High Range Wifi Modem

Hello, guys I've a BSNL Broadband connection and ZTE-ZXDSL-531B router wifi modem that comes with BSNL. The problem is that the signal drops after moving 10 feet plus.
So, I planned to spend money on a modem which should perform high range of connectivity, with at least two antennas.
My budget is not sure but I want pure performance, it should not be expensive and issues. Also I'm kinda newbie in networking so I need a guide to set password protection for wifi.
As I searched on internet market, I saw D-Link DSL-2750U, I want to how it is? Is it compatible with USB portable HDD to download torrents and how?

And what is the difference between 150mbps or 300mbps modem? I've 4Mbps connection.

M

rider said:
Hello, guys I've a BSNL Broadband connection and ZTE-ZXDSL-531B router wifi modem that comes with BSNL. The problem is that the signal drops after moving 10 feet plus.
So, I planned to spend money on a modem which should perform high range of connectivity, with at least two antennas.
My budget is not sure but I want pure performance, it should not be expensive and issues. Also I'm kinda newbie in networking so I need a guide to set password protection for wifi.
As I searched on internet market, I saw D-Link DSL-2750U, I want to how it is? Is it compatible with USB portable HDD to download torrents and how?

And what is the difference between 150mbps or 300mbps modem? I've 4Mbps connection.

Do NOT get DLink! Repeat - Stay AWAY from DLink.

You can try tplink w8961nd - should be around 1900-2100... or try Asus/Buffalo..
Or specify your budget if you are willing to spend higher.

Lots of networking tuts on this forum - search - ico has a great one I think - for specific problems, you can always post here.

150mbps or 300 mbps wont matter too much unless you want to build your own internal network (tv pc phone tablet inter-connectivity etc.)

TP-Link TD-W8961N 300Mbps Wireless N ADSL2+ Modem Router review | Modem routers Reviews | TechRadar

techradar gave poor review for TP-Link

One other thing is would I able to connect my portable HDD with that and how it will be able to download torrent stuff? I need help as I want to use this feature.

D-Link has good reviews and 4.5 star in flipkart rating, why you saying to keep away?

If you want USB option then look for Asus RT13NU. D-Link has got many disconnection problems.

saswat23 said:
If you want USB option then look for Asus RT13NU. D-Link has got many disconnection problems.

How is the range of asus? and how will i use USB HDD feature?

Asus model has no antenna, how can I trust it will give me performance like D-link or TP-Link.

dashing.sujay said:
No idea about TP Link, but since I own Asus N13U I can tell you about it.

Some points about it:

Router is performing perfectly well, at least for me.

No range issues, again at least for me (but I agree it has got bad range compared to other routers in this range, thanks to the internal antenna. But still, I am able to make it work across 3 floors; 2,3(router),4. PS: Range problem should be vertically, if it'd be there, not horizontally, I believe.)

Asus firmware is perfectly stable.

Download master is working pretty well including p2p.

There are all the advanced options which I will or may use. (And probably you too)

Finally it will void the warranty if I chose ddwrt.

Above points also explain why I shouldn't upgrade to ddwrt.

Now reasons why I should upgrade to ddwrt.

You must have read that Asus firmware is buggy, but the actual culprit is DM

Reasons >

It doesn't supports resume after a power cut, you have to do it manually.

Plus it supports only FAT32, can't say about ext3. That means I can't download files > 4GB. So think, what's the purpose of p2p download, if you can't DL > 4GB files ?

Still, its good or arguably best in this range.

PS: I'm still DLing 24/7

.....

And what is the difference between 150mbps or 300mbps modem?

For faster WLAN transfers.

Also I'm kinda newbie in networking so I need a guide to set password protection for wifi.

> Go to router's setting page (192.168.1.1), enter id and pass (look for default id and pass in manual).

> Under wireless settings, there will be options to give a password, chose encryption level (WPE, WPA, WPA-PSK,WPA2-PSK), choose the last.

> Save it.

> More security can be done by hiding SSID and enabling mac filtering. (normal users won't need it tbh)

M

rider said:
TP-Link TD-W8961N 300Mbps Wireless N ADSL2+ Modem Router review | Modem routers Reviews | TechRadar

techradar gave poor review for TP-Link One other thing is would I able to connect my portable HDD with that and how it will be able to download torrent stuff? I need help as I want to use this feature.

D-Link has good reviews and 4.5 star in flipkart rating, why you saying to keep away?

