Your family requires a new router.
Your family requires a new router.
Our ISP (Telstra) router failed today because the service dropped. The provider claims it will take five days for a replacement to arrive. I’m looking for an affordable option under $200 AUD that works with Australia’s NBN. We need something simple, at least four Ethernet ports, and available for purchase in Brisbane, QLD. If you have more details, please share and I’ll get back to you quickly. I’m the tech expert but not very comfortable with networking. Thanks in advance.
TP Link offers solid budget routers. I used one before and it performed well. I can’t suggest a particular model, but most components are decent. As someone from Brisbane, JB Hifi occasionally sells some routers. You could probably get them from Amazon or another online tech store.
In the US, matching the ISP’s model is usually wise since systems are set up that way. The choice varies by provider and device. Some carriers allow almost any brand, while others create issues. A typical setup includes a modem, a WAP unit handling radio functions, a switch with RJ45 ports on the back, and a router with just one port. Often the router has four ports close together and one sideward port. An example: My ISP preferred surfboards for years, so I bought one without knowing why. It wasn’t necessarily the best or most stylish, but it worked because they were familiar with it. A “fleet” modem can simplify things—if it breaks, a replacement is readily available. Trying other models usually leads to problems. There’s value in sticking with what you know.