Combined VDSL Modem & Router

I'm looking for a combined VDSL modem/router, but don't need wifi. The reason for this is that I've been having issues with using an access point alongside the router's wifi (seen this problem with vodafone router and TP-Link & Netgear). I'll be buying another AP (Ubiquiti Unifi) for all my wifi, however I don't want to buy all Unifi kit as this will involve a separate modem, router and switch (too many plugs and wires!).

So, to keep the number of boxes down to a minimum, I was hoping to get a combined VDSL modem and router. Are there any decent non-wifi versions out there or is it just as good to buy one with wifi and just turn it off?

I'm on a Huawei cabinet if that makes any difference.

I've been having issues with using an access point alongside the router's wifi (seen this problem with vodafone router and TP-Link & Netgear).

Can't you just disable their wifi? If not, just have a different SSID for your WAP?

the original openreach hg612 modems can be unlocked and configured as a router

Hi - thanks for the reply.

I'm currently using the Vodafone router with wifi off (having returned the TP-Link/Netgear as I was trying to get a 'single box' solution), but it's not the best router. So, the idea is to connect two APs to the modem/router and was wondering what to replace the vodafone router with.

Not a very powerful one, and can have problems with that if on a high-sync line. In any case the modem component looks to give significantly lower connection speeds than more modern kit.

A few also seem to be beginning to degrade and possible fail.

In reply to a post by ggremlin:

the original openreach hg612 modems can be unlocked and configured as a router

Didn't realise they could be converted to a router too. Assume they need to be unlocked first. Does this give features you'd see on a 'standard' router, such as DHCP, address reservation, port forwarding etc.?

Now you need to tell us what you consider "the best router", else we don't know what is wrong with the Vodafone and may recommend something you won't like once you have it .

They only have two 100Mbps ethernet ports don't forget when used in combo/mode. So your WAPs would be a bit hampered.

Edited by RobertoS (Thu 22-Jun-17 15:01:44)

Yes a basic modem/router without wifi but you won't find much online help as they are locked down as a modem by default

Edited by deleted (Thu 22-Jun-17 15:13:12)

In reply to a post by RobertoS:

Now you need to tell us what you consider "the best router", else we don't know what is wrong with the Vodafone and may recommend something you won't like once you have it .

I'm not looking for Enterprise-grade! However, there's been enough reports on the VF router dropping connection etc., plus it doesn't have any QoS capability. Other than that I just want a modem/router that syncs well and is stable and has most of the standard features you get from the main manufacturers, e.g. DHCP, address reservation, QoS, port forwarding, UPnP etc. I've some devices wired (NAS, console, Sonos, blu-ray), plus handful of wireless. Nothing out of the ordinary.

One option is to buy a Netgear D6220 or TP-Link VR600 as these have decent functionality, but I obviously don't need their wifi. Is there a better/cheaper alternative or do these represent decent modem/routers even though I won't use the wifi?

The TP-Link w9970 is cheaper

In reply to a post by BatBoy:

The TP-Link w9970 is cheaper

Unfortunately, it doesn't have gigabit LAN ports. Everything else I've got has, so this would be a bottleneck.

In reply to a post by mattan:

In reply to a post by BatBoy:

The TP-Link w9970 is cheaper

Unfortunately, it doesn't have gigabit LAN ports. Everything else I've got has, so this would be a bottleneck.

How fast is your broadband exactly?

In reply to a post by BatBoy:

In reply to a post by mattan:

In reply to a post by BatBoy:

The TP-Link w9970 is cheaper

Unfortunately, it doesn't have gigabit LAN ports. Everything else I've got has, so this would be a bottleneck.

How fast is your broadband exactly?

It's not so much the internet connection, more the amount of traffic on the LAN. It makes sense for the router as the 'hub' be able to cope with this.

Oh, I think I understand your network setup a bit better.

You want a modem/router with no wifi and have the wifi provided by two unifi WAPs, each plugged into a LAN port on the router?

Nothing else plugged into the LAN ports on the router?

All clients to access the network over wifi?

The first router I bought for broadband in the days when ISPs did not supply routers did not have Wifi.

These days the domestic market for routers that don't have Wifi is probably very small.

Depending on the type of FTTC cabinet that you are connected to, you might want to choose a router that does g.inp. I would think that most products would let you disable the Wifi if you really want,

In reply to a post by BatBoy:

Oh, I think I understand your network setup a bit better.

You want a modem/router with no wifi and have the wifi provided by two unifi WAPs, each plugged into a LAN port on the router?

Nothing else plugged into the LAN ports on the router?

All clients to access the network over wifi?

Almost. Correct about the two WAPs. Also wired to the router (some via switches) are sonos speaker, nas, console and blu-ray player. Other devices, such as phones/tablets will connect over wifi.

That's interesting. I'm guessing you also have some powerline adapters in the mix. A one box solution seems a bit of a waste of time given all those other boxes.

With the unifi WAP's I'm unsure you could roam between the two without a web controller box as well.

Personally I would go for the cheaper W9970 and add a separate gigabit switch if the number of ethernet ports is a problem. This would allow you to swap out the modem / router without disruption.

Thanks for your input, that's not a bad idea.

As far as I'm aware, the APs only need the controller software running to make configuration amendments, but worth a double check! Thanks.

On the other hand either of those two routers you mentioned - the negear or the tplink - would be fine as they have the broadcom chipset