Also which firmware are you running? Standard or 232201 which it says is for the UK?

Thanks

Paul

I purchased mine from Dabs.com, Paul, below are the firmware details from the router: -

Model Name    : Vigor2710n
Firmware Version    : 3.3.5_232201
Build Date/Time    : May 27 2010 13:22:53
ADSL Firmware Version    : 232201_A Hardware: Annex A
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: captainpud on Aug 26, 2010, 13:09:08
Quote from: Ray on Aug 26, 2010, 08:19:26
I purchased mine from Dabs.com, Paul, below are the firmware details from the router: -

Model Name    : Vigor2710n
Firmware Version    : 3.3.5_232201
Build Date/Time    : May 27 2010 13:22:53
ADSL Firmware Version    : 232201_A Hardware: Annex A


Thank you :)

Did it come with this firmware or did you have to update it?
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: Ray on Aug 26, 2010, 13:32:51
Quote from: captainpud on Aug 26, 2010, 13:09:08
Thank you :)

Did it come with this firmware or did you have to update it?

This is the firmware it's supplied with.
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: klipp on Aug 26, 2010, 13:39:42
Quote from: Ray on Aug 26, 2010, 08:19:26
I purchased mine from Dabs.com, Paul, below are the firmware details from the router: -

Model Name    : Vigor2710n
Firmware Version    : 3.3.5_232201
Build Date/Time    : May 27 2010 13:22:53
ADSL Firmware Version    : 232201_A Hardware: Annex A


Mine has arrived. ;D  I got mine from Amazon, it took 4 days in all to arrive from the time of placing my order.  My details are as per Ray's.  The user manual seems to be written in ye olde english LOL, but it's understandable and I was able to get my internet up and running including setting up wireless security in under 10 minutes.

One thing I don't understand is the QoS LED is illuminated.  I have no idea what it is for, or whether I need it.  Any ideas Ray?
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: Ray on Aug 26, 2010, 13:55:20
I haven't figured that out yet, I've found this page (http://www.draytek.co.uk/support/kb_vigor_qos.html) on the Draytek support site that explains it, but I haven't found anything in the router setup pages that refers to QoS though.
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: klipp on Aug 26, 2010, 14:48:35
Seems like it can't be switched off unless you install a beta firmware.  Think I'll leave it as it is to be honest, it doesn't seem to be causing me any problems.

Edit:

qos setup -m 0

Type that into telnet to disable QoS. :)
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: Ray on Aug 26, 2010, 15:55:17
Thanks, I've disabled it on mine now, not that I'd noticed any difference either. :)
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: Rik on Aug 26, 2010, 16:03:57
Well, there's one less LED lit for a start. ;D
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: Glenn on Aug 26, 2010, 16:07:40
Now when you speak to Draytek support, and they ask what coulour the QoS LED is, don't forget you disabled it.  :evil:
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: Rik on Aug 26, 2010, 16:09:01
:lol:
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: Ray on Aug 26, 2010, 16:17:56
Quote from: Rik on Aug 26, 2010, 16:03:57
Well, there's one less LED lit for a start. ;D

:nana: :nana: ;D
and seeing as the router is in my bedroom I'll be able to get to sleep better now.  ;D

Quote from: Glenn on Aug 26, 2010, 16:07:40
Now when you speak to Draytek support, and they ask what coulour the QoS LED is, don't forget you disabled it.  :evil:

:buttkick: ;D
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: Rik on Aug 26, 2010, 16:24:58
Quote from: Ray on Aug 26, 2010, 16:17:56
:nana: :nana: ;D
and seeing as the router is in my bedroom I'll be able to get to sleep better now.  ;D

I think that's taking keeping an eye on things a step too far, Ray. ;)
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: Ray on Aug 26, 2010, 16:28:21
Quote from: Rik on Aug 26, 2010, 16:24:58
I think that's taking keeping an eye on things a step too far, Ray. ;)

;D
It's only because my master telephone socket is there, Rik. :)
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: Steve on Aug 26, 2010, 16:34:29
QoS stands for quality of sleep, I learn something every day. :thumb:
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: Ray on Aug 26, 2010, 16:37:16
Quote from: Steve on Aug 26, 2010, 16:34:29
QoS stands for quality of sleep, I learn something every day. :thumb:

