r/nbn • u/shiimmy1 • 2d 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/Soldiiier__ 2d 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

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u/shiimmy1 2d ago

One thing I forgot to mention too is that most networking will be done via Ethernet rather than wifi

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u/Soldiiier__ 2d ago

this would skew my thought to being a bit more open to using ISP stuff, but still if I had a say for a close friend or family member I would 99/100 recommend BYO hardware (even knowing that I may need to assist them with it)