Techradar's review is more than a year old. The firmware has been upgraded since then, even the model design itself has changed. Wireless performance (the main negative in the techradar review) has improved a lot.

Anyway it does not have a USB port. There is a higher version of this product which does - I dont remember the model no. right now but you can check the tplink website.

You could also use Asus RTN13U but thats only a router, not router-cum-modem. You could use two devices like the 13U and the 8961N or get a single device. Asus' products generally work great when you dump some custom firmware (DD/Tomato/Open WRT) in them.

Both Asus and TPLink have good wireless range. At least in my experience.

DLink will frustrate you no end - stay away - forget all reviews - trust what users are saying here - many have suffered.

Check dashing.sujay's post - if you want 2 device solution.

thanks dashing.sujay and mario

dashing.sujay said:
.....

For faster WLAN transfers.

> Go to router's setting page (192.168.1.1), enter id and pass (look for default id and pass in manual).

> Under wireless settings, there will be options to give a password, chose encryption level (WPE, WPA, WPA-PSK,WPA2-PSK), choose the last.

> Save it.

> More security can be done by hiding SSID and enabling mac filtering. (normal users won't need it tbh)

As you can see I use to have ZTE-ZXDSL-531B which is modem cum router and that asus one is just a router so this means I need to buy a modem separate? And what do you want to say that the USB? The above reasons
*It doesn't supports resume after a power cut, you have to do it manually.
*Plus it supports only FAT32, can't say about ext3. That means I can't download files > 4GB. So think, what's the purpose of p2p download, if you can't DL > 4GB files ?
is after DDWRT or before? I have to download torrent files that are above 4GB, that's the main priority.

And for no features of USB how is *www.tp-link.com.au/products/details/?model=tl-wr841n

M

rider said:
is after DDWRT or before?

Before DD of course.

As you can see I use to have ZTE-ZXDSL-531B which is modem cum router and that asus one is just a router so this means I need to buy a modem separate?

No, just use it in repeater "mode".

And what do you want to say that the USB? The above reasons
*It doesn't supports resume after a power cut, you have to do it manually.
*Plus it supports only FAT32, can't say about ext3. That means I can't download files > 4GB. So think, what's the purpose of p2p download, if you can't DL > 4GB files ?
is after DDWRT or before? I have to download torrent files that are above 4GB, that's the main priority.

I guess you didn't read my post carefully. The above status is on stock F/W, i.e. before upgrading to ddwrt. After you upgrade, all the issues are resolved. But you loose the full 3 yr warranty.

Mario said:
Before DD of course.

So, i dont want to use ddwrt, it seems to have more disadvantages.
Can you tell me what device i was using before ( ZTE-ZXDSL-531B ) Wireless N Routers or Wireless N Access Points? Whats the difference?

I've got the D-Link DSL-2750U, bought it to replace the Belkin 802.11g Wireless Router, I wanted more range, as my room is one floor above where the router is. but the dlink has the same range as the belkin when it goes through many walls. I get internet but the status is poor or fair mostly. also the dlink drops the connection randomly for no apparent reason, I have to manually switch it off and on again. the usb does not support p2p, it only supports dlink 3g dongle (bsnl evdo, micromax 3g dongle...etc will not work)........I suggest you don't buy this and look else where, look at Asus RT-N13U as suggested above, its only a router, you can use your bsnl ZTE-ZXDSL-531B as the modem and asus for wireless....

rider said:
So, i dont want to use ddwrt, it seems to have more disadvantages.

You got it wrong mate.

No guys I need a modem cum router. And I found TP-LINK TL-WR841N is good on paper, the only disadvantage is it has no USB? It is costing me 1.7k and the cheapest modem cum router with USB feature TP-LINK TL-WR1043ND for 3.6k.
I want know the performance of both these devices, how is it overall.

rider said:
I have to download torrent files that are above 4GB, that's the main priority.

^ ???

No guys I need a modem cum router

Why?

^^ how much range do you want?? will there be any walls obstructing the router??

dan4u said:
^^ how much range do you want?? will there be any walls obstructing the router??

I need a wifi that should last 20feets on the main floor and should not drop signal at the above floor, thats why I need a 300mbps modem cum router.

dashing.sujay said:
^ ???

Why?

You said that you can not download big files

Plus it supports only FAT32, can't say about ext3. That means I can't download files > 4GB. So think, what's the purpose of p2p download, if you can't DL > 4GB files ?

And I need a complete modem cum router because I dont want use my old ZTE as modem for some router and thinking to give it to someone. This is why I need a modem cum router like TP-LINK TL-WR1043ND.

I'm now confused bwteen 150mbps and 300mbps modem cum router. I need wifi range only upto 25 feet and above floor not more that.

the TP-LINK TL-WR1043ND has amazing performance, check out this youtube review, but are you sure you don't need more than 25 feet? because most wireless can work good upto 30 feet with one wall in between, the tp link works good even 60 feet away. so maybe the WR1043ND is more than what you need.
in the top floor how many walls will there be??

in my case, when I'm on the top floor hall (i.e right below the router), I get full signal, but when I move to a room away from the hall the signal drops drastically, there are 2-3 walls that come inbetween. but on the ground floor it works fine.....

^Mbps does not decide wifi range

rider said:
And what is the difference between 150mbps or 300mbps modem? I've 4Mbps connection.

dashing.sujay said:
....
For faster WLAN transfers.

^I hope you have read that.

rider said:
I need a wifi that should last 20feets on the main floor and should not drop signal at the above floor, ~~thats why I need a 300mbps modem cum router.~~

N13U should cover it. But with good or fair signal, not a big deal though. No drops.

You said that you can not download big files

......if you don't upgrade to ddwrt.

And I need a complete modem cum router because I dont want use my old ZTE as modem for some router and thinking to give it to someone. This is why I need a modem cum router like TP-LINK TL-WR1043ND.

Then forget P2P.

sharang.d said:
^Mbps does not decide wifi range

so why people buys 300mbps one? Is there any difference in wifi range of TL-WR841N and TL-WR740N, beside 300mbps and 150mbps respectively?

@Mario
me and my neighbour have been using dlink for over a year... what kind of issues have you heard about?

dashing.sujay said:
^I hope you have read that.

N13U should cover it. But with good or fair signal, not a big deal though. No drops.

......if you don't upgrade to ddwrt.

Then forget P2P.

Why D-Link DSL-2750U and TP-LINK TL-WR1043ND are both modem cum router and can able to download torrent data, why should I forget P2P.

And is there any difference in wifi range of TL-WR841N and TL-WR740N, beside 300mbps and 150mbps respectively? Both are wifi modem cum router and having 700 bucks price difference but no USB. I have to use wifi for my laptop and mobile phone, thats it so for this 150mbps router is enough or not?

sharang.d said:
^Mbps does not decide wifi range

the antenna does...right?

rider said:
Why D-Link DSL-2750U and TP-LINK TL-WR1043ND are both modem cum router and can able to download torrent data, why should I forget P2P.

And is there any difference in wifi range of TL-WR841N and TL-WR740N, beside 300mbps and 150mbps respectively? Both are wifi modem cum router and having 700 bucks price difference but no USB. I have to use wifi for my laptop and mobile phone, thats it so for this 150mbps router is enough or not?

D-Link DSL-2750U does not support p2p.

the TL-WR841N will have better range than TL-WR740N not because its 300Mbps but because it has 2 5dBi Omni Directional Antenna's,
this is the image given in tlinks site, its pretty misleading I believe
*i46.tinypic.com/akablu.jpg

Okay, thanks dan4u! So, you mean TP-LINK TL-WR1043ND is the cheapest option for USB + torrent downloading in modem cum router?

@Mario

150mbps or 300 mbps wont matter too much unless you want to build your own internal network (tv pc phone tablet inter-connectivity etc.)

Explain internal network? I've to use only for laptop and mobile phone, sometimes two laptops.

rider said:
Okay, thanks dan4u! So, you mean TP-LINK TL-WR1043ND is the cheapest option for USB + torrent downloading in modem cum router?

@Mario
Explain internal network? I've to use only for laptop and mobile phone, sometimes two laptops.

Where did you read that TP Link supports P2P ?

Internal network meant WLAN = Wireless LAN. Greater than WLAN speed, faster the b/w intra-network devices.

dashing.sujay said:
Where did you read that TP Link supports P2P ?

Internal network meant WLAN = Wireless LAN. Greater than WLAN speed, faster the b/w intra-network devices.

What are the options for the for USB + torrent downloading in wifi modem cum router? As you said Asus RT13NU is just a router and it needs a modem.

