Anecdotally, it seems that 99.999% of people use the WiFi router supplied by their Internet provider. Let’s look at why that is and why perhaps they shouldn’t be.
In a nutshell …
The short answer is “no”. You certainly do not have to use a WiFi router provided by your Internet provider. This option is often called “BYO modem” by the Internet providers.
You can choose to use any router that meets your needs. In doing so, you are in charge of the set up, configuration and ongoing maintenance (firmware upgrades, etc.) of your router.
The Detail Containing The Devil
NOTE: This article is not referring to the NBN Connection Box used in FTTC, HFC, FTTP and Fixed Wireless NBN connections. The NBN Connection Box devices are supplied and maintained by NBNco, not your Internet provider, and are integral to the functionality of your NBN connection. These NBN Connection Boxes are used regardless of which Internet provider, Retail Service Provider (RSP) in NBNco-speak, you connect via.
There are a few things that have to be taken into consideration when making a decision about whether to use your Internet provider’s preferred WiFi router or not.
Why do Internet providers supply WiFi routers?
The short answer? For the vast majority of customers it makes everyone’s life easier …
The Internet provider
- can offer a packaged solution
- can easily offer a “landline” (VoIP) phone service
- can tie the customer into a contract by offering the device for “free”
- may remotely configure/maintain the device (for the inquisitive, see this Wikipedia entry on TR-069)
- can train their staff in the support of the device
- can leverage their buying power to get a great price from the device’s manufacturer
- can leverage their buying power to get the manufacturer to customise the device, and its firmware, specifically to the Internet provider’s needs
The customer
- gets a ready-made package supplied, no need to understand the technical aspects or research and source their own router
- it’s “free” … when signing up for 2 years(!)
Seems like a no-brainer, doesn’t it? But is it really?
The Pros and The Cons
Let’s look at the pros and cons of using the Internet provider’s router or going your own way.
Pros of using the Internet provider’s WiFi router
- confidence the device will work on your purchased NBN connection
- device (probably) comes pre-configured, i.e. plug it in, turn it on, watch Netflix
- device (probably) is maintained remotely and automatically
- “one throat to choke” support, i.e. when something goes wrong you only have to deal with one company
Cons of using the Internet provider’s WiFi router
- device is not necessarily the best quality choice
- device can be locked to a specific provider’s network, i.e. vendor lock-in
- device is not necessarily the best choice for your particular environment, one size definitely does not fit all when it comes to WiFi
- Internet provider may never maintain the device or the device may not have access to the latest security fixes due to customised/proprietary firmware
Pros of using your own WiFi router
- with the right research and/or advice you can obtain a device that will meet your specific needs, i.e.
- performance
- coverage
- capacity
- features
- you can move freely between Internet providers when a better deal comes along, i.e. no vendor lock-in
- you get to chose the price point versus performance/coverage/capacity/features you want
Cons of using your own WiFi router
- you need to do some research and/or get some advice on the best device to suit your requirements
- set up and configuration may get a little more complicated if you want a “landline” (VoIP) service
- it’s going to cost a little money, quality WiFi routers are neither free nor cheap
- you are responsible for the set up, configuration and maintenance of the device
In summary …
As detailed above, there are arguments both for and against going with your Internet provider’s supplied WiFi router. For some, it’s an adequate solution. For others, it’s a recipe for poor WiFi and a constant source of irritation and frustration.
There’s a reason why NBNco (who don’t deal with consumers or end-users at all) spent significant cash on advertising campaigns telling the public how to improve the WiFi signal in their homes. In a nutshell, it’s because when your home WiFi isn’t performing then often it’s the NBN that (unfairly) gets the blame when, in fact, the problem is really with your WiFi router’s performance or its placement.
Moral of the story, make an informed decision and don’t just assume that your Internet provider knows best.