⚡️💻 [Official] README First! 2025 SG ISP Comparison & Latest Promo Deals! ✨

[xiaofan]

For home router, when no port is opened, it should just reject everything from WAN-side right, I don't understand how can any decent router be vulnerable.
Google search CLS only show sg results, I guess it's like PUB water saving ticks where more ticks doesn't translates to better products.

Then you are too optimistic about router security. There are actually many vulnerabilties with the consumer routers in the market, even for those still supported by the vendor. Then there are still many consumers who are using outdated routers without security updates.

You can search the CVE website to know the problems. Interestingly Linksys seems to have less CVEs in recent years (2020-now)
https://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvekey.cgi?keyword=asus+routerhttps://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvekey.cgi?keyword=tp-link+routerhttps://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvekey.cgi?keyword=netgear+routerhttps://cve.mitre.org/cgi-bin/cvekey.cgi?keyword=linksys+router
CSA CLS is just a Singapore government initiative. It may not be perfect as mentioned by @firesong. However, one of the basic requirement is to provide security updates up to certain date. So that at least helps a bit.

1) Example for Asus router
https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/ne...lops-blink-malware-attacks-targeting-routers/https://www.asus.com/content/ASUS-Product-Security-Advisory/04/01/2022 Security Advisory update for Cyclops Blink

Asus published firmware updates for the routers affected (many models) and advised the users not to use the EOLed product like the following.
RT-AC87U (EOL)
RT-AC66U (EOL)
RT-AC56U (EOL)

2) Example for Singtel Askey AP5100W mesh solution
https://medium.com/csg-govtech/bols...-from-close-proximity-to-uncover-f8f77dc3cd5dhttps://starlabs.sg/advisories/20/20-15357/https://starlabs.sg/advisories/20/20-25545/https://starlabs.sg/advisories/20/20-25546/
3) More discussions here:
https://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/threads/router-security-alert.6721943/

 

[cyberet]

Hey guys, My port 1 is used by VQ, and port 2 by ST for their TV.
If I want to switch my port 1 to MR, can they takeover the port? or does it require a long downtime?

Thanks

 

[Caesar]

Hi @xiaofan & @firesong,

Love your inputs on my thread => https://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/threads/urgent-jump-to-starhub-or-stick-with-m1.6820723/

Thank you!

 

[fishyy]

hi @xiaofan & @firesong , i got some questions related to isp.

Have read through the thread, but i think my use case is on simpler level.
I not very technical in network related stuffs, so I may use the wrong term.

Current hdb setup (i rent room) on m1 2gbps plan:
yellow wire (optic i suppose?) connect to a ONT (EchoLife EG8240H5)
ONT connect to a wifi mesh (asus zenwifi xd6s, ax5400 wifi mesh) in living room (just beside ONT), another mesh in master room.
To connect to wifi, there's only 1 option, dont have the 2.4ghz and 5ghz thing.
Don't think there's any user configured setting by the landlord, at most is isp settings.

We (everyone in household) not very network savvy users, no need of static ip those features, at most only streaming, download and play online games.

Question:
1. plan is 2gbps, when i try speedtest, 300 mb download and upload. is this expected? I read in thread that vqwest's plan, they able to test 2gbps download and 1gbs upload?
(what do ppl use to test the speed? I use speedtest.net / fast.com)

2. My iPhone X connect to wifi, but somehow its super slow, cannot load things in instagram / fb / linkedin app etc. not sure whats the issue. If i disconnect wifi and use mobile data, i can access everything again (data also m1).

3. The ont seems very old, could this be the reason of #2?
4. To downgrade to 1gbps? Only at night will have around 6 ppl using. day time only 1 - 2 for those wfh.
5. wifi can be connected when at toilet, but it is as good as not being connected because cant load any webpages.. anyway to solve this?
6. If im not wrong, there's no router here, only wifi mesh, is this whats bottlenecking the speed / reachability as well? would it be wise to have router at living room, then move the mesh to kitchen?
7. worth upgrade / downgrade to the 1gbps gamer pro plan? not sure the technical difference other than the speed.