Right, perhaps I shouldn't have disabled it then, Steve, ;D
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: Rik on Aug 26, 2010, 16:40:52
 ;D

Anyone know how to turn it back on?
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: klipp on Aug 26, 2010, 16:43:14
Quote from: Steve on Aug 26, 2010, 16:34:29
QoS stands for quality of sleep, I learn something every day. :thumb:

LOL :laugh:
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: Ray on Aug 26, 2010, 17:05:26
I've just done a speed test and noticed my upstream speed has increased by around 80Kbps since I disabled QoS on the router.
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: Rik on Aug 26, 2010, 17:06:42
Three more at 8 hour intervals, Ray. ;)
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: klipp on Aug 26, 2010, 17:44:53
Quote from: Ray on Aug 26, 2010, 17:05:26
I've just done a speed test and noticed my upstream speed has increased by around 80Kbps since I disabled QoS on the router.

Also check the modulation is set to ADSL2+ G.992.5 rather than multimode.  I noticed my connection was saying ADSL2 so I tried manually setting it to G.922.5 and now I have my fastest ever upload sync of 1024kbps.:)
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: Steve on Aug 26, 2010, 17:46:17
It does seem the QoS reserves some upload bandwidth
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: captainpud on Aug 26, 2010, 20:28:58
My 2710n should be with me tomorrow but the three hundred page manual  :o is a bit scary.

How do you disable QOS?
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: Glenn on Aug 26, 2010, 20:45:41
Like this
Quote from: klipp on Aug 26, 2010, 14:48:35
Seems like it can't be switched off unless you install a beta firmware.  Think I'll leave it as it is to be honest, it doesn't seem to be causing me any problems.

Edit:

qos setup -m 0

Type that into telnet to disable QoS. :)
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: Simon on Aug 27, 2010, 15:24:08
Quote from: captainpud on Aug 26, 2010, 20:28:58
My 2710n should be with me tomorrow but the three hundred page manual  :o is a bit scary.

I doubt there will be more than three pages in English.  ;D
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: Ray on Aug 27, 2010, 15:57:54
They're all in English, Simon, some of it you can ignore if you don't have the VOIP version. :)
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: Glenn on Aug 27, 2010, 16:09:15
But how many do you fully understand?  ;)
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: captainpud on Aug 27, 2010, 16:53:06
Quote from: Glenn on Aug 26, 2010, 20:45:41
Like this

I have received my router now and seem to have it connected ok but I need help turning off QOS. What is telnet? Can someone talk me through switching off QOS please as it seems to have lost me about 80k of my upload :( Sorry if I am being dense.

Many Thanks :)

Paul
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: Rik on Aug 27, 2010, 16:54:55
Hit start > run, then type telnet. That will take you into the telnet client, type the command line, hit enter and close the window.
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: Steve on Aug 27, 2010, 16:56:39
If it's not installed

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Telnet-frequently-asked-questions


The command would be telnet xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx (router address)  followed by the command given earlier
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: Ray on Aug 27, 2010, 17:14:02
You also need to enter the router admin password after you telnet into it or it won't accept any commands.
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: captainpud on Aug 27, 2010, 17:39:17
Thank you very much Gents ;D. A lot of trial and error but I got it to work in the end :) Got my upload back 8-)

I needed to type open then router address, enter, password, enter, then the command line, enter.

My first time using telnet so I really appreciate all the help. The link to the telnet site was very educational.

You can all have a Karma for that ;D

The new router on initial tests seems to be holding my download speed better, so  :fingers: that I did have a faulty router and this new one will sort my problems. This is certainly the first time I have seen 6.4MB in the last few weeks.
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: Rik on Aug 27, 2010, 17:41:01
That's great news. :)
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: Ray on Aug 27, 2010, 17:46:30
 :thumb: :fingers:
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: Steve on Aug 27, 2010, 17:48:13
 :thumb: :fingers:
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: klipp on Aug 27, 2010, 18:00:46
I should have left my modulation on multimode!!!  I had numerous sync drops overnight on manual ADSL2+.  Switched it back to multimode (which chose ADSL2 for me) and I got my stability back, but BT punished me by putting my N/M up to 9db. :mad:  Oh well, I won't be doing that again. :laugh:
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: Rik on Aug 27, 2010, 18:04:08
BT have a way of punishing us. :( Well, lots of ways actually...
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: Baz on Sep 01, 2010, 13:52:22
looking at a new router may be and seen some good reviews and recommendations about Draytek.