:bump:

M

ssk_the_gr8 said:
@Mario
me and my neighbour have been using dlink for over a year... what kind of issues have you heard about?

Heard? Even better - experienced. With more than one model - all sub50$ cheapo ones.

Issues? Connection stability mostly, random restarts very rarely, etc etc.

Please don't start a flame war - these are my own experiences, yours may be better - in fact, I would be happy if your's is better :thumbs:

No flame war
I just wanted to know the issues you faced
Are there even dlink fanbois lol

What are the options for the for USB + torrent downloading in wifi modem cum router? As you said Asus RT13NU is just a router and it needs a modem.

Increase your budget to around 4k, then you can expect some offering. That too you will mostly get only "routers", not modem+router combo. You can buy any simple ADSL+ modem under 1k or even in .5k if 2nd hand.

dashing.sujay said:
Increase your budget to around 4k, then you can expect some offering. That too you will mostly get only "routers", not modem+router combo. You can buy any simple ADSL+ modem under 1k or even in .5k if 2nd hand.

That is expensive and complicated for me and others who will use. I left the idea of USB router cum model. Now, I've to finalize a simple wifi cum router that emits high range of wifi signal. For this TL-WR841N looks fine, any idea how is it or any other option?

Its fine, you may go ahead.

thanks dude.

V

dashing.sujay said:
I guess you didn't read my post carefully. The above status is on stock F/W, i.e. before upgrading to ddwrt. After you upgrade, all the issues are resolved. But you loose the full 3 yr warranty.

Excuse me for butting in but won't the warranty remain safe if one can write the ASUS firmware back on the router.

I hope they cannot detect anything after one writes the latest firmware which the company supplies for downloads from it site.

Please share your comments, since I am interested in the same model but need concrete feed back from a user of the device.

Thanks

rider said:
Okay, thanks dan4u! So, you mean TP-LINK TL-WR1043ND is the cheapest option for USB + torrent downloading in modem cum router?

But where does it says that TL-WR1043ND can download torrents independently. I just browsed the TP Link site but it does not claims any such thing, or I am missing something???

viki said:
Excuse me for butting in but won't the warranty remain safe if one can write the ASUS firmware back on the router.

I hope they cannot detect anything after one writes the latest firmware which the company supplies for downloads from it site.

Please share your comments, since I am interested in the same model but need concrete feed back from a user of the device.

Thanks

Obviously you can revert back to stock F/W and save warranty (if it doesn't gets bricked, though chances are too less of that), but I just mentioned it for the sake of probable owners.

dashing.sujay said:
Obviously you can revert back to stock F/W and save warranty (if it doesn't gets bricked, though chances are too less of that), but I just mentioned it for the sake of probable owners.

You should mention this man, the warranty issue was deal-breaker for me.

viki said:
But where does it says that TL-WR1043ND can download torrents independently. I just browsed the TP Link site but it does not claims any such thing, or I am missing something???

Yes, it has no USB feature but apart from this it is VFM and performance of wifi signals is incredibly outstanding. I'll order asap.

Also I can download torrents with some tab or phone and transfer to PC.

which is the best adsl modem with wifi having highest range?

gsmsikar said:
which is the best adsl modem with wifi having highest range?

Budget ?

low and high both price but the range should be the best

gsmsikar said:
low and high both price but the range should be the best

This doesn't gives a sense of price. Anyways, you want just router or modem+router combo ?

i want modem + router combo

W

this is best at its price of ~2100:
TP-LINK DW8961 ADSL plus WIFI 300MBPS
if you want even more range get this for ~620,add it to above & get good range across 3 floors:
TPLINK TL-ANT2408CL 2.4GHz 8dBi Indoor Omni-directional Antenna TP-LINK | eBay

whitestar_999 said:
this is best at its price of ~2100:
TP-LINK DW8961 ADSL plus WIFI 300MBPS
if you want even more range get this for ~620,add it to above & get good range across 3 floors:
TPLINK TL-ANT2408CL 2.4GHz 8dBi Indoor Omni-directional Antenna TP-LINK | eBay

does this extra antenna actually increases the wifi range?
can we use this antenna with any other adsl modem ?

W

someone here posted about using this antenna & getting range across 3 floors so yes it does work.you can use it with another modem but let me tell you that there is no adsl wifi modem from any company which comes close to tp-link unless you want to save ~300-400 by buying an inferior product or spend ~500-600 more to buy an overpriced inferior product.