Pls suggest replacement/upgrade from (220BX +WRT54GS) for Airtel BB

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rshri

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Hi,

For my Airtel ADSL broadband, I have been using a combo of Beetel 220BX modem and Linksys WRT54GS router (through Bridged mode) since past many years. Recently a thunderstorm lightning fried off my 220BX modem. Though I got myself a modem replacement, things haven't been same ever since. My WRT54GS router in bridged mode sometimes connects and sometimes doesn't (It just says PPPoe connecting but it never connects). In standalone mode (without bridging from router), the modem works fine, so I am guessing problem is with router only. Today router simply didn't connect no matter how many times I tried. I am guessing that when lighting struck, it damaged router too. I can't explain this behavior otherwise.
Anyway, I guess now its time to buy a new ADSL modem + router. Budget is felxible - expecting it to cost 5-6K. Main requirement is that wireless signals should be strong enough to work through 2-3 concrete walls spanning a distance of around 70-80 ft, both for G-band and N-band (My WRT54GS worked fine in same conditions).

Please advise!
 
As you have already experienced, keeping the modem and router separate gives a chance to the router to survive a lightning. Wonder why you are again planning for an ADSL modem + router.
 
As you have already experienced, keeping the modem and router separate gives a chance to the router to survive a lightning. Wonder why you are again planning for an ADSL modem + router.
I have now bought a Belkin 8 Way Gold Series Surge protector and routed all my PC related power connections and landline through it. So I hope I am protected now.
In any case, I am not opposed to idea of having modem and router seperate. But since current router is not working, I do need a replacement
 
I have the Dlink 2750U modem+router and am using it with my 4Mbps plan...works great for me. 60% signal at the farthest point from the router. In case you feel the signal strength is low, you can always use your existing router as a repeater.
 
See this thread if you want the best in your budget. If you want cheaper options look at

1) TP-Link 841N - N300 - Basic router - Dual antenna - price 1.6K
3) TP-Link 941N - N300 - Mid-range router - Triple antenna - 2.7K
4) TP-Link 1043ND - N300 - Mid-range router - Triple antenna, USB 2.0 port - 3.7K
 
See this thread if you want the best in your budget. If you want cheaper options look at

1) TP-Link 841N - N300 - Basic router - Dual antenna - price 1.6K
3) TP-Link 941N - N300 - Mid-range router - Triple antenna - 2.7K
4) TP-Link 1043ND - N300 - Mid-range router - Triple antenna, USB 2.0 port - 3.7K

Thanks, as you advised in referred thread, Netgear WNDR3700 seems like the router to go for though its pricier than what I expected. As with all routers, there are conflicting user reviews on the net. Some say it works like a stud while some report frequent connection drops and poor signal strength. I dont know what to believe anymore :-)

BTW, I am assuming that this doesn't has modem and I will have to use it in bridged mode with Beetel modem for Airtel BB? Please confirm.
 
BTW, I am assuming that this doesn't has modem and I will have to use it in bridged mode with Beetel modem for Airtel BB? Please confirm.

Yes, it does not have a modem, You will have to set the modem to bridged mode and configure the router to do PPPoE.

The same router with built-in modem is available (Netgear DGND3700) but it is priced over 9K.
 
I have the Dlink 2750U modem+router and am using it with my 4Mbps plan...works great for me. 60% signal at the farthest point from the router. In case you feel the signal strength is low, you can always use your existing router as a repeater.
Just reading flipkart user reviews of the same which are very favorable!. This seems like a great option for modem+router combo!

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Yes, it does not have a modem, You will have to set the modem to bridged mode and configure the router to do PPPoE.

The same router with built-in modem is available (Netgear DGND3700) but it is priced over 9K.

How does LINKSYS Cisco E3200 compares with Netgear WNDR3700? G-band of WNDR3700 has been reported as weak in some internet posts, so I want to compare against all possible options.
 
Today I installed DD-WRT firmware to my WRT54GS router. It seems to have brought PPPoE dialer back to life. Range seems to have increased too. Will observe for 2-3 days before coming to conclusion that my problems are solved. Keeping fingers crossed!
 
So far so good! After installing DD-WRT firmware, my 6 year old Linksys WRT54GS is running like a champ. No PPPoE dialing problems and previous range problems have seem to be fixed too! I am shelving my plans to upgrade to N-band router till this old WRT54GS dies.

I am very disappointed with the fact that ALL of the new expensive routers (costing 6 to 9K) seem to have mixed user reviews on net (Main problems cited are - poor range, connection dropping and router deteriorating). Any router which is that expensive should be unquestionably reliable.
 
Guess I rejoiced too soon! My WRT54GS router again stopped doing PPPoE connection today. DD-WRT is no cure for fundamental hardware problems. I will now be buying Netgear WNDR3700 as advised by @bobbyprajan. If I ever get range problems with Netgear WNDR3700, then I will use existing WRT54GS as extender. I believe DD-WRT gives WRT54GS funtionality to work as extender.
 
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+1 for D-Link DSL-2750U. Its a decently priced ADSL + WiFi Router Combo.
The problem is that local Airtel engineers try to blame all internet connection problems on customer's router/modem, if they don't see Airtel's old Beetel ADSL modems. Therefore I am now trying to retain Beetel modem and connecting it with a separately bought wi-fi router.
 
I finally procured and set up Netgear WNDR3700 V3 at my home today. Its working very well for me and signals are indeed very strong all over the house across many brick walls!
Thanks for the advice guys!
 
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