Singtel 1 Gbps Fibre

[xiaofan]

hi bro, got offered via 1688 on the same recontract plan of 1Gbps 8 month free @ 50.37, but will not provide new router from what CSO mentioned in call

i'm using singtel gigabit router ac elite + singtel ONT + singtel 4k tv box, wifi been slowing down a lot lately, 5ghz bandwidth can't even be received in same room as router
main consideration is want to maintain or reduce number of things that need to be powered

can ask for advice on the following:
1. whether i should take up this recontract or check other providers, eg myrepublic etc
2. should i get another router off carousell? mostly use wifi but require about at least 2~3 ethernet ports (ps4, tv, desktop)
3. should i consider the plan with wifi 6 router instead?

appreciate the advice!

1) I will say just go with this offer. Singtel Fibre is rather stable and you are using ONT. So you have many choices for router.

2) Yes. You can get Singtel Mesh Router at around S$20 (or even S$10) from Carousell which is a plug and play replacement/upgrade for your existing Singtel AC Elite. I will suggest you to get it first to see if you see improvement.

If not good enough, you can also get better ones like TP-Link Archer AX72 at around S$80. You can keep using Singtel Mesh Router as the main router but use Archer AX72 as an AP. You can also use Archer AX72 as the main router (you need to set up Singtel VLAN).

If you have higher budget, then there are many more choices.

3) No. The free Wifi 6 router or mesh node given is lousy. The cheap TP-Link Archer AX72 will be better than them.

 

[dyhyapp2]

Nice one. To me this is already a very good offer.

Now we have one user reported the following two types of offers. (Updated with feedbacks).

1) 8 month free (effective price S$50.37 x 16/24 = S$33.58 per month), with no free routers.
This looks like to be a very special targetted offer for existing users and usually you will not get it.

2) 7 month free (effective price S$53.40 x 17/24 = S$37.825 per month) Singtel 1Gbps Enhanced Plan recontract offer, with free Wifi 6 router or mesh node

These two offers are both very good and better than the recently reported S$40.40 per month offer with free Wifi 6 router or mesh node. Personally I think Option 1 is slightly better even without the free router as the free router give is lousy.

In fact these offers are even better than last years' offers with Wifi 5 router or mesh node (S$37.90 per month with special targetted offer, or S$39.90 per month).

Actually I would rather have option (1), but lazy to call 1688 to negotiate.
After all, I am already using WIFI6 with my own Asus AX88 router acting as access point.

 

[Cumzilla]

The deal is pretty good already.

Are you using Singtel ONT or Singtel ONR? You can check the followig document.
https://www.singtel.com/content/dam...roadband-troubleshooting/ONT vs ONR Guide.pdf
Do you have Singtel TV box? What is the Wifi 6 device you get? Is it Airties 4960R or the Singtel WI-FI 6 MESH (Askey) AP5690W. Do you have LAN ports in the rooms?

1) Using Singtel ONR + Singtel WI-FI 6 MESH (Askey) AP5690W (not a router, just an AP/mesh node)
If you are using Singtel ONR, it will be the main router of your home network. Singtel ONR has 4 LAN ports already, so you may not need another switch. For example, you can put it in the DB box if your flat is a new BTO type with patch panel in the DB box and LAN ports in the rooms. Then you can put the Wifi 6 Mesh AP5690W in the living room.

2) Using Singtel ONT + Airties 4960R Wifi 6 router
If you using Singtel ONT, then usually they will give you the Airties 4960R with single WAN and single LAN port. Then yes you will need to get a gigabit switch from TP-Link/D-Link/etc. TP-Link TL-SG105 is a good one and below S$30.
https://www.singtel.com/content/dam...ties4960/AirTies 4960R Installation Guide.pdf
There are a few more options other than getting a switch.
a) You can keep using your existing Singtel issued router like Singtel Mesh Router as the main router (eg: you can put it in the DB box if your flat is a new BTO type with patch panel in the DB box and LAN ports in the rooms). It is mentioned that Airties 4960R will function as an AP when connected to the Singtel Mesh Router.

b) You can also get a better router like TP-Link Archer AX72 from Carousell to replace the Airties 4960R. BNIB Archer AX72 is at about S$80 (dumped by M1 users). It should have better Wifi coverage than the Airties 4960R.

