Modem only advice

[#1]

Hi there,

apologies if this has been covered (I am new to this forum) but couldn't find up to date topic.

Our Plusnet internet has been rubbish recently, we are in Cumbria - it is flakey here anyway - but recently it has been dreadful. Plusnet are offering a new contract that would include their latest router. However I need a more drastic solution to living in a house with 4 foot thick stone walls around every room that render WiFi inoperative (hence the mesh).

So - I purchased a TPLink AX1800 Deco x20 whole home mesh system. As the older models of this had a modem system built in - I assumed this would too - I was wrong.

My question is:

Do I take out the new contract with an upgraded plusnet router/modem thrown in, switch off the WiFi and link to the Deco

OR

Do I source a modem only - and if so - which one should I try?

Kind regards

Stoocoo

[#2]

Moderators Note
This topic has been moved from ADSL Broadband to My Router.

[#3]

My logic tells me that you are going to have the same problem whoever your ISP is so taking out a new contract and getting the latest router would seem to be a good start. It will cost you postage but cheaper than a new modem.  A number of people recommend the BT HG612 from Ebay at around £15.  

Welcome to the Community. The real experts will, I am sure, be along soon!

[#4]

I see to recall the Hub 2 can be set to modem mode, which would solve your issues..

[#5]

Are you sure that your problem is WiFi related and not uplink related?  If the mesh will not work through your 4 foot walls, then changing the router is not going to help.

What might help is a different network technology, such as dLan which use the electric ring main to form a wired network.  For example look up the Devolo product range.

[#6]

Thank you

[#7]

Thank you TeeGee

Good advice! - I have negotiated a new contract and will be receiving a new router shortly.

Thank you for your helpful comment!

Meanwhile - I have a TD!

Who'd a thunkit!

[#8]

Mustrum and Townman

Thank you for your helpful comments and suggestions.

I'll try the new router - which should help with download speeds and possibly stop the dropping out of ISP service.

The mesh system is still in it's box and I knew there was something up with the modem part of the Plusnet router/modem.

I have tried Devolo units and TP-Link units - many of them - even linked with LAN cables - but as the property has three separate ring mains circuits they do not work reliably. 

So next step was to try mesh - I ordered the mesh system thinking that this would replace my Plusnet router/modem - but no! I still need a modem/router - so I will switch off the router WiFi and rely on the mesh WiFi.

Thank you all for responding to my post - have a guid new year!

[#9]

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@Stoocoo wrote:

Meanwhile - I have a TD!

Who'd a thunkit!

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[Off topic!]  That is awesome! Why not post a pic of it as your avatar? 

I am BRG with envy!

[#10]

To get good synchronised wireless in all areas you should use the mesh units with a hard wired Ethernet backhaul.  See https://www.tp-link.com/uk/support/faq/1794/.  This might be problematic with your walls but if there are no alternative cable routes are they really 4 feet thick? Screwfix sell 1m long masonry drills.

[#11]

Thank you for your suggestion Baldrick - I will have a look.

and yes - the walls really are 4' thick!! its an old Cumbrian Long House! 

[#12]

Could you feed a flat ethernet cable under carpets & doors ?

[#13]

Thank you for your suggestion Baldrick - I will have a look.

and yes - the walls really are 4' thick!! its an old Cumbrian Long House! 

Enjoy the New Year!

[#14]

Thanks Champnet

It may come to that!