Setting up Asus GT-AX11000

[z0mbiecookie]

Hi everyone,

Apologies in advance for the potentially simple questions. This is my first go at using a 3rd party router instead of the bundled one with the internet.

I've purchased the Asus GT-AX11000 and it does not include a modem with it. From reading the forums I gather the best options for a modem are the Huawei HG612 3B or the Draytek Vigor 130. More than happy to grab one from ebay i just have a few questions and I'm hoping someone here can help.

My first question is, is there a better one to go for. I read you set them up differently, I;m not sure if one is much easier to setup and get working, or would work better with this model of router. Is there a speed difference between the two at all. My current speed at my address is only 40mb/s (I know the router is overkill for that speed but I want the gaming features) but if my speeds were to increase is there a limit on either of the modems where one can only handle so much data?

Lastly, I understand the Huawei version is either locked or unlocked, does that matter for what I'm trying to do?

Thank you in advance for any and all responses, I'm super new to this so all help is HUGELY appreciated!

Cookie

[Anonymous]

You only need a modem if you are on a superfast plan.

You can pick up a Huawei HG612 v3B from ebay real cheap, but you have to remember they are second hand, many are second hand, and thanks to their tendency to get hot they can have a limited lifespan!  In most cases, after a reset they are set up such that you'll only need to plug them in and set up your router for a basic install.  If you need to go into any greater detail on the modem side of the set up then sites such as www.kitz.co.uk or www.snbforums.com are the places to go.

The Draytek Vigor 130 is probably the better bet if you are further away from the OpenReach cabinet, and again the basic set up is pretty much plug and play on the modem side.  It is slightly complicated by the need to set up a secondary (sometimes called a reverse) channel on the modems one port if you want to see the connectionstats.

The other option modem wise is that there are a number of modem/routers that can be locked down to modem only mode, again kitz.co.uk is a good place to look for info on these.

Once you have your modem, you'll need to get your username (ends in @ broadband.vodafone.co.uk) and password - Vodafone are notorious for giving out incorrect details!

If you post again once you have your modem, I can take a web grab showing how my RT-AC86U is set up.

[z0mbiecookie]

Hi Keith,

Thanks so much for the help - I am on a Superfast plan so I'll need to grab a modem. It sounds like the Huawei is a bit easier with it being plug-and-play. I've grabbed an unlocked one with the latest firmware on it from eBay. It wasn't mega bucks so it's not the end of the world if it doesn't work out or breaks and I need to go for the Draytek instead.

Massively appreciate you taking the time to provide such an in-depth answer. Seen a few people say getting username and password can be a pain so can't wait for that lol!

I'll let you know once they are here to see your settings as I assume they will be the same as your Router.

Thanks again - Legend!

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