3) Using Singtel ONT + Askey RT5703W Wifi 6 router
Some of the ONT users may get Singtel WI-FI 6 ROUTER (Askey) RT5703W which has one WAN port and 4 LAN port. Then you may not need a switch normally.
https://www.singtel.com/content/dam...uter-ask-rt5703w/SingtelWI-FI6ROUTER(ASK).pdf

Thanks for the detailed advice. Yes, I think the deal is pretty good already, that's why decided to continue. One thing that can be concluded from here is call 1688 = 8 months, whatsapp = 7 months. If I continue to use my existing AC Plus router as the main router and the Airties 4960R as AP, will there be any effect on the speed or performance? This airties router is lousy in terms of wifi coverage? To me is not an issue as I have 2 other lan points in my house...

 

[xiaofan]

Thanks for the detailed advice. Yes, I think the deal is pretty good already, that's why decided to continue. One thing that can be concluded from here is call 1688 = 8 months, whatsapp = 7 months. If I continue to use my existing AC Plus router as the main router and the Airties 4960R as AP, will there be any effect on the speed or performance? This airties router is lousy in terms of wifi coverage? To me is not an issue as I have 2 other lan points in my house...

I think it may not be really true that "1688 = 8 months" and "whatsapp = 7 months", rather it relies on either you are a "targetted customer" or you have great negotiation power. Others have not got such good offers.

As for the main router, if you are using the super lousy Singtel AC Plus (I call it the worst free router given by any ISPs since 2014), I will strongly recommend you to replace it with another router. It has very bad routing performance (only matters for ONT users) and so-so wireless coverages.

As for Airties 4960R, it should be better than Singtel AC Plus (any current router is better than Singtel AC Plus) in terms of both routing performance and wireless performance. When I say it is lousy and that is compared to TP-Link Archer AX72 (free routers from M1, BNIB units at around S$80 from Carousell) or other better routers.

If you need to put a router in the DB box so that you can use the Ethernet ports in the rooms, I will suggest you get the Singtel Mesh Router (at around S$10 to S$20 from Carousell) and put it inside the DB box along with the ONT. Then you can put the Airties 4960R in the living room as an AP. Using it as an AP will not affect its wireless performance. You can also use the Singtel AC Plus as an AP in a bedroom.

 

[Cumzilla]

I think it may not be really true that "1688 = 8 months" and "whatsapp = 7 months", rather it relies on either you are a "targetted customer" or you have great negotiation power. Others have not got such good offers.

As for the main router, if you are using the super lousy Singtel AC Plus (I call it the worst free router given by any ISPs since 2014), I will strongly recommend you to replace it with another router. It has very bad routing performance (only matters for ONT users) and so-so wireless coverages.

As for Airties 4960R, it should be better than Singtel AC Plus (any current router is better than Singtel AC Plus) in terms of both routing performance and wireless performance. When I say it is lousy and that is compared to TP-Link Archer AX72 (free routers from M1, BNIB units at around S$80 from Carousell) or other better routers.

If you need to put a router in the DB box so that you can use the Ethernet ports in the rooms, I will suggest you get the Singtel Mesh Router (at around S$10 to S$20 from Carousell) and put it inside the DB box along with the ONT. Then you can put the Airties 4960R in the living room as an AP. Using it as an AP will not affect its wireless performance. You can also use the Singtel AC Plus as an AP in a bedroom.

