Upgrade options for Eircom D1000 Zyxel modem

Flora5

Hi guys, I'm just looking for upgrade options to replace my Eircom D1000 Zyxel modem. I'm fairly good around computers and tech, but I don't know much at all about modems and all that. I basically don't know what type to go for. I was looking at ASUS, since I've had really good experiences with graphics cards and other products from them in the past, but I see Wireless Routers and xDSL modems on their website. I don't know which to go for or what either does differently and I'm pretty much lost from there.

I basically just want something that will stay working as well as possible, will require little to no tweaking (aside from the inevitable restart every now and then), will have better Wireless signal distance and will work with my current devices without any hassle. I'm not going to mention price, because I don't really know what to expect so I'll have an open mind to that. Any decent brand is fine. Its got to have at least two Ethernet ports too. Efbre should be in my area some time next month (although my town has been removed from the map for the 3rd time), so its got to work with that too.

Would I be better off sticking to what I have? Its a bit of a pain in the ass not being able to use the WiFi at the other end of the house. Maybe some better antennas for the Eircom D1000 would do the trick? Feel free to recommend some of those too.

There are two wired devices in my home and 5 wireless connected to the modem (very, very rarely all at once).

ED E

D1000 is an ADSL2+ modem/router, so that's what you need to replace it. That said, when you get fibre you'd need a VDSL2 unit. If its just better wifi performance you nedd then get an access point and connect it to the d1000. Then when you can get the f1000 you can just move the cable over and keep going. Both the eircom units have 4x gigEthernet ports.

Flora5

ED E wrote: »

D1000 is an ADSL2+ modem/router, so that's what you need to replace it. That said, when you get fibre you'd need a VDSL2 unit. If its just better wifi performance you nedd then get an access point and connect it to the d1000. Then when you can get the f1000 you can just move the cable over and keep going. Both the eircom units have 4x gigEthernet ports.

Thanks. Any idea if the F1000 modem has a better signal distance? I just looked at it on google and it doesn't have any visible antennas as far as I can see. What do you mean by access point? Can you give me an example of what I need? Sorry, but I really am useless when it comes to this stuff.

Dermot McDonnell

I see a lot of complaints here about F1000 wifi. I use it myself and it's fine once you configure is properly, locate it in a sensible place and point it where you want to maximise wifi signal.

You are correct that the F1000 has no possibility of external antennae, unless you are handy with a soldering iron. On the plus side, all ISPs offering fibre with provide you with a VDSL2 modem/router for free in exchange for a contract. Not to be sniffed at as these devices command high prices new. You can get as new units on adverts for €30.

Eircom's F1000 and Vodafone's HG658c fibre units use the same SoC (System on a Chip) and wifi radio. The HG658c has a somewhat better antenna array (internal) but real life wifi performance is about the same. The real plus for the F1000 is all ethernet ports are 1 gigabit, against 100Mb on the HG658c - future proofing and great performance.

If fibre is an option you are considering, then you will almost certainly have a technican visit to upgrade your line. All wifi routers will provide better coverage it they are located centrally on your property rather than in one corner. Also see if your wifi devices can be set to wifi mode "n only", that will improve wifi through put at no cost. If all devices are mode "n only" capable, set your router for mode "n only" for best performance.

Flora5

Dermot McDonnell wrote: »

I see a lot of complaints here about F1000 wifi. I use it myself and it's fine once you configure is properly, locate it in a sensible place and point it where you want to maximise wifi signal.

You are correct that the F1000 has no possibility of external antennae, unless you are handy with a soldering iron. On the plus side, all ISPs offering fibre with provide you with a VDSL2 modem/router for free in exchange for a contract. Not to be sniffed at as these devices command high prices new. You can get as new units on adverts for €30.

Eircom's F1000 and Vodafone's HG658c fibre units use the same SoC (System on a Chip) and wifi radio. The HG658c has a somewhat better antenna array (internal) but real life wifi performance is about the same. The real plus for the F1000 is all ethernet ports are 1 gigabit, against 100Mb on the HG658c - future proofing and great performance.

If fibre is an option you are considering, then you will almost certainly have a technican visit to upgrade your line. All wifi routers will provide better coverage it they are located centrally on your property rather than in one corner. Also see if your wifi devices can be set to wifi mode "n only", that will improve wifi through put at no cost. If all devices are mode "n only" capable, set your router for mode "n only" for best performance.

Now that you mention it, one problem I have is that my router is on the bottom floor all the way at one side of the house half way under a table. Thats the only place in the entire house it can go. Would the F1000 struggle there? Do you know if its directional or omni-directional?

Dermot McDonnell

Flora5 wrote: »

Now that you mention it, one problem I have is that my router is on the bottom floor all the way at one side of the house half way under a table. Thats the only place in the entire house it can go. Would the F1000 struggle there? Do you know if its directional or omni-directional?

Not an ideal location at all. Ideally the attic in most homes would work best but that's equally impractical for most people. I doubt wifi coverage will change much simply by swapping the F1000 for the D1000. Using wifi mode "n only" should double wifi throughput but it is not always an option because of legacy devices that do not support it.

The F1000 is not omni directional, indeed unless you see external antennae on a router, it's a good bet that it is not omni-directional. The antennae array is on the F1000 circuit board so the radio "beam" emerges from the front and back and is at a maximum on a line perpindicular to the "face" of the F1000. Always a good idea to point the device where you need signal most.

ED E

In a situation like this homeplugs are the ideal solution, due to the 500mW limit you wont get good coverage from one device not in a central location.

Dermot McDonnell

ED E wrote: »

... ideal solution, due to the 500mW limit..

I believe the maximum allowed power is 100mW for 2.4Ghz wifi in the EU but that just reinforces your point.