Can Anyone Recommend A New Wireless Ap?

[MrSnrang]

For about 3 years, I used a Linksys device that worked just fine but it eventually stopped working. I bought another model of Linksys router, but the wireless connection was unreliable so I returned it. I used a Belkin router but the signal was poor throughout my house (total area of ~400 M^2).

I ended up using a TP-Link W8960N unit for about the last six months. The connection quality has been horrible and I can't load websites without refreshing multiple times. Speed tests average less than 0.5mbps in Thailand, and I can't download a file larger than 10 mb from Filesonic with a premium account. It was shit.

A technician from True came over to diagnose the problem. He brought the Billion modem that True supplies to new users and the connection worked just fine, getting the download speed I pay for. My phone line was fine, but my router was not working.

So the only conclusion was that the TP-Link router I had was faulty. I took it in to be exchanged but the new one I got wouldn't detect a LAN cable, and the new-new one is performing as poorly as the first TP-link unit I had. My connection to True ADSL is consistently unusable. Whether using LAN or WLAN, speed tests rarely average above 0.5 mbps though I can occasionally muster the full speed for a few minutes a day. The parameters within my router are consistent with the settings for True, and I have tried using the proxy.asianet/trueonline.co.th:8080 proxies, openDNS, Google DNS, and the DNS servers provided by True.

tl;dr: I've had five wireless routers that don't work well; three that don't really work at all. I may need a new wireless adsl router that will do what the box says it will do. I don't want to spend much more than 2,000 baht. Can anyone help me out or recommend me a new router?

[mikewet88]

I am using this Buffalo router (Model: ) for almost 2 years without any problem.

It doesn't have the strongest signal strength. But it is very stable and feature rich. Rock stable for up to months without need to reboot.

Product link: http://www.invadeit.co.th/product/wireless-networking/buffalo/wireless-n-nfiniti-gigabit-highpower-broadband-router-and-access-point-300mbps--p000603/

For 2000baht budget, U can get a slightly lower version model:

Product link: http://www.invadeit.co.th/product/wireless-networking/buffalo/wireless-n-nfiniti-highpower-broadband-router-access-point-whr-hp-g300n-p003971/

More detail: http://www.buffalo-asia.com/cgi-bin/products/detail.cgi?country=th&code=4&id=398

Most of the mid to high end Buffalo routers now using DD-WRT firmware. It is a professional grade firmware that have some features that only appear in enterprise grade router.

[justsumhelp]

asus rt-n16

[Darrel]

I'm using a Dlink DIR-600 I bought in Tukcom for 950B. Works fine.

I find it hard to understand how the OP can be having so many problems with so many different routers/APs.

I suspect there may be some other issue. I am especially concerned when I read about multiple changes to proxy and DNS settings. Most end-users would be well advised to leave all such settings on the default, unless they happen to be network specialists.

About the only setting that commonly needs changing on domestic wifi equipment is the wifi channel. And changing it will cure many if not most wifi connection problems.

[MrSnrang]

I find it hard to understand how the OP can be having so many problems with so many different routers/APs.

The Belkin and Linksys units were too low-spec for my needs. They couldn't handle the load of a few phones, 3 or 4 computers and a CCTV box. The Belkin works fine at my other smaller home.

I will not buy another TP-link product again. The first one I had an unusable ADSL connection and access to the router controls was slow and unresponsive. The second one was bricked on arrival. The third one works, but it is still too slow compared to the stock wired modem, and my first Linksys unit.

I suspect there may be some other issue. I am especially concerned when I read about multiple changes to proxy and DNS settings. Most end-users would be well advised to leave all such settings on the default, unless they happen to be network specialists.

Many users on the True ADSL service need to do the proxy dance. If the connection without a proxy is working poorly, True advises to use either of their two proxies but lately people have had trouble with them. Many users use a third-party DNS, especially since True's DNS is unreliable at times. I used openDNS to access Youtube in 2007, and afterwards used Google DNS, but ping to both services averages >400ms. Now I am not using a proxy, or third party DNS but am on default settings. I found an updated firmware for the router, which has improved the connection but it still only gets ~1-1.5 mbps versus 6-7 on the stock True wired modem.

[mikewet88]

I find it hard to understand how the OP can be having so many problems with so many different routers/APs.

The Belkin and Linksys units were too low-spec for my needs. They couldn't handle the load of a few phones, 3 or 4 computers and a CCTV box. The Belkin works fine at my other smaller home.

I will not buy another TP-link product again. The first one I had an unusable ADSL connection and access to the router controls was slow and unresponsive. The second one was bricked on arrival. The third one works, but it is still too slow compared to the stock wired modem, and my first Linksys unit.

I suspect there may be some other issue. I am especially concerned when I read about multiple changes to proxy and DNS settings. Most end-users would be well advised to leave all such settings on the default, unless they happen to be network specialists.

