Replacing BT HH... Best approach

Hi

Currently on FTTC Infinity 2 and I think it's time to ditch the BT HH.

Just wondering on the best approach?

Currently have everything set up at a node zero with about 24 cat 6 runs throughout the house to main PC points and TV points. Expecting fairly heavy domestic use ... 5/6 iOS devices , 3 laptops , 4 smart TVs , Sky , two xboxs etc.

Expect we will be streaming 4K in the future.

New router will need to have decent coverage... HH struggles to reach some of the far flung corners of the house at the moment.

I have a few old BT infinity modems tucked away in a cupboard... Is it better to go separate modem and router or combined?

Happy to take any recommendation on what model to buy also ? Budget £100-£200 (give or take )

I find it best to have a separate modem and router because it gives you a lot more choice of routers, rather than only ones having a modem built in.

This one has Mu-MIMO https://www.amazon.co.uk/ASUS-RT-AC87U-Dual-Band-Wir...

Do you know which cabinet you are connected to, ECI or Huawei?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/TP-LINK-Archer-VR900-Wirele...

Can recommend this

not sure about other all in ones.

HI - looks like a Huawei - whats the significance?

In reply to a post by Wonky:

HI - looks like a Huawei - whats the significance?

As a Huawei cabinet uses a Broadcom chipset then using a broadcom based modem such as a Huawei HG612 will most likely (but not guaranteed) give you the optimum sync rate as well as stability.

If you're willing to spend a couple of hundred quid then go for a modem such as HG612 and pair that up with arguably the best standalone router out there, the Netgear R7800 and your VDSL2 connection will be on steroids

https://www.amazon.co.uk/NETGEAR-R7800-100UKS-Nighth...

Edited by deleted (Tue 07-Jun-16 12:13:36)

How desperate are you to upgrade?

BT are expected to release their new Smart Hub as a successor to the HH5 - and most assume it will feature upgraded WiFi - so you may want to hold off until that is released before you make a decision (as they tend to be much cheaper than 3rd party models)

Have you actually compared the nighthawk in real life to the HH5?

The reason I ask is I have, and the nighthawk refused to connect in my back room on 5Ghz, where my HH5A connects fine with an RSSI of -86db but managed 25Mbps download speed and no drop outs. I do not argue the nighthawk throughput is better, but range was extremely disappointing for me.

I used a slightly worse version of the nighthawk.

In reply to a post by ukhardy07:

I used a slightly worse version of the nighthawk.

Do you mean you're actually referring to a different router and not the Netgear R7800?

If so, which model?

Yes D7000 and x6

Antennas appear the same.

Thanks. I'm looking for a new router and as your negative comments are about a different model, I'll still consider the R7800