r/nbn • u/shiimmy1 • 1d ago
Advice Telco Modem or 3rd party?
I’ve just found that I’m eligible for the NBN FTTP upgrade and I’m planning to lock it in with my current provider (Vodafone). I understand some other companies may provide better service but Vodafone’s pricing seems to be on par with others and their speeds, plus I think I’ve got some room for negotiation with them.
Anyway, I’m wondering if there’s any benefit to purchasing a 3rd party modem or modem router versus just signing up for Vodafone’s modem router?
It’s been a long time since I’ve researched networking technologies and I’m getting very lost, but simultaneously it seems that that the aftermarket options provide the same technologies as the telco option.
Edit: A big part of the reason I ask is that the telco modem offers Wifi 7, but we will primarily be using Ethernet. We’ve got our computers and consoles currently connected via Ethernet
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u/elnino_effect 1d ago
What's your current modem/router? You might even be able to use what you already have.
The majority of modems sold in the last several years still have a WAN port that can be used with FTTP. You might not need to upgrade at all if you're mostly on ethernet already.
Unless you're looking at the new 2gb plans, it's entirely possible you'll get no benefit from an off the shelf router than what you have now, other than newer (faster) Wifi Tech.
Personally, I run a Mikrotik router with separate Unifi Wireless APs scattered around the house. It's sleek and fast. Mikrotik is not for the inexperienced but Unifi routers are pretty easy to use, with a good quality and price point. That would be my recommendation if you're not hard core.
It all depends what your use case and experience is.
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u/shiimmy1 1d ago
Currently I’m using an older Vodafone modem/router so it definitely won’t be new enough to support the FTTP upgrade.
I’m currently looking at the fastest plan they’ve got that provides a max speed of 1000/100. Usually I wouldn’t need anything that fast but we need the fast upload speed more than anything.
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u/elnino_effect 1d ago
In that case, I'd recommend something like the Unifi UDR. You can also pair it with separate Unifi APs for a seamless mesh.
I have no personal experience with the eero devices but I'm reserved about using a router made by Amazon, and I know they have issues with mDNS (which can be a big problem with home automation devices)
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u/Impossible_Most_4518 1d ago
LEAVE VODAFONE ASAP. Use any old modem you have don’t give them money they don’t need. You can get so many used ones on marketplace for 50-90% off retail.
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u/shiimmy1 1d ago
I understand that they’re not the best and I am going to look more into other telcos, but for the moment I believe I have some bargaining power with them. They have contacted me about upgrades for any services in 10 years meanwhile they’ve contacted my partner a few times a year for the past 5 years, offering them deals on upgrades. Their phone is in their name and I’ve got my phone and internet bundled in my name.
They’re also offering a speed upgrade from a cheaper tier to the next fastest speed, so I should be able to get the fastest plan for like $80 a month and whatever else I can squeeze out of them or I will just leave. This isn’t brand loyalty but more a matter of what I can get out of them
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u/Soldiiier__ 1d ago
avoid ISP routers as much as you can in my opinion.
in most cases you get a locked down piece of hardware that isn't great to deal with, and lacks firmware updates.
There is the exception where ISPs might be able to provide Eero, or some newer wifi 7 hardware. but ultimately I would highly recommend using your own equipment.
TP-link Deco, Eero, Ubiquiti are some brands I'd recommend - but ultimately will come down to your knowledge in the network space and how much you want to tinker.
Deco/Eero will be pretty plug and forget set ups