Many users on the True ADSL service need to do the proxy dance. If the connection without a proxy is working poorly, True advises to use either of their two proxies but lately people have had trouble with them. Many users use a third-party DNS, especially since True's DNS is unreliable at times. I used openDNS to access Youtube in 2007, and afterwards used Google DNS, but ping to both services averages >400ms. Now I am not using a proxy, or third party DNS but am on default settings. I found an updated firmware for the router, which has improved the connection but it still only gets ~1-1.5 mbps versus 6-7 on the stock True wired modem.

Just wonder have U try any router that can flash to DD-WRT firmware? If not, U should give it a try. http://www.dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/Main_Page

[nikster]

Don't you have the True supplied Billion router? If so just use that, and use the AP for the WiFi only, e.g. connect it to the Billion router and set it so it only creates a WiFi network.

I've tried 3 different ADSL modems with my TOT line at home, and none of them worked properly (copied all the settings faithfully). The only one that did work with no problems was the one I got from TOT.

Your network will look like this:

internet <---> Billion modem/router <---> WiFi AP <---> devices

PS: I have an Airport Extreme (Apple). It's feature rich and has a super nice interface, but I feel like it sometimes needs resetting. Might be the 3BB-supplied modem though, not sure. My connection always recovers when I reset the modem.

Thanks for the tip with the Buffalo routers, Buffalo is a good brand and having DD-WRT installed by factory is great. Definitely the best modem firmware out there. I used to run DD-WRT-derived Tomato firmware on a WRT54GL. That model is really old by now... but Tomato was indestructible. Never had any issues.

[mikewet88]

Don't you have the True supplied Billion router? If so just use that, and use the AP for the WiFi only, e.g. connect it to the Billion router and set it so it only creates a WiFi network.

I've tried 3 different ADSL modems with my TOT line at home, and none of them worked properly (copied all the settings faithfully). The only one that did work with no problems was the one I got from TOT.

Your network will look like this:

internet <---> Billion modem/router <---> WiFi AP <---> devices

PS: I have an Airport Extreme (Apple). It's feature rich and has a super nice interface, but I feel like it sometimes needs resetting. Might be the 3BB-supplied modem though, not sure. My connection always recovers when I reset the modem.

Thanks for the tip with the Buffalo routers, Buffalo is a good brand and having DD-WRT installed by factory is great. Definitely the best modem firmware out there. I used to run DD-WRT-derived Tomato firmware on a WRT54GL. That model is really old by now... but Tomato was indestructible. Never had any issues.

Ya. I too used tomato firmware on WRT-54GL. I still have the router with me now as backup just in case I want to tweak my Buffalo router for those beta DD-WRT firmware.

The WRT-54GL was well designed and robust. Recent Linksys design are not as good as before.

[MrSnrang]

Don't you have the True supplied Billion router? If so just use that, and use the AP for the WiFi only, e.g. connect it to the Billion router and set it so it only creates a WiFi network.

I would use the supplied Billion router, but the firmware has been tampered with by True and it periodically tries to knock me to their portal page when I try to access pages like Google or Hotmail. It also was quicker to throttle bittorrent speeds and my whole connection after a period of streaming. I bricked one while trying to change the firmware, maybe I should try with my other one.

Recent Linksys design are not as good as before.

Yeah. Their model that looks like a flying saucer was complete crap. I might end up buying a WRT54.

[Gary A]

I have a Linksys WRT54G that I used with Ipstar. Now I am using a USB CAT EVDO modem. Is there any simple way to use the USB modem (CCU-680) with my router. Obviously the router has no USB input port.

[BangkokImages]

"tl;dr: I've had five wireless routers that don't work well; three that don't really work at all."

Your failure rate strongly points to something other than the modem/router. I'm a big fan of the TP-link TD-W8960n or the newer TD-W8961n which just replaced it. With over 13,000 views on it's review, at least 100 different people providing email feedback saying it's cured all their problems.. and this from you is the very first negative feedback I've heard on the model. This doesn't mean your TP-link isn't bad, or it's replacement, or that you won't receive another broken one. But experience is telling me there's another reason.

I'd start with your actual phone lines and every phone jack connected in your system. If you have a phone on the same line, even if another jack, then replace the decoupler. They do go bad, and it's possible one works with one type of router and not another. If you're not using a phone, or the other jacks on the same line, consider disconnecting them. Consider replacing the jack and the phone cord that goes from the jack to the router/modem. Try to sanitize your system the best you can. Look for excess wire leads touching other wire leads, look for loose screws holding the wire leads, look for corrosion, look for anything which isn't picture perfect.

When you say your new TP won't recognize the LAN cable.. have you tried a new LAN cable or different LAN ports? It doesn't matter which one of the four you use.

Good luck solving this.

[MrSnrang]

I'd start with your actual phone lines and every phone jack connected in your system. If you have a phone on the same line, even if another jack, then replace the decoupler. They do go bad, and it's possible one works with one type of router and not another. If you're not using a phone, or the other jacks on the same line, consider disconnecting them. Consider replacing the jack and the phone cord that goes from the jack to the router/modem. Try to sanitize your system the best you can. Look for excess wire leads touching other wire leads, look for loose screws holding the wire leads, look for corrosion, look for anything which isn't picture perfect.

