Particularly for broadband users living a significant distance from their BT exchange, the choice of modem router can make a substantial difference to the speeds that can be obtained on ADSL and ADSL2+ lines. Modem routers are certainly not all the same, and we have found significant differences between models in terms of delivered speeds and the extent to which they hold on to their connection in the presence of noise and interference.
For several years, our recommended modem router of choice has been the Billion 7800N, which has gained a reputation among broadband users for delivering the highest speeds possible, particularly on longer lines. This is principally due to the combination of its robust Broadcom chipset and its unique target Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) margin adjustment feature.
While the 7800N is still available, Billion has recently introduced a new modem – the Billion 7800DXL, which upgrades the specification of the Billion 7800N in several key respects, including:
- incorporation of the latest Broadcom chipset
- improved target SNR margin adjustment (which is no longer controlled from a hidden menu)
- dual band (2.4GHz and 5GHz) wireless capability.
You can read our ongoing review of the Billion 7800DXL by clicking on the following link:
We have been delighted with what we have seen so far, with additional improvements in usability and the provision of detailed line statistics. As a results of the worthwhile improvements, the Billion 7800DXL is now our recommended modem router for broadband users who want to extract the very highest speeds.
