Reviews - TP-LINK TL-WDR3600 router

[Bluecube]

Could you let us know how smoothly that goes for you? On BT's website, I think they basically say only the HH3 is suitable, but I see no reason other routers wouldn't work. We're considering getting Infinity here once they get around to wiring the new cabinet.

Also, does anyone know what the modem is like now? At least on the initial version, I heard of major problems with overheating/crashing and mandatory wall mounting.

I've been using a TP Link WR1043ND with BT Infinity since the first day I got it with no problems whatsoever. As was just mentioned above, BT Infinity is like a cable connection rather than ADSL in that the modem is separate and so you need to use a cable router.

The initial modems were apparently prone to overheating though I never had an issue myself. My own modem is wall mounted and was updated about a year ago by BT. Once again all is well!

[watercooled]

I just thought there might have been some technical reason related to PPPoE logins for instance, to cause problems with some third-party routers.

@Brewster: As above, the HH3 modem is ADSL only, a separate modem is needed similar to cable for VDSL (Infinity), although there are some fairly expensive integrated VDSL modem routers from Draytek+others.

[brianzion]

i thought that but on investigation the cable routers are quite simple to connect i will find out tomorrow. on experience with the home hub 3 on adsl its rubbish and i used tp link adsl +2 routers/modems with great results far better than bt stuff.

[Brewster0101]

I
@Brewster: As above, the HH3 modem is ADSL only, a separate modem is needed similar to cable for VDSL (Infinity), although there are some fairly expensive integrated VDSL modem routers from Draytek+others.

Ok so my lack of Infinity or Cable is showing - never had either.

So the Infinity comes in a different line (like ISDN did) and has its own little modem which in theory connects to the Home Hub 3.

I don't have infinity or Cable, no real interest in it as my connection is 20mb anyway. But my Homehub 3 is driving me mad.

Could I use this TP-Link router with another ADSL modem ? or maybe a new router with ADSL built in?

[brianzion]

you need a adsl +2 router like this. http://uk.tp-link.com/products/?categoryid=203



asus do some nice ones to.

http://uk.asus.com/Networks/ADSL_Modem_Routers/DSLN12U

[watercooled]

Infinity is still down your phone line, but the DSLAM is located physically closer to your house i.e. in a new street cabinet.

[brianzion]

FTTP is what we are having the openreach guy said the fibre cable will be fed in to the house to the modem.

[Brewster0101]

you need a adsl +2 router like this. http://uk.tp-link.com/products/?categoryid=203

Thought so.. I see a bunch of new routers in this range due soon with the same specs as the WDR3600,

So if I got the ADSL version, would I still be able to use it for infinity or Virgin?

[brianzion]

no you would need multi input like this one TD-W8968 http://goo.gl/QZe4B

Highlights:
All-in-One Device: ADSL Modem, NAT Router, Switch and Wireless N Access Point
2.4GHz, IEEE802.11b/g/n, up to 300Mbps data transfer rates
USB Port for Storage Sharing, Printer Sharing, 3G Modem* Sharing, FTP Server and Media Server
Supports the latest Internet Protocol IPv6 to future-proof your network
Ethernet WAN (EWAN) offers another broadband connectivity option for connecting to Cable, VDSL or Fiber modems
IP QoS features for improved bandwidth control across the network

[watercooled]

No, ADSL routers generally only have an ADSL port for WAN, not Ethernet.

@brianzion: Even better!

[brianzion]

here is a good site full of information and lots of equipment http://goo.gl/h8C27 broadbandbuyer

[Agent]

I've used multiple routers with Infinity now without an issue. Just set up the PPoE stuff and you're done

To be honest though the HH3 has really been excellent for us. Wireless range could be improved a bit, but it's been solid. We hammer it almost 24/7 on both the WAN and LAN side and it's not gave us any hassle.

The Infinity modem overheating issues were *very* early on and only affected a small number of people. I'm always amazed when I still see people talking about this given that they were all replaced for free and quickly. Anyone who has Infinity now should just ignore it ever happened. Our modem is in a draw with pretty bad airflow and it's in use all day and night, again, without issues.

I'm seriously considering this though as I suspect the wireless range will be better. I like the clean interface of the web admin too. Oh and I really need Gigabit now - the HH only has 1 Gigabit port :\

[brianzion]

all going well my TL-WDR3600 should be up and running tomorrow so i will update with how its going

[brianzion]

all sorted and the router is fine with bt infinity this is my speed test using the 2.5Ghz wireless

[brianzion]

and this is the test using tp-link powerline plugs TL-PA211KIT 200Mbps i do have a set of the TL-PA511KIT 500Mbps but they are not performing well for some reason and will be going back to tp-link under the warranty. must be faulty.

[brianzion]

ethernet close to router