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Reliable Budget ADSL Modem Router - Advice Needed

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Marg7

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Posted October 10, 2012 at 8:49PM

I need to buy a replacement ADSL modem/router to replace an ageing and temperamental Netgear. Preferably something under £40. Can anyone recommend a reliable model.

I've searched online for prices and reviews and looked on Amazon, but am not sure what to get. I bought an ASUS DSL-N10, which I returned after 4 days as it kept briefly dropping the wireless connection on 2 computers (not a problem with this on the Netgear).

I wondered if the ASUS DSL-N12U http://tinyurl.com/99ub5c9 would be better as it has 2 antennae.

Any advice appreciated.

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Marg7

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Posted October 12, 2012 at 10:40AM

Thanks for the recommendations on the TP LINK. the TD-W8960ND might be better on our line so I'll look into that a bit more.

We don't have a great line from the exchange and there are periods when there is quite a bit of noise. Using the ASUS for 4 days before returning it (due to the wireless problems) it seemed to work well and reduced the Noise Margin to 10 (from around 17 using the Netgear). That's partly why I was considering the ASUS DSL-N12U (which has 2 antennae and might have more reliable wireless).

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rdave13

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Posted October 12, 2012 at 11:55AM

This one I bought a few months ago, TP-Link-TD-W8960N with no problems. Easy to set-up, didn't use the accompanying CD. Check if you can find it cheaper elsewhere.

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Marg7

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Posted October 12, 2012 at 12:21PM

Hi rdave13. What is the wireless range/signal strength like on that one?

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bjh

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Posted October 12, 2012 at 6:59PM

The ASUS DSL-N10 (and N12) is also Ralink, like the 8961 from TP Link. You won't necessarily get a better result with the 8960; it depends what is "wrong" with your line, as it were. If you go for the Asus, which is fine, just be sure to get the ADSl version: if I remember rightly, there's only that additional "A" difference in their name... no number!

They are all available from Play.com , although better prices may exist.

ASUS
TP Link 8960 TP Link 8961

Argos also sell the 8961, and I don't think it is excluded from their 30 day return policy... Indeed Argos 8961 ... and their image shows what the box is likely to look like these days... it ain't quite that hideous!

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rdave13

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Posted October 12, 2012 at 11:53PM

Marg7 I don't have a large house but still get a good enough signal in the garden. So my experience of the range is limited. Godoogle brought up this, link, but with an extender. £35 for ADSL2 is OK I think. I bought mine as a backup router for my expensive D-Link one I have. Tried it out and it's still 'running'. The D-Link seems to be the backup one now.

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Marg7

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Posted October 13, 2012 at 10:41AM

Hi guys. thanks for the continued advice. I suspect the range would be fine. We don't have a huge house, but I have started using a laptop in the attic room, which is 2 floors above the router. With both my old Netgear DG834G and the brief time using the ASUS N10 the wireless signal 'good' to 'fair'.

It looks like it's coming down to a choice between the 8960 or the N12 (which I can get for about £32 on amazon or new on Ebay). I must confess to be put off the 8961 by the styling - it certainly looks pretty gruesome.

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