Recommendations on modem/router

[Polanskiman]

Hello,

I am looking for advice from experienced users on a good, reliable, fast modem/router that wont ruin me (around 3/4k Baht).

Alternatively what would be a good combo modem + router (2 separate devices).

Thank you.

[Polanskiman]

Omitted to mention: the modem should be DSL, not cable.

[RichCor]

Realy depends on your actual needs:

adsl2+
Router (NAT + Firewall, open port configurable)

WiFi 150/300mbps 2.4 or 2.4/5 GHz

4-Port Ethernet

Pretty partial to ASUS devices.

[Polanskiman]

Hi RichCor,

Indeed. ADSL2+ is probably the base. it's for a home internet, movie streaming, IP camera, etc. Therefore wifi must be fast and with good range. 4 Ports 1Gb/s if possible. Router MUST be configurable (NAT, firewall and so on).

Saw the link you posted. Any model you would recommend in particular?

[RichCor]

Again, it depends on your needs.

If you live in a congested WiFi area (many close WiFi neighbors) and your other equipment is 5GHz compatible then you might want to look into Dual Band WiFi.

Will you have a 'Home Media Server' to store video/music for later? Then you'll need to focus on the higher WiFi speed multi-antenna routers.

Internet steaming will be limited to the speeds of your domestic and international Internet connection. Most any router will work fine.

I download torrents and sometime watch live-streams but don't have a home media server so use just basic cost Modem/Router/WiFi units, and these work fine for me. I rotate between a basic TP-Link, a ZyXEL, and an ASUS RT-N12. (We recently converted to Fiber so only use these devices to provide WiFi).

As you have the IP Cameras, you probably just need to make sure the Router has DDNS (can update a remote Dynamic Domain Name Service with your currently issued WAN IP address) so you can access the Cameras, or have another method available for remote access.

[fritzzz25]

Also, do you plan on running a VPN connection in order to mask your location for streaming services? If so, you may want to look at a router compatible with DD-WRT or Tomato firmware. I use Tomato Shibby on my Netgear R7000 along with VyprVPN custom setup for it, and it is amazingly easy to use.

[RichCor]

Also, do you plan on running a VPN connection in order to mask your location for streaming services? If so, you may want to look at a router compatible with DD-WRT or Tomato firmware. I use Tomato Shibby on my Netgear R7000 along with VyprVPN custom setup for it, and it is amazingly easy to use.

This is true, especially if you'll have more than just a single computer (that can manage its own VPN).

If you plan on using SKY iptv Set Top Boxes, Roku, Chromecast, Amazon FireTV, or other normally Geo-Restricted devices then you'll want a router that either supports VPN or can swap the firmware. This may require having separate devices, an adsl2+ Modem bridged to a VPN-capable Router/WiFi.

[Polanskiman]

I do not need any VPN capability.

[Polanskiman]

I ended up taking the Asus DSL-N55U_C1 which is a modem/router but can be used as a stand alone router if needed. If you guys have a recommendation on a stand alone modem brand/model (which is sold in Thailand) please let me know. Thank you.

[2fishin2]

Why would you want a stand alone modem? The combo is the only way to go anymore. Do they even sell a stand alone modem? Would be a waster....

[RichCor]

Shouldn't be a need for the separate Modem, unless the ISP has some *special* (stupid/idiotic) configuration that only their equipment seems to work with.

For most adsl installations in Thailand, most any off-the-shelf adsl2+ modem/router or modem/router/WiFi will work fine. Otherwise just use the modem that comes from the ISP for the service as it can be used stand-alone or *usually* placed in "Bridge Mode" and used with a separate Router or Router/WiFi if you have other needs.

[Polanskiman]

Why would you want a stand alone modem? The combo is the only way to go anymore. Do they even sell a stand alone modem? Would be a waster....

Shouldn't be a need for the separate Modem, unless the ISP has some *special* (stupid/idiotic) configuration that only their equipment seems to work with.

For most adsl installations in Thailand, most any off-the-shelf adsl2+ modem/router or modem/router/WiFi will work fine. Otherwise just use the modem that comes from the ISP for the service as it can be used stand-alone or *usually* placed in "Bridge Mode" and used with a separate Router or Router/WiFi if you have other needs.

It's not a matter of need. It's a matter of efficiency. Having a separate modem has several benefits, among others to be able to reset the DSL line without having to reset the whole local network but also being able to pint point problems more efficiently.

Edited April 10, 2015 by Polanskiman