Checked that my main router is actually Singtel Mesh Router cos I just looked at the contract 2 years back and it was AC Plus, how strange that even I dunno that it was the mesh router that I collected. Anyway, I collected the airtiles 4960R today, I tried connecting to the TV console Lan point but there was no internet, do I need to configure anything? The DB box is ONT-Singtel Mesh Router-TV console Lan point and MBR Lan point. TV console Lan point to WAN on 4960R and the single Lan on 4960R to singtel tv box...

 

[Crayons&Qoo]

1) I will say just go with this offer. Singtel Fibre is rather stable and you are using ONT. So you have many choices for router.

2) Yes. You can get Singtel Mesh Router at around S$20 which is a plug and play replacement for your existing Singtel AC Elite. I will suggest you to get it first to see if you see improvement. If not good enough, you can also get better ones like TP-Link Archer AX72 at around S$80. If you have higher budget, then there are many more choices.

3) No. The free Wifi 6 router or mesh node given is lousy. The cheap TP-Link Archer AX72 will be better than them.

appreciate the reply bro! just got the AX72 today after reading your advice and the quality of life changed like crazy, should've done this 2 years earlier instead of suffering lol

i jumped from 2.5mbps in my room to 250~400mbps, didn't know life could be lived like this without waiting for videos to buffer

very thank

 

[xiaofan]

appreciate the reply bro! just got the AX72 today after reading your advice and the quality of life changed like crazy, should've done this 2 years earlier instead of suffering lol

i jumped from 2.5mbps in my room to 250~400mbps, didn't know life could be lived like this without waiting for videos to buffer

very thank

It is great to hear success story like this. Thanks for reporting back.

 

[xiaofan]

Checked that my main router is actually Singtel Mesh Router cos I just looked at the contract 2 years back and it was AC Plus, how strange that even I dunno that it was the mesh router that I collected. Anyway, I collected the airtiles 4960R today, I tried connecting to the TV console Lan point but there was no internet, do I need to configure anything? The DB box is ONT-Singtel Mesh Router-TV console Lan point and MBR Lan point. TV console Lan point to WAN on 4960R and the single Lan on 4960R to singtel tv box...

What is your previous connection and current connection now? It is a bit complicated that if you have Singtel TV Box and Wireless router in the TV Console area with single LAN port. It will be much easier if you have two LAN ports in the TV Console area.

1) Previous connection:
Singtel ONT -- Singtel Mesh Router in DB box -- Singtel AC Plus + Singtel TV Box in TV console area?
I believe this will work.

2) Current connection:
Singtel ONT -- Singtel Mesh Router in DB box -- Airties 4960R + Singtel TV box in TV console area ?

Make sure you set Airties 4960R in AP mode and not in router mode. At lease you will get internet work but I am not so sure about Singtel TV box in this case. You may need to consult Singtel to check if the above will work or not.

3) If you have two LAN ports in the TV console area, the following will for sure work.
Singtel ONT -- Singtel Mesh Router in DB box -- TV Console area LAN 1 -- Airties 4960R
Singtel ONT -- Singtel Mesh Router in DB box -- TV console area LAN 2 -- Singtel TV box

4) If you have single LAN port in the TV console area, the following should still work.
Singtel ONT -- Singtel Mesh Router in DB box -- Singtel AC Plus (disable wifi) + Singtel TV Box in TV console area
Singtel AC Plus (disable wifi) -- Airties 4960R

 

[sacredrays]

the airties no igmp snooping or something?

 

[VoodooKing]

Contacted via whatsapp today to recontract, was offered 7 months free, comes with the free wifi6 airties router+12 months free amazon prime + other free 2/3 months misc add ons which I will cancel later, effective is $37.83/mth. Mentioned someone got 8months, was told only for 'targeted' customers, think my nego skills not good enough. Anyway, feel the offer good enaff and recontracted, but then found out the router only 1 lan port, so how do u guys connect if u want to connect to multiple devices? (singtel, starhub tv and maybe your smart tv if dun use wifi)?

