Wifi problem. Do I need a new wifi router, or, a wifi router and modem?

[Rip Uzair]

I have the PTCL provided router Fiberhome HG150-ub. It generally works fine when downloading a single large file from a server. The speeds are generally OK and stable. However, when torrenting, anytime I set the download speed limit to higher than, lets say 800KB/s, there is a short burst of speed to like 1.4, 1.5, 1.8 MB/s, and then the speeds fall down to 100-300 KB/s. And this cycle keeps on repeating every few minutes. While this happens, the router page at 192.168.10.1 wouldn't open. And often some other devices like phones would also disconnect from the wifi, and refuse to connect. (Note: the torrenting laptop is also connect via wifi.

Upon searching a bit, most indicate that it might be the large number of connections made during torrenting that might be overwhelming the router. However, I could not find if it is just the wifi router part that is overwhelmed, or the modem part as well? That is, would the problem be resolved, if I just a new Wifi router, and connect it via Cat5/6 cable to the PTCL router? Or get a new wifi router with modem?

I narrowed down to a few router, and modem combinations that I feel might be good. But I don't want to spend anymore than necessary.

Just Wifi routers.

1) TP-Link TL-WR841HP
2) Asus RT-N14UHP

These cost around 6500-8000 Rs, the processor in TP-Link(Qualcomm) has higher frequency, but Asus(Broadcom) seems to have better reviews as a company.

Wifi router + modem.


1) TP-Link TD-W9977
2) TP-Link Archer VR300

These cost aroud 9500-12,500. They don't have the the 9dbi antennae as the aforementioned wifi routers, but if it is the modem that I need, then I'll have to let go of it. I couldn't look up specs for Archer VR300, but the TD-W9977 had a frequency comparable to the Wifi routers, but dual core.

I would be grateful if someone could help me resolve this issue.

Thanks

 

[murtaza12]

[MENTION=8942]Rip Uzair[/MENTION]

You're right about the reason as to why your PTCL modem is choking. Torrents (especially healthy ones) involve a high number of connections going in and out of your PC so the router probably hits it's limit.

You'll have to get something not only with a more powerful CPU, but with more RAM as well.

The TPLink WR841, WD997 and ASUS routers that you mentioned are far too weak. You'll face the same issue with those. They're all entry level models with only 64 MB of RAM.

I can't find specifics for the Archer VR300 either but seeing as though it's an AC router, it will probably have at least 128 MB of RAM and a dual core CPU.

 

[Rip Uzair]

I see, so it isn't just the wifi router, but the modem as well. So, any dual core router/modem with at least 128 MB of RAM should be fine?

 

[murtaza12]

I see, so it isn't just the wifi router, but the modem as well. So, any dual core router/modem with at least 128 MB of RAM should be fine?

Preferably buy an all-in-one modem so that you don't have to worry about any devices getting congested.

 

[devnull]

I find it difficult to believe that torrenting would cause this. Searching that router (fiberhome) I find that it has a security bug in it. Maybe it's part of a botnet and that's why its so resource strapped? You should upgrade its firmware. That might fix it.

Another option is to try connecting to that router via cat5 patch cable. Turn off wifi on the laptop and start torrenting. If you face the same issue as before then it's not wifi that's the cause.

 

[Rip Uzair]

I had a PTCL guy come over, and apparently fixing some issue at DP/cabinet (he wouldn't say what exactly) fixed the problem.

 

[JKhan]

The entry level models would eventually start giving you the problems later on. I had the TP-LINK WR841HP model, and just after one year of usage, it started disconnecting the devices all by itself. When there are multiple devices with high bandwidth requirements connected, this will eventually end up in heating up the router if it's not placed in a properly ventilated room (preferably in an air-conditioned or a room with access to fan).

The optimal approach is to split the bandwidth in both bands, i.e 2.4G & 5G spectrums. Keep your high bandwidth devices connected to 5G network, and your low-key devices connected to 2.4G network. This will ensure that all your devices get their required bandwidth and there's minimal interference from other wireless networks from your neighborhood.

Unfortunately, recent inflation have driven the prices of network products sky high. I remember buying the WR841-HP for a price of 4200/- in 2017, which is now touching 6500+. Its bigger model WR941-HP, while a 450Mbps wireless N router, is still limited to 2.4G. Get an HP model which offers both bands. They might be pricey, but would be well worth their price. As long as you keep it in a ventilated area, it should perform perfectly fine.