Consider your needs and the services offered by your provider.
Consider your needs and the services offered by your provider.
I currently own a Huawei WiFi AX3 with quad-core processing (WS7200) router/AP. Upcoming ISP installation will likely include a bundled modem/router/AP setup. The new modem will be placed in a dedicated "machine room," and I intend to avoid using it as an AP beyond that, since the Huawei model supports WiFi6. The room will also house a switch. My goal is to place the Huawei unit in an open, central location.
Should I connect the ISP modem directly to the switch and use the Huawei AP as the router, or would switching to the Huawei as the primary router offer better performance despite needing an extra cable? This would mean room 1 for the ISP modem, room 2 for the Huawei AP/router, with R1 and R2 representing those spaces. Would the upgrade matter much compared to running a second cable back to the switch?
Additionally, all my cabling is CAT6, aiming for long-term compatibility, though my routers and switches are gigabit capable.
Unless the ISP router's interface is limited to a basic setting where core functions aren't accessible, the impact will be minimal. If your device supports Wi-Fi 6 and you have compatible gadgets, adding it to the network might be reasonable. Still, try to prevent double-NATing if possible—use it as an access point rather than another router.
I usually rely on my own setup most of the time, as those bundles often don’t work well. You can always run a speed test to compare performance. My device isn’t set up as a router; it’s in "bridged mode," so everything goes through the Ubiquiti router and then to the AP. Before using a separate router, devices had trouble getting IP addresses from AT&T equipment. Once I switched, they connected instantly. It was a huge improvement—WiFi coverage used to be poor, especially in a small apartment where the built-in signal didn’t reach far. A single Ubiquiti AP solved that problem. I haven’t revisited this setup since!
The folks who avoid equipment from ISPs that provide their own gear mostly do so because Comcast plans to raise the monthly rental cost to $14. From what I've seen, those bundled modem/router packages often perform poorly—they overheat, offer weak Wi-Fi, and could be more restricted than a snare drum when it comes to setup. Or you might deal with an ISP like Comcast that has limited customization options online and even worse via their app.
In your country you have limited options—you can't switch to their hardware. You're restricted to connecting via their modem, which usually has a weak AP (though I'm not sure about the router part). Your only real option is to install your own router or AP that links to that modem, but the modem must remain in place.