Because of #2, i wanna try suggest to change isp because the contract expiring in few months.
Also faced a few issues during m1 downtime early this year..

 

[firesong]

hi @xiaofan & @firesong , i got some questions related to isp.

Have read through the thread, but i think my use case is on simpler level.
I not very technical in network related stuffs, so I may use the wrong term.

Current hdb setup (i rent room) on m1 2gbps plan:
yellow wire (optic i suppose?) connect to a ONT (EchoLife EG8240H5)
ONT connect to a wifi mesh (asus zenwifi xd6s, ax5400 wifi mesh) in living room (just beside ONT), another mesh in master room.
To connect to wifi, there's only 1 option, dont have the 2.4ghz and 5ghz thing.
Don't think there's any user configured setting by the landlord, at most is isp settings.

We (everyone in household) not very network savvy users, no need of static ip those features, at most only streaming, download and play online games.

Question:
1. plan is 2gbps, when i try speedtest, 300 mb download and upload. is this expected? I read in thread that vqwest's plan, they able to test 2gbps download and 1gbs upload?
(what do ppl use to test the speed? I use speedtest.net / fast.com)

2. My iPhone X connect to wifi, but somehow its super slow, cannot load things in instagram / fb / linkedin app etc. not sure whats the issue. If i disconnect wifi and use mobile data, i can access everything again (data also m1).

3. The ont seems very old, could this be the reason of #2?
4. To downgrade to 1gbps? Only at night will have around 6 ppl using. day time only 1 - 2 for those wfh.
5. wifi can be connected when at toilet, but it is as good as not being connected because cant load any webpages.. anyway to solve this?
6. If im not wrong, there's no router here, only wifi mesh, is this whats bottlenecking the speed / reachability as well? would it be wise to have router at living room, then move the mesh to kitchen?
7. worth upgrade / downgrade to the 1gbps gamer pro plan? not sure the technical difference other than the speed.

Because of #2, i wanna try suggest to change isp because the contract expiring in few months.
Also faced a few issues during m1 downtime early this year..

Don't have time for long explanations, but here are points in brief. Please read and think about it. It's not really technical if you're interested in fixing problems.

1) It's not how fast your ISP's plan is. Frankly 500Mbps is enough for most people now. Throwing money away for 2Gbps plans isn't wise imo.

2) It's how good your wireless coverage is. Think about how to properly cover your home with good 5Ghz connection. Either deploy multiple access points or a good mesh system with more than 2 nodes. And no, 2.4Ghz coverage is good coverage but slow speeds since it's 2009 technology.

3) Different house, different layout (furniture and cabinetry included). Different results. Every obstacle in between blocks the signal. Study the image at this link to understand the effects of the walls.
https://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/threads/singapore-isp-comparisons.6665380/post-143378908

 

[xiaofan]

hi @xiaofan & @firesong , i got some questions related to isp.

Have read through the thread, but i think my use case is on simpler level.
I not very technical in network related stuffs, so I may use the wrong term.
...

As answered by firesong, your issue is wireless issue and has nothing to do with ISP. Please read the ISP comparison thread as mentioned by firesong.

For your specific wireless issue, you may want to post to a new thread with your floor plan (which indicates ONT, router and LAN ports location). I suspect your are using wireless backhaul and your Zenwifi XD6 mesh node in the master room does not have good connection to the main XD6 units.

I will also suggest you read the thread here. I have mentioned a few Youtube videos. Once you watch them you should gain more understanding of the home networking.
https://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/threads/understanding-the-abcs-of-home-networking.6653421/
Really nice guide to have better Wifi access at home.


Good introduction videos for home networking in Singapore context

 

[cyberet]

it would be better to split the SSID for 2.4ghz and 5ghz by turning off smart connect setting in your asus Wireless settings.
when you combine 2.4ghz and 5ghz into a single SSID, band steering can cause stability issues.

 

[twist_shout]

i am on singtel 1gbps and my router is ONR. how to check if it is bridged or unbridged?

contract has also expired. is 1Gbps myrepublic a good choice?

