[AC-RT68U] Which modem should I pair with this router?

[jbhap]

I recently bought an AC-RT68U router as an upgrade to my home wireless network which I use to connect to my broadband. Frankly, I hadn't noticed the distinction between the AC-RT68U (which doesn't have a built in modem) and the DSL-RT68U (which does), and didn't realise that I would need a separate modem to connect the AC-RT68U.

I'd like to understand more about my options here. As I see it I could either:
1. Use the old router supplied by my ISP (a Thomson TG585 v7) as a modem
2. Buy a new standalone modem
3. Return the AC-RT68U and swap it for a DSL-RT68U for about £10 more

Are any of these options likely to result in substantially better or worse speeds? Will the Asus router work best with its own built in modem? Would a new standalone modem perform noticeably better than using that old router as a bridge? Would I be likely to experience a big difference between a cheap (£10-15) new modem and a more expensive one?

Many thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[RMerlin]

I'm a big fan of keeping modem and router separate. You are more likely to have a modem failure than a router failure in general, or to be forced to upgrade to a new modem if you change WAN technology (for instance if you were to upgrade from ADSL2+ to VDSL).

 

[jbhap]

Thanks, that makes sense.

Any thoughts on what modems I should consider to ensure everything works as fast as if I had the DSL-RT68U? Obviously my first thought is to look for cheap models but I'm cautious about getting something that's going to be a bottleneck having invested a decent amount in the router. I'm not sure I know what criteria I should use to choose between standalone modems.

 

[drabisan]

You can bridge your TG585 if the ISP allows that.
Or you can "hack" it and bridge it. Google shows few not too complicated methods to bridge it when ISP don't give you this option

 

[bilboSNB]

Keep what you have, plusnet site seems to be down so not sure if you have vdsl. If so I highly recommend getting a cheap huawei hg612 off eBay. Got mine for £10 it also does adsl connections.

You can find good info on the kitz uk site.

 

[System Error Message]

plusnet is a subdivision of BT.

If your modem can keep up with your link speeds than theres no need to pair up with anything better however its not possible to turn a plusnet modem into a bridge without some complicated scripts and complicated installing script techniques.

Any modem that is reliable, supports the protocol and medium used and keeps up with the sync speeds is a good modem. Some modems have better signalling than others and perhaps SNB should consider doing a sync test.

There is the all in one DSL-AC68U. Seperate router modem is good for speed reasons and reliability but all in ones save electricity but the amount you save is only a few watts per hour.

 

[loadbang]

I', in a similar situation. BT Openreach have stopped doing PPPoE which is highly annoying, my Netgear DG834N cannot function as a modem as it will only do PPPoA which Asus do not support.

Trying to bid on some HG612 or ECI B-Focus modems, many are going for over £30 at the moment.

Also note, DSL-AC68U is not supported by Merlin (and other derivatives/forks), OpenWRT or DD-WRT. No third party firmware for modem-routers.