BT's shop is confusing, modems, the routers etc..

[rbz5416]

As the old proverb says, a little knowledge is a dangerous thing...

[jonnyc55]

Ok thanks. So since i can't find fast router/modem combos, since smart hub 2 is not a pure modem, i worry for that regarding performance as a bridge. Then i need seperate modem. So i'll refer to your old post and draytek vigor. Lastly to confirm, VDSL 2 modems will also work with BT FTTC? I.e. connected to master socket 5c, then to my own router? Thank you.

[jonnyc55]

Indeed. I agree.

[licquorice]

There are numerous recommended VDSL modem/router combos, notably the Asus DSL range and Netgear Nighthawk gaming routers (whatever that means)

Personally, if you want separates, I would get an Huawei hg612 from Ebay. They may be old but they are rock solid. Don't get an unlocked one, it isn't necessary.

[jonnyc55]

Great ok. Thank you. I'll check this all out.

[gg30340]

---

@rbz5416 wrote:

As the old proverb says, a little knowledge is a dangerous thing...

---

Yep, I had a laugh when I read "I just read on reddit threads, people recommending modem router seperates, saying modem/router combos are generally value engineered".  when the higher end Asus modem/routers cost £250, the Draytec costs £280 etc etc. 

They don't seem very "value engineered" to me!

[jonnyc55]

I saw the best asus gateway £220, saw no draytec gateway. I saw no higher price than this, and was hoping so because the lone routers for £250 etc. Had quad core 1.5-1.8ghz. The gateways for £110-£230 did not sport those kind of specs, simply because you are paying for the modem too. I was hoping for a combo with a quad core 1.8ghz and above, could not find one. By value engineer we could expect curtailing of quality in the modem and router in the combo, with added cost just because it is a 'combo', hence seperates may be free of that added cost allowing for more spare coin on the engineering on the modem or router.

£250 is funny value engineering if all you do is watch TV and read BBC news i agree.

[licquorice]

Really not sure what a high spec sooper dooper rooter brings to the party when your broadband is being delivered by a bit of wet string in the first place.

[jonnyc55]

Well, make sure your end is clean at least. Fibre to cabinet at least. Copper to house yes, but i expect it to have more thickness then the lousy cable given by BT between socket and router, a non twisted, non shielded cable, i replaced it with a cat6a twisted shielded shorter cable. As wifi near BTs supplied RJ11 cable was painfully obvious to my gaming, my new cable removed the odd lag freezing caused by what must of been emi. 

[gg30340]

---

@licquorice wrote:

Really not sure what a high spec sooper dooper rooter brings to the party when your broadband is being delivered by a bit of wet string in the first place.

---

Agreed.

While a well engineered expensive item in most but not all instances will perform better than a poorly engineered inexpensive item both items will only perform as well as the weakest link in the chain which you have eloquently pointed out.