I'll have an electrician take a look at the phone line system here.

When you say your new TP won't recognize the LAN cable.. have you tried a new LAN cable or different LAN ports? It doesn't matter which one of the four you use.

My first TP-Link, w8960N was replaced with a w8961ND that was bricked (no response from any ports/cable/computer). I then went back to the store to get another w8961ND that works, but is still unsatisfactory. I believe that the two 8961ND units I received were refurbished units dude to the condition of the boxes they came in.

[mikewet88]

Don't you have the True supplied Billion router? If so just use that, and use the AP for the WiFi only, e.g. connect it to the Billion router and set it so it only creates a WiFi network.

I would use the supplied Billion router, but the firmware has been tampered with by True and it periodically tries to knock me to their portal page when I try to access pages like Google or Hotmail. It also was quicker to throttle bittorrent speeds and my whole connection after a period of streaming. I bricked one while trying to change the firmware, maybe I should try with my other one.

Recent Linksys design are not as good as before.

Yeah. Their model that looks like a flying saucer was complete crap. I might end up buying a WRT54.

I not suggesting U using any wireless G router because G normally have less range compare to new wireless N. Also offer higher bandwidth. Nowaday, 1080p streaming, wireless file transfer, Airplay and even the printer are connected using wifi.

Also, 1 more tip is that I alway separate my Modem and router/wifi function into 2 devices. Let the modem connect to internet while Router/Wifi be the one to do all the routing, Qos, port forward and so on. This combo had save me few time during thunderstorm. Modem is dirt cheap to replace while good router are at least 2X more expensive.

[BangkokImages]

My first TP-Link, w8960N was replaced with a w8961ND that was bricked (no response from any ports/cable/computer). I then went back to the store to get another w8961ND that works, but is still unsatisfactory. I believe that the two 8961ND units I received were refurbished units dude to the condition of the boxes they came in.

This is upsetting. It's common practice in Pantip and other electronic stores to 're-run' returned computer items through other customers several times to make sure it's really broken. That you were given a returned item is very high. I'd inspect the box and only accept one with original packaging. And be aware, many stores shrink wrap returned items to make them look new.

I'd still do two things.

1. Return that TP and get a new one. They really are great products and I've found nothing that works as good in Thailand.

2. Go over your telephone line wiring, jacks, decouplers, etc.. with a fine tooth comb. If you can communicate with TOT or whoever you're using ask them to run a "signal noise test" or a "signal loss test" from the pole to the exact jack you're using. Thai wiring is often poor quality, I've seen all kinds of issues.. and Thai expectations for phone lines is often very low. It's not unusual to have to sort this stuff out when you first move into a new place. In fact, I've had to correct telephone line issues with every new home in Thailand I've lived in. In my last condo (32 floors with a jumble of phone line infrastructure) they had to test over 12 lines (internal lines in the building) to find one working well enough to support their 16mbps service.

Good luck with it all.

[BangkokImages]

Don't you have the True supplied Billion router? If so just use that, and use the AP for the WiFi only, e.g. connect it to the Billion router and set it so it only creates a WiFi network.

I would use the supplied Billion router, but the firmware has been tampered with by True and it periodically tries to knock me to their portal page when I try to access pages like Google or Hotmail. It also was quicker to throttle bittorrent speeds and my whole connection after a period of streaming. I bricked one while trying to change the firmware, maybe I should try with my other one.

Recent Linksys design are not as good as before.

Yeah. Their model that looks like a flying saucer was complete crap. I might end up buying a WRT54.

Also, 1 more tip is that I alway separate my Modem and router/wifi function into 2 devices. Let the modem connect to internet while Router/Wifi be the one to do all the routing, Qos, port forward and so on. This combo had save me few time during thunderstorm. Modem is dirt cheap to replace while good router are at least 2X more expensive.

Using your modem as a surge suppressor is inventive. But it's probably better to just run the line through a UPS device or other surge protection device designed for such things.

[MrSnrang]

I've finally come to a solution. I bought a D-Link DIR655 wireless router for 2,700 baht at Paradise Park. I then found the True-supplied modem (BiPAC 5200S) and flashed it with the stock firmware to get rid of the True Landing page. I turned off firewall/DHCP/uPnP/all other router features and set it to bridge mode. The D-Link DIR-655 takes care of the PPPoE connection from there. DNS is set to OpenDNS and I haven't needed to use a proxy server yet. A speed test from speedtest.net to a server in Bangkok immediately showed consistent speeds that maxed out my connection with the bonus of a much lower latency. I get a consistent 6-7 mbps download speed, while the TP-link units got 4-5 mbps half the time and could barely average 0.5mbps most of the time.

I may use the TP-Link W8961ND later as a wireless bridge, but for now it is put away in its box. After my experience with three specimens of their products, I will make sure I never buy a TP-Link product again. I am almost certain that the replacements I received from their service center were both faulty units that other customers returned. I feel bad for the poor saps who end up with the bricked 8961 and my unresponsive 8960.

I have to thank you all for your help.