 

[xiaofan]

i am on singtel 1gbps and my router is ONR. how to check if it is bridged or unbridged?

contract has also expired. is 1Gbps myrepublic a good choice?

1) First double check if you really use ONR and not ONT.
ONR -- only Nokia and Huawei brand. ZTE brand is configured as ONT and not ONR. Please also read the following guide from Singtel.
https://www.singtel.com/content/dam...roadband-troubleshooting/ONT vs ONR Guide.pdf
2) For Singtel ONR users by default the ONR is not bridged. Since you are asking, most likely your ONR is not bridged. Singtel has stopped to accept the bridging request since March this year in general with some exceptions.

a) Brdiged ONR for 500Mbps/1Gbps plan -- only 1 port is working for Internet, the other three ports can only be used with Singtel TV.

b) Unbridged ONR for 500Mbps/1Gbps plan -- all 4 ports are working, either for Internet or for Singtel TV box.

c) 2Gbps plan -- ONR can not be bridged, all 4 ports are working, for Internet or Singtel TV box.

d) 1+1 Gbps plan -- ONR port 4 is bridged (only for Internet), the other three ports are not bridged (for Internet or Singtel TV box).

 

[twist_shout]

1) First double check if you really use ONR and not ONT.
ONR -- only Nokia and Huawei brand. ZTE brand is configured as ONT and not ONR. Please also read the following guide from Singtel.
https://www.singtel.com/content/dam...roadband-troubleshooting/ONT vs ONR Guide.pdf
2) For Singtel ONR users by default the ONR is not bridged. Since you are asking, most likely your ONR is not bridged. Singtel has stopped to accept the bridging request since March this year in general with some exceptions.

a) Brdiged ONR for 500Mbps/1Gbps plan -- only 1 port is working for Internet, the other three ports can only be used with Singtel TV.

b) Unbridged ONR for 500Mbps/1Gbps plan -- all 4 ports are working, either for Internet or for Singtel TV box.

I realize I have double Nat issue .

my connection is Singtel ONR> deco mesh m9 plus.
Is there any way I can fix this besides changing the deco mesh to AP mode?
There’s many features I cannot use when I’m in AP mode.

 

[xiaofan]

I realize I have double Nat issue .
my connection is Singtel ONR> deco mesh m9 plus.
Is there any way I can fix this besides changing the deco mesh to AP mode?
There’s many features I cannot use when I’m in AP mode.

You have to live with Double NAT in this case. Double NAT does not pose problems for usual browsing or streaming.

 

[Henry Ng]

hi @xiaofan & @firesong , i got some questions related to isp.

Have read through the thread, but i think my use case is on simpler level.
I not very technical in network related stuffs, so I may use the wrong term.

Current hdb setup (i rent room) on m1 2gbps plan:
yellow wire (optic i suppose?) connect to a ONT (EchoLife EG8240H5)
ONT connect to a wifi mesh (asus zenwifi xd6s, ax5400 wifi mesh) in living room (just beside ONT), another mesh in master room.
To connect to wifi, there's only 1 option, dont have the 2.4ghz and 5ghz thing.
Don't think there's any user configured setting by the landlord, at most is isp settings.

We (everyone in household) not very network savvy users, no need of static ip those features, at most only streaming, download and play online games.

Question:
1. plan is 2gbps, when i try speedtest, 300 mb download and upload. is this expected? I read in thread that vqwest's plan, they able to test 2gbps download and 1gbs upload?
(what do ppl use to test the speed? I use speedtest.net / fast.com)

2. My iPhone X connect to wifi, but somehow its super slow, cannot load things in instagram / fb / linkedin app etc. not sure whats the issue. If i disconnect wifi and use mobile data, i can access everything again (data also m1).

