ADSL24 FTTC Router Question

Hi guys, I'm already with ADSL24, with standard ADSL currently, and mulling over an upgrade to the FTTC package which has just gone live in my area.

This will require a new router - for which ADSL24 recommends certain routers:

http://adsl24.co.uk/support/fttc/

Out of these I'd probably go for a NetGear, but these are of course older models (the WNR2000, WNR3500L). What's wrong with the newer ones, exactly, can anyone enlighten me as to why these ones are recommended?

Particularly given that IPV6 is on the way - I believe some sites will be using the protocol next year, and doesn't that mean a router upgrade then, if yours doesn't support IPV6 (and I believe the above Netgear models don't)?

The router I'm tempted by is the ASUS RT-N66U, although I realise that is a pricey one, it'll hopefully last and has IPV6 support, read nothing but good things about it.

Anyone running this with an ADSL24 FTTC connection? Or am I advised to stick to the "recommended" routers, would love to hear any advice, or from James if he reads this....

Many thanks for any feedback in advance

I can't answer the basic question, but can tell you that it being ADSL24 is sort of irrelevant.

There are only three types of FTTC connection. BT Wholesale (WBC/WBMC), TalkTalk and Sky. The ADSL24 one will be WBC, which all except TT and Sky are as well. So the choice of router is just what the tech support at any particular ISP have decided they can recommend and train their staff to support. Obviously no ISP can assess and support every router on the market.

There is no underlying technical reason that I'm aware of.

Listen to what RobertoS has said - it is all there.

As for the ASUS - a quick review says yes it should be fine. However, wait until just before your connection uis upgraded and then if you do find an issue it is easy enough to return it.

I just bought an Asus N66U, very impressed.
Really good wifi signal strength, mine is currently only on 60mw power (out of 100mw for EU) and its the strongest signal I've had with any kit. (opposite corner of the house downstairs from the router)
Web interface is ok, lots of options but if you're into your Linux (I'm a Linux software dev) you can telnet to the box and you've got root access.
I've been using that to write my own scripts to monitor kit and custom ipv6 firewall rules.
The feature where you can plug in a USB drive and schedule downloads (http, FTP, BitTorrent, usenet) overnight when you might get a better bandwidth cap or lower contention has been quite useful.

I bought it thinking I was going to stick ddwrt or tomato on it but really it's quite configurable as is.

You can demo the GUI on Asus' website here:
http://service.asus.com/demoui/RT%2DN66U/EN/index.html

I'm currently using it on virgin media 50mb, but it's also been on a 1gb link when I wanted to test the throughput, I got just over 850mbps routing from wan to lan. (I suspect it was the server that bottlenecked it a bit)
In a few days time it is going to its final home on an AAISP FTTC connection. (customers of theirs will appriciate why I like the Asus can do my downloads between 2am and 6am for me!)

Edited by drws (Thu 21-Jun-12 21:35:58)

In reply to a post by drws:

I just bought an Asus N66U, very impressed.

That looks like a very nice router... I'm running a Billion 7800N at the moment, but I miss the 5GHz band

Probably overkill for my needs and not cheap, but what the hell- I've only got one router at the moment, I feel much less vulnerable when I've got two

Have you got a cricket box?

No, but I like to cover all points in case the Billion throws a googly and I end up with ashes

Hi guys, thanks for your responses, that all makes sense

In reply to a post by drws:

I just bought an Asus N66U, very impressed.

I've been looking at a few reviews... generally very good, but this one indicates that it doesn't work too well with IPv6 (firmware version 3.1.0.76 according to the screenshot).

Is this something you've been able to check?

(I see you've been using it with Virgin, not sure if they support IPv6)

I'm still on 3.0.0.3.112 at the moment, which is the latest stable release on Asus' website.
3.1.x.x is the beta firmware.
in release notes for 3.0.0.3.108 an IPv6 fix was applied. Which was released after the last 3.1.x.x beta firmware.
http://uk.asus.com/Networks/Wireless_Routers/RTN66U/...

Going to move it over to my FTTC connection (from VM) this weekend where I can use the IPv6. (I've got several ipv6 servers on the net so I need it to work as well.)

I'll update in a few days...