I got this offer too but then i asked them when is my actual end of contract, they said July, At first I was offered the Arcadyn mesh which I was ok with but then when asked to confirm, I saw it changed to airties router, I reconfirmed again and the lady apologized and said it would be airties router, I said I already have an Asus RT-AX86U and asked if she could change at her side, she said she unable to change for some reason. So I said never mind, I can still shop around these 3 months.

 

[xiaofan]

I got this offer too but then i asked them when is my actual end of contract, they said July, At first I was offered the Arcadyn mesh which I was ok with but then when asked to confirm, I saw it changed to airties router, I reconfirmed again and the lady apologized and said it would be airties router, I said I already have an Asus RT-AX86U and asked if she could change at her side, she said she unable to change for some reason. So I said never mind, I can still shop around these 3 months.

Since you already have the Asus RT-AX86U, in reality the free router from Singtel does not matter at all. Either Airties 4960R (router) or Askey AP5690W mesh node is not good and no point using them in your setup.

 

[Cumzilla]

What is your previous connection and current connection now? It is a bit complicated that if you have Singtel TV Box and Wireless router in the TV Console area with single LAN port. It will be much easier if you have two LAN ports in the TV Console area.

1) Previous connection:
Singtel ONT -- Singtel Mesh Router in DB box -- Singtel AC Plus + Singtel TV Box in TV console area?
I believe this will work.

2) Current connection:
Singtel ONT -- Singtel Mesh Router in DB box -- Airties 4960R + Singtel TV box in TV console area ?

Make sure you set Airties 4960R in AP mode and not in router mode. At lease you will get internet work but I am not so sure about Singtel TV box in this case. You may need to consult Singtel to check if the above will work or not.

3) If you have two LAN ports in the TV console area, the following will for sure work.
Singtel ONT -- Singtel Mesh Router in DB box -- TV Console area LAN 1 -- Airties 4960R
Singtel ONT -- Singtel Mesh Router in DB box -- TV console area LAN 2 -- Singtel TV box

4) If you have single LAN port in the TV console area, the following should still work.
Singtel ONT -- Singtel Mesh Router in DB box -- Singtel AC Plus (disable wifi) + Singtel TV Box in TV console area
Singtel AC Plus (disable wifi) -- Airties 4960R

Yes, my previous configuration is 1. I have both WiFi and able to connect to my singtel TV box with AC Plus, but now with this airtiles cannot. Did not remember I change any configurations at all for the AC plus, just plug and play. Can advise how to change from router to AP from the settings?

 

[xiaofan]

Yes, my previous configuration is 1. I have both WiFi and able to connect to my singtel TV box with AC Plus, but now with this airtiles cannot. Did not remember I change any configurations at all for the AC plus, just plug and play. Can advise how to change from router to AP from the settings?

SingTel AC Plus, AC Elite or SingTel Mesh Router will automatically run as AP when connected to other router. No need to carry out special configuration.

As for the Airties 4960R, could you post the screenshots of the web GUI? There should be a setting to configure the operation mode. I do not have the router myself. I have only SingTel AC Plus and SingTel Mesh Router.

 

[Cumzilla]

SingTel AC Plus, AC Elite or SingTel Mesh Router will automatically run as AP when connected to other router. No need to carry out special configuration.

As for the Airties 4960R, could you post the screenshots of the web GUI? There should be a setting to configure the operation mode. I do not have the router myself. I have only SingTel AC Plus and SingTel Mesh Router.

Sorry not bother to do it anymore, just now contacted singtel via whatsapp about the issue, also requested lots of photos on my setup, in the end told me the Airties 4960R cannot work as an AP, but can only works as a router to be connected direct to the ONT inside the DB box. I was then offered to replace my ONT with ONR with 4 lan ports as I feedback not enough lan ports to connect to my other lan points, what you think of this offer?