3. The ont seems very old, could this be the reason of #2?
4. To downgrade to 1gbps? Only at night will have around 6 ppl using. day time only 1 - 2 for those wfh.
5. wifi can be connected when at toilet, but it is as good as not being connected because cant load any webpages.. anyway to solve this?
6. If im not wrong, there's no router here, only wifi mesh, is this whats bottlenecking the speed / reachability as well? would it be wise to have router at living room, then move the mesh to kitchen?
7. worth upgrade / downgrade to the 1gbps gamer pro plan? not sure the technical difference other than the speed.

Because of #2, i wanna try suggest to change isp because the contract expiring in few months.
Also faced a few issues during m1 downtime early this year..

Well, wifi speed is limited by the wifi clients and the router. For wifi, 300+ Mbps is normal. For speed more than 1Gbps, you need a router that can support 2.5Gbps or 10Gbps and it has to be on a wired connection say Cat 6 LAN cable. The LAN on the laptop must be able to support 2.5Gbps. In the real internet world having a 2Gbps internet connection will not make you faster. For your case, it look like the router is not at the best location/position causing wifi coverage issue. I am using just one free AX1800 router and my wifi coverage is decent just because my router is at the central of the home and at a high position.

 

[amerell]

Hi @xiaofan & @firesong

If i were to look for an ISP more catered for gaming, what would be your recommendation? I also do youtube, twitch , spotify, netflix, Disney streaming plus torrenting in general.

I'm currently on Singnet 1Gbps and am thinking of switching to MyRepublic but ain't sure whether its better.

Thanks for all the feedback.

 

[xiaofan]

Sorry I have no idea about gaming as I am not into gaming. You may have to specify the games you play and it will depend on the gaming server location to see which ISP is better.

 

[FrozernFire]

Thank you @xiaofan and @firesong for the great guides.

What is the benefit of having a native IPv6 address for a home user? I'm a bit more techie than the average user but I can't seem to find a clear answer searching online. It's a decision between M1 (overall good recommendation) and MR (no throttling, option to get out of CGNAT).

 

[amerell]

Sorry I have no idea about gaming as I am not into gaming. You may have to specify the games you play and it will depend on the gaming server location to see which ISP is better.

@xiaofan Games like World if Warcraft, dota 2 and overwatch 2, league of legends, Diablo 3 etc.

 

[xiaofan]

Thank you @xiaofan and @firesong for the great guides.

What is the benefit of having a native IPv6 address for a home user? I'm a bit more techie than the average user but I can't seem to find a clear answer searching online. It's a decision between M1 (overall good recommendation) and MR (no throttling, option to get out of CGNAT).

When it comes to IPv6, you will have to hear from @bert64.

I am using Singtel which has lousy IPv6 support (6rd) so I actually disable IPv6 after some testing shows Singtel IPv6 performs much worse than Singtel IPv4.

For M1/Starhub users, IPv6 will have some advantages.

As for MyRepublic, I see some negative comments after the Starhub acquision so you may want to check in the MyRepublic thread.

 

[xiaofan]

Games like World if Warcraft, dota 2 and overwatch 2, league of legends, Diablo 3 etc.

Hopefully users of these games will chime in to recommend the ISPs to use. I do not play games basically.

It was mentioned previously that MyRepublic may be the better one to entertain routing optimization request. But there are some negative comments after the Starhub acquision. You may want to check the MyRepublic thread to see the comments from the users there.

 

[Henry Ng]

Thank you @xiaofan and @firesong for the great guides.

What is the benefit of having a native IPv6 address for a home user? I'm a bit more techie than the average user but I can't seem to find a clear answer searching online. It's a decision between M1 (overall good recommendation) and MR (no throttling, option to get out of CGNAT).

In general, I think it is just price different and internet performance should be same same.

 

[Mach3.2]

Thank you @xiaofan and @firesong for the great guides.

What is the benefit of having a native IPv6 address for a home user? I'm a bit more techie than the average user but I can't seem to find a clear answer searching online. It's a decision between M1 (overall good recommendation) and MR (no throttling, option to get out of CGNAT).

Regarding MR, if internet traffic is transiting through Starhub like someone was saying in the MyRepublic thread, then at this point it's just a crippled version of Starhub (CGNAT, no IPv6) and there's no reason you should go with them.