What is Voip on some of their models and which is the best model that doesnt have that feature as I dont think i'll need it.

Are they a bit too complex for the home user, set up side of it etc.
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: Glenn on Sep 01, 2010, 13:58:36
Voice over IP

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voice_over_Internet_Protocol
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: Baz on Sep 01, 2010, 14:03:41
Quote from: Glenn on Sep 01, 2010, 13:58:36
Voice over IP

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voice_over_Internet_Protocol

thanks Glenn.............in simple terms that means??   :laugh: :laugh:


Do i really need it   :dunno:
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: Ray on Sep 01, 2010, 14:07:39
If you want wireless go  for the Vigor 2710n, Baz, if you dont go for the Vigor 2710, I didn't find my any more difficult to set up than my previous Netgear or Speedtouch models. There are some facilities available on them that a home user probably won't need but you have 2 methods of setting them up as either a 'User' which is a simpler mode that hides things you don't need, or as an 'Administrator' which makes all options available to use. Either way you can leave unwanted options disabled and needn't worry about them.

They are more expensive that some other routers but they are very good quality and this is what you are paying a premium for, I've been using a Vigor 2710n for about 12 days now and the connection has been rock solid and stable all the time.
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: Baz on Sep 01, 2010, 14:13:53
yeah I need wireless Ray and have a Netgear at the moment which may be getting a bit flaky,dont know.One of those things isnt it,will only find out when it finally dies  :)

Of course the netgear was simple as to set up and thats the main thing which is making me think again about the Draytek,then as you say the price...for a similar spec Netgear or even other make they seem a lot dearer.

how does it compare to your netgear then when you used that.you say the connection has been solid,did you get bother with the netgear
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: faircot on Sep 05, 2010, 10:58:09
Quote from: Ray on Sep 01, 2010, 14:07:39
If you want wireless go  for the Vigor 2710n, Baz, if you dont go for the Vigor 2710, I didn't find my any more difficult to set up than my previous Netgear or Speedtouch models. There are some facilities available on them that a home user probably won't need but you have 2 methods of setting them up as either a 'User' which is a simpler mode that hides things you don't need, or as an 'Administrator' which makes all options available to use. Either way you can leave unwanted options disabled and needn't worry about them.

I echo all your comments, Ray. I took delivery of a 2710n two days ago to replace an excellent but restricted, Zen supplied Speedtouch 780wl and was pleasantly surprised to find that connection speed and throughput were just the same as the Speedtouch with error correction much less; it was also infinitely better than a 2 Wire I bought after good reports here. I did turn off QoS because I'm not running VOIP or any network services that could need it. Wireless range using n standard laptop card is excellent. Looks good so far.



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Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: Steve on Sep 05, 2010, 11:00:55
Another recommendation for the 2710N :thumb:
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: Rik on Sep 05, 2010, 11:01:44
I'm just hoping my stock of routers will last out until fibre arrives. :)
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: Gary on Sep 05, 2010, 11:15:35
Shame its not dual band, I find having the 5Ghz band means I can have no interference issues. 2.4Ghz is over saturated with BT hubs around where I live, and they all seem to be hotspots as well.
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: Steve on Sep 05, 2010, 11:32:05
You could always bridge I suppose with a 5Ghz router. I wonder if the 2710 has a wan port?
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: Baz on Sep 05, 2010, 12:21:24
plenty of good points and recommendations there thanks.May go for that then just need a few welcome donations now to help me fund it....... :)



guys??






any one?                             






please   :(
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: Rik on Sep 05, 2010, 12:26:48
When I go fibre, Baz, you can have all my old routers. ;D
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: Baz on Sep 05, 2010, 12:35:17
cheers Rik.I bet thats quite a collection


I was hoping for more in the line of sterling donations, you know?  ;)



any way, when you go fibre??  you got it planned?
Title: Re: Router Recommendations
Post by: Rik on Sep 05, 2010, 12:42:04
Should be December, I'm hoping it's on time as I can miss the VAT increase for a year. ;D