Replacing a Netgear DG834PN modem.router combo - advice

[darybrain]

Hey gang,

My current DG834PN modem/router which I've been using for years seems to be dying as it is dropping wireless devices on a daily basis at random times/events with the only solution being to reboot the router. It also no longer detects my TV and Sky box. I have 1 wired desktop PC which never as any issues. I have also been seeing performance issues on websites that rarely had issues before although this may possibly be their end, content, my ISP, etc, etc, rather than the router itself. I am still only on 8Mbps broadband. My other wireless devices are 2 WIn 7 PCs, an iPad 3, and a bunch of Apple/Android phones.

So I'm looking for suggestions on replacements with some future proofing when I can afford to move to fibre optics as many reviews for ISP supplied versions paint a poor light. Should I still get a modem/router combo? Clearly there is a much larger selection if I get just a router. My current ISP supplied me with a USB powered modem so would I still be able to use this if this is plugged into a router or do I need to buy another modem as well? If I need to buy another modem does this mean I need an extra power point? I'm not worried about price right now, more of healthy consistent range. I've been looking at the Netgear Nighthawk X4 AC1900/AC2350 and X6 AC3200. The X6 does look stupidly priced, but the price variation on sites is also very large with some only marginally more than the X4. Later in August 2015 there will be a modem/combo version of the X4 called D7000.

Any advice would be appreciated. My networking know-how is not great.

 

[bobsilver]

I always suggest separating the modem from the router. In my view that allows greatest flexibility.

Of the routers you are looking at the sweet spot s the AC1900 which is the Netgear Nighthawk R7000. The X4 and X6 you mention differ this way. The X4 is a 4 radio system thereby giving it the increased speed to the AC2350. The X6 is a 6 radio system that provides dual 5ghz bands that is good if you have a lot of wireless devices running simultaneously.

Note that to take advantage of these speeds you must have a compatible client device. There isnt anything on the market that I know of that will take advantage of the X4. So the choice there is for having the latest in technology. The X6 is great if you have a lot of devices on your network that use the 5ghz band. Otherwise its a mute point.

The sweet spot is the AC1900 in performance and value. I would suggest you look at The Nighthawk R7000. Its rock solid and performs great. Its the best rated routed router by many. The firmware is stable and the performance superb. Plus its the least expensive of what you list.

Dont get caught up on latest greatest. The R7000 is the oldest product but as I said by many its the best.

Bob Silver
Netgear Advisor

 

[darybrain]

Bob,

Thanks for the info. I only went with a router/modem combo because I wasn't sure if I needed 2 power points. If there are devices on the market for the X6, I don't understand why there wouldn't be for the X4, although I could just be being thick. I'm presuming I can plug my USB DSL modem supplied by my original ISP into the R7000 or would I have to get a new one? Will the router power the modem? I'm also assuming that the D7000 I mentioned is simply a R7000 with a modem built in? I'll have to check my devices for 5ghz usage, but I'm currently seeing that the R7000 is 40% cheaper than the X6 so if the range is good, that's a good enough reason to stick with the R7000.

 

[bobsilver]

Bob,

Thanks for the info. I only went with a router/modem combo because I wasn't sure if I needed 2 power points. If there are devices on the market for the X6, I don't understand why there wouldn't be for the X4, although I could just be being thick. I'm presuming I can plug my USB DSL modem supplied by my original ISP into the R7000 or would I have to get a new one? Will the router power the modem? I'm also assuming that the D7000 I mentioned is simply a R7000 with a modem built in? I'll have to check my devices for 5ghz usage, but I'm currently seeing that the R7000 is 40% cheaper than the X6 so if the range is good, that's a good enough reason to stick with the R7000.