Should I go for a DrayTek

I've been using a Netgear DG814 for the last 4 years. First on 512 then 2Mbs and now ADSLmax. No real problems, however noticed the other day that my Voyager 105 which I bought because my DG814 cannot give line stats, syncs about 0.8Mbps faster than the DG814.

So, perhaps a new modem/router is called for? DrayTek seem to have a good reputation. However, what are they like in squeezing the most from a line?

Thanks.

Clive

The modems in the Drayteks are not the best by all reports. I would go for either a ST585v6 (if you like tweaking) or a 2 wire 2700HGV (unlocked BT Business Hub is a rebadged 2wire), although pretty much untweakable, default performance is excellent.

Just to answer that in my experience, on short, high quality lines the Draytek would be v stable, however, I think they have trouble with longer lines. I have two of the old 2600 series on two ADSL Max lines - both quite short, and have had great performance. Still do. Can't answer for the 2800 series however.

I agree, a lot depends on the OPs line stats. I have a 2800 on a poor line: SNR 5-11dB, ATTN 56dB.

At the outset it was very unstable but Draytek offer a variety of firmware and you can also use telnet to tweak the settings with maxdnr and codinggain. After a lot of trial and error I settled on the E.67.2.40 firmware and used maxdnr to force the sync down to 2880000 with maximum codinggain. This gives me a consistent profile of 2500.

Generally things are stable but on a bad day it will resync. Last week it had one resync in 7 days, but bad weather does affect things. YMMV of course.

I think there are more people on these boards who are familiar with the Speedtouch series and how to tweak them, but if you need the Draytek features (PAT, VPN etc), your line stats are good and you don't mind experimenting, then the Draytek should be OK. Otherwise go for the Speedtouch.

FWIW the Draytek 2700s are supposed to be better on poor lines as they use a different chipset. However, I have no experience of tweaking one - assuming it is possible.

Hope this helps

The DrayTek 2600 series routers have a good reputation for stability on long lines (particularly with the special firmware). The 2800 series may not have the same reputation.

I have not heard of anybody claiming better speeds because of using a Draytek.

You can still get a good price on a 2600 from DSLdepot.
(They are B-Grade, used or refubished equipment, but everything I have bought works fine.)

I should point out that you can't tweak the 2600 the same as you can with the 2800s.

I used to have a 2600 which was very reliable with a standard 2mps connection. It failed (circa 4 years use) just before Demon went over to max Having had good service, I had no hesitation in buying a 2800, but having a poor line I do find you need to nurture them to get the best results. Check out the Dryatek forums (registration required).

http://www.draytek.co.uk/forum/index.php?sid=77991ed0a8c3cf141309a79564732aa3

Edited by Tacitus (Wed 25-Apr-07 11:45:51)

An interesting point.

I have not tried any tweaks, as I am really more interested in stability than download speed.

Don't forget you're not necessarily tweaking to gain speed, you can also lower the sync speed to gain a higher SNR margin and thus a more stable connection. This was pretty much what I had to do. Left on default settings it will sync at the maximum possible which may be at a relatively low SNR. It's swings and roundabouts really.

From posts on these boards I think tweaking the 585 works the other way. Using the DMT tool you alter the SNR to adjust the speed. Not having used a 585 I don't really know, so someone else will have to comment.

That said I don't think the 2800s have a very high reputation for stability. The Speedtouch seems to be the one for stability but whether that extends across the range (the 608 seems to be the nearest equivalent to the 2800 for features), I don't know.

ADSL max seems to have caught Draytek out for some reason. According to their forum new firmware is on the way, but it seems a long time coming....

Edited by Tacitus (Thu 26-Apr-07 08:42:39)

In reply to:

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From posts on these boards I think tweaking the 585 works the other way. Using the DMT tool you alter the SNR to adjust the speed. Not having used a 585 I don't really know, so someone else will have to comment.

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Yes you are right.

With the 585 and the DMT tool you can tweak the noise margin and increasing the noise margin gives you a lower speed and more stability and lowering the noise margin gives you higher speed and compromises stability.

The settings are quite sensitive and so only a small variation should be tried out at a time.

http://i10.tinypic.com/44a20ax.jpg