TP-LINK TD-W8970 Vs TD-W8980?

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
J

JoeMetro

Honorable
Dec 16, 2013
11
0
10,510
Hey guys, I'm wanting to avoid the $7/mo Comcast fee for renting out my modem/router device.

I need a device that doubles as a modem and a router that has a good range, my house is shaped in a long l shape, and I can only place a modem/router on opposite sides of the house so I need a good range.

I found this
http://www.amazon.com/TP-LINK-TD-W8970-Wireless-detachable-antennas/dp/B00A122XG6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1388291084&sr=8-1&keywords=TD-W8970

But was wondering if it is worth the extra $20 for the "upgraded" version?
http://www.amazon.com/TP-LINK-TD-W8980-Wireless-Gigabit-Compatible/dp/B00C4OANW0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1388291084&sr=8-2&keywords=TD-W8970

Or I am open to any other suggestions? I'm willing to buy a wifi extender if need be (although preferrabbly not one that's too expensive, say maybe $30)
 
Sort by date Sort by votes
B

bill001g

Titan
Aug 9, 2012
28,326
2,755
125,640
The only difference is the second one support the 5g band. If your nics in your end devices do not also support 5g it will do nothing for you. If you main concern is coverage then 5g will always be worse then 2.4g since it is more easily absorbed. 5g is more used to avoid interference from the neighbors all using the 2.4.

Do not use any for of wireless repeater except as a last option. It will greatly reduce the though put of your wireless network. You must think of it as better than nothing....ie really slow and dropping all the time is still better than no connection.

Maybe a silly question but are you buying a DSL connection from comcast...I thought they sold cable tv type of connections. These routers you post do not contain a cable modem.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
J

JoeMetro

Honorable
Dec 16, 2013
11
0
10,510
Oh thank you...
So wifi repeater's arent so great? Then I need to find a router that will have a very far range...

Oh I didn't realize....I need a cable modem then not one of those -- can anyone suggest me a good cable modem/long range wifi combo device?
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
B

bill001g

Titan
Aug 9, 2012
28,326
2,755
125,640
If you go with a combo unit you do not have much choice in router. Many people go with separate modem and router even though it costs a bit more.

You will have to check the list of compatible modems for your area they vary a small bit.

Almost everyone uses either a motorola or a arris brand of modem. You want docsis 3 device in most cases. Because of the limited number of modem manufactures there are only 3 or 4 routers from each vendor that also contain a modem. If you buy just the modem pretty much any router than has a ethernet for wan will work

 
Upvote 0 Downvote
J

JoeMetro

Honorable
Dec 16, 2013
11
0
10,510
Okay thank you, may I ask the difference between DOCSIS 3 and 2?

So I found this
http://www.amazon.com/ARRIS-Motorola-SB6121-SURFboard-DOCSIS/dp/B004XC6GJ0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1388476657&sr=8-1&keywords=docsis+3.0+cable+modem

and I'm tempted to get this because it is so much cheaper
http://www.amazon.com/Scientific-Atlanta-WebSTAR-DPC2100-Cable-Modem/dp/B002V41X2M/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1388476711&sr=8-7&keywords=cable+modem

But I'm sure the more expensive one will be faster and whatnot.

As for the wifi router itself can you advise me?
http://www.amazon.com/Amped-Wireless-Wireless-N-Amplified-R10000/dp/B005UBNH18/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1388476984&sr=8-1&keywords=long+range+wifi+router

http://www.amazon.com/Amped-Wireless-Wireless-N-Repeater-SR10000/dp/B005UBNGY6/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1388476984&sr=8-7&keywords=long+range+wifi+router

I do not understand the difference or if the extra $10 will benefit me at all.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
B

bill001g

Titan
Aug 9, 2012
28,326
2,755
125,640
Docsis3 is what most ISP run nowdays it is what lets them get the high speed connections. You would have to verify the ISP will support the webstar device. Although it may technically work they may just refuse to let you activate it of it is not on their list.

I tend to stay away from amped brand stuff since they tend to be misleading in most their marketing. They act like they transmit more power than other brands do when legally they can't. It will likely work as well as any of the other brands. I normally recommend tp-link stuff if you want cheap since it also allows dd-wrt on most their routers if you would ever need that option.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom