In reply to a post by MrSaffron:

To be honest if streaming 4K TV then to ensure no issues you want to be using Ethernet, no matter how expensive the WiFi router, since WiFi will always be prone to interruption.

Thanks Andrew,

I do plan to have a wired network with points adjacent to the TV, so that is fine. I'm connecting them through a patch panel and a NETGEAR GS608-400UKS 8 Port Gigabit Ethernet 10/100/1000 Mbps Switch.

Is the router not important enough to pay a premium for then?

If you go with BT give the home hub 5 a try before you buy another router.

AC wifi and gigabit Ethernet mean it's pretty good for an ISP supplied device.

In reply to a post by janner58:

I do plan to have a wired network with points adjacent to the TV, so that is fine. I'm connecting them through a patch panel and a NETGEAR GS608-400UKS 8 Port Gigabit Ethernet 10/100/1000 Mbps Switch.

Is the router not important enough to pay a premium for then?

8-port?

If it is not too late, think about putting in significantly more than that.

For example, where you want the TV - four ports as you may have TV, DVD player/recorder, multimedia player ... Other places in the lounge, a couple more pairs, bedrooms/study two or four in each, even the kitchen should be considered. Plus any large utility or store rooms - to connect to any intruder alarms or home automation. If you do not do it now, you will be cursing in a few years.

Think about the loft, or high points in the house such as stair wells - you can then site a WAP there to give decent Wi-Fi coverage.

I originally went, what some might consider, over the top. However 6 or so years later, I am happy although I have found a couple of places where I actually need additional connectivity.

And remember, Wi-Fi is laggy and variable in speed. Not something to use when a consistent high data rate is required for streaming - just use that for iPads/tablets/phones &c. Wired is always best for consistency.

Yes, I realise the need for future proofing. - hence the patch panel. Install several wired network points now and terminate them all in the patch panel. I can then add to (or replace) the Netgear switch easily as more of the points are required.

Good, at least run the cables in!

I have 2x24 patch panels wired fully and a third about to be installed.

For VDSL2 if not trying to break records for WiFi and critical kit is using Ethernet then almost any of the currently available routers will suffice.

The bigger question is over which have the most stable VDSL2 side. If you want to have gold plated then the best solution is a separate VDSL2 modem and standalone router. Since the modem can be cheaper and is the risky bit i.e. killed by lightning or outdated by changes to VDSL2 standard, but the investment in expensive router can survice all the way from VDSL2 to Gigabit fibre premium

Very true, surprising how many complain about a £1/m rise in phone/broadband price but splurge £150+ on their own kit without blinking an eye,

In reply to a post by MrSaffron:

Very true, surprising how many complain about a £1/m rise in phone/broadband price but splurge £150+ on their own kit without blinking an eye,

One of them is voluntary and results in something you can touch and feel, the other isn't and is just a steady drip to some faceless organisation... there's no rule that says people have to be logical

In reply to a post by MHC:

And remember, Wi-Fi is laggy and variable in speed. Not something to use when a consistent high data rate is required for streaming - just use that for iPads/tablets/phones &c. Wired is always best for consistency.

Sorry but that's rubbish, we are living in 2016 not in 2001 ie wifi technology has signficantly improved. Whilst I agree that wired is always preferable to wireless, using a high end 802.11ac Mu-Mimo router will give you wifi speeds which are more than adequate for HD streaming provided you're not living in a >5 floor mansion and choose the right channel . For example, in our 3 floor house we have 2 TVs connected to MAG IPTV boxes and they get all sky channels streamed wirelessly in HD without any buffering at all...router (Linksys EA8500) is on ground floor and TV's are on floors 1 and 2. So its bit of a sweeping statement to say ALL wifi is bad when it clearly depends on what type of router your have. I suspect you might be referring to wifi on mass market ISP supplied routers (hardly top end) or £19.99 routers you get from Argos.

Edited by deleted (Sat 28-May-16 11:25:21)

No it is not.

There is still significant lag in a WiFi system compared to a fully wired. There is no getting away from it.

You have no personal control over a WiFi link - there will always be competition for channels, users on the same channels will be trying to use the same bandwidth. We have systems in place which can deliver very high data rates, however, for critical activities including video streaming we use fixed wiring or fibre. And no I am not talking about cheap end systems.