 

[xiaofan]

Sorry not bother to do it anymore, just now contacted singtel via whatsapp about the issue, also requested lots of photos on my setup, in the end told me the Airties 4960R cannot work as an AP, but can only works as a router to be connected direct to the ONT inside the DB box. I was then offered to replace my ONT with ONR with 4 lan ports as I feedback not enough lan ports to connect to my other lan points, what you think of this offer?

Interesting to hear that Airties 4960R can not work as an AP.

Do not accept the offer to convert to Singtel ONR. You will lose lots of flexibilities. In fact I recommend new users not to subscribe to SingTel because of the use of SingTel ONR.

And getting the ONR does not help you in anyway as your existing Airties 4960R will become useless. Singtel ONR (wired router, no wireless function) is no better than your current ONT+SingTel Mesh Router configuration.

 

[Cumzilla]

Interesting to hear that Airties 4960R can not work as an AP.

Do not accept the offer to convert to Singtel ONR. You will lose lots of flexibilities. In fact I recommend new users not to subscribe to SingTel because of the use of SingTel ONR.

And getting the ONR does not help you in anyway as your existing Airties 4960R will become useless. Singtel ONR (wired router, no wireless function) is no better than your current ONT+SingTel Mesh Router configuration.

yes, don't think I will do so after reading on this post

https://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/...-whats-the-difference.5768534/#post-112615512
means I will likely have the same issue with the Airtiles 4960R currently, 'routing function' disabled means I cannot connect the routers at the other Lan points to other devices like singtel/starhub stb or smart tv?

 

[VoodooKing]

Since you already have the Asus RT-AX86U, in reality the free router from Singtel does not matter at all. Either Airties 4960R (router) or Askey AP5690W mesh node is not good and no point using them in your setup.

Yeah. I wanted the mesh extender to give to my brother.

 

[xiaofan]

yes, don't think I will do so after reading on this post

https://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/...-whats-the-difference.5768534/#post-112615512
means I will likely have the same issue with the Airtiles 4960R currently, 'routing function' disabled means I cannot connect the routers at the other Lan points to other devices like singtel/starhub stb or smart tv?

It is even worse for Airties 4960R if it is confirmed that it can not be used in AP mode and can only be connected to Singtel ONT as a router.

For other routers you have two options to go with the ONR.
1) To set up in AP mode, this will avoid Double NAT issues. Singtel AC Plus, AC Elite and Singtel Mesh Extender will work automatically as an AP when connected to Singtel ONR or other routers. For normal Asus/Netgear/TP-Link/Linksys/D-Link/etc router you can set up the router in AP mode.

Even for older router like Singtel issued Aztech routers which do not have proper AP mode, you can set up manually AP mode by disable DHCP, setting up static IP address and then connect the LAN (not WAN) port to the main router's LAN port. Airties 490R has only one LAN port which makes this difficult and I am not so sure if it has the option to disable DHCP.

Do you see an option to disable DHCP in the Airties 4960R?

2) set up the touter in router mode and live with Double NAT. However, Airties 4960R has built-in Singtel VLAN which makes this not working either.

 

[sacredrays]

this airties sounds like very weird lol. why cannot work in ap mode when they say can plug to onr...? their installation guide also say plug from onr to wan port of airties.

 

[xiaofan]

i don't get it. if airties 4960r cannot be used in ap mode, then how you gonna connect it to onr?

i assume u only got 1 lan port at your tv area, so you still need a switch or router (in ap mode) if u change to onr...

He is using SIngtel ONT but using Singtel ONT + Singtel Mesh Router in the DB box, which is quite similar to have a Singtel ONR in the DB box.

For Singtel ONT users, sually Singtel will give the Airties 4960R since it can work in router mode.

For Singtel ONR users, usually Singtel will give the Askey AP5690W Mesh Node which can not work in router mode (just an AP) and can not directly connnect to a Singtel ONT.