2865lac

I've been using DrayTek Routers for nearly 20 years and they've never let me down. We recently switched to 900 mbps full fibre (Fibre To The Premises) and our highly reliable Draytek 2860 couldn't manage the full 900 through its firewall, hence the upgrade. We went for the VAC because we get telephone from our ISP (Zen) and they're switching to VOIP very soon. Zen provide a router (Technicolor) but it doesn't support multiple static IP addresses and there isn't the fine degree of control we get with Draytek. Thus far, the router has been as solid and reliable as the others we've had over the years. We don't use the built-in wifi (I knock of a star for value because you can't get VOIP without wifi) - I gather that Draytek wifi isn't that great - we have a Netgear Orbi Mesh setup instead. The two work together very well DrayTek Routers are very highly featured - more features and controls than many consumers would want. The user interface isn't pretty, but it's very effective. There's very good documentation and support, and an active user forum. Daryteks are pricey, so you need to think about whether they're worth the extra cost to you. But if you're happy to get stuck in and want control of your own internet access, I recommend them.

I bought this router as I am already using draytek 903APs and am very happy with them. The router supplied by EE for FTTP is absolutely pathetic (has features that simply do not work like DMZ !) When the Draytek shipped it had firmware 4.4.32 installed . I set LAN1 IP range to 192.168.99.0/24 and rebooted. Got the login page back and the OpenWRT "Luci" statement (this router is clearly openWRT inside) but once authenticated got a 404 not found for the menu (???) One factory reset later I noticed that there was a firmware update which I applied. It rolled out 4.4.32.BT After that everything was tickety boo. To use with FTTP broadband you need the WAN2 port (WAN1 is FTTC / VDSL) and because this is a business router there was a bit to turn off to prevent IP range conflicts with other sections of my network. Once the username and password went it the ONT lit up immediately. Delighted to report that the DMZ function works perfectly (EE PLEASE fix your features) and there is more than sufficient manual settings to permit a techie (like me) to tune the TCP stack for optimal throughput (MTU = 1492, MSS=1442 in my tests ) good throughput at just under 700mbps but hopefully EE will fix that soon (unlike their poxy router!) . But for the initial firmware scare (which will result in many a person returning it) I would have given it a 5 If we move in the future this unit will support all the main types of broadband so its fairly future proof until in house networks to 10GBps. Hope this helps someone

This is my third Draytek in 18 years. Draytek routers are robust and reliable. This one seems to be no exception. This generation is also suitable for upcoming FTTP (Fibe To Premises) which is due to be rolled out in my area. For normal ADSL the setup is easy - simply input your ISP ID and your password, There is one glitch that caught me out. After entering the ID and p/w the router reboots and a page opens stating "unable to connect". In fact the connection has been made. Ignore this page and open a second page on your PC and everything is fine. There is one other small issue. On the older routers when it was fixed to the wall the status indicator lights were visible. On this new model they are fitted to the same pannel as the cable ports. If you turn your router off at night when not in use, as I do, being unable to see the "on" indicator is a nuisance.

This is an upgrade for an existing router which failed when a plumber spilled water all over it in our loft. If you don't know DrayTek routers; these are one of the best security routers on the market. They have multiple WANs including the normal xDSL one which connects to normal BT type 'superfast' broadband but this adds the latest G.Fast technology too. You can also have a second WAN for fibre to the premises and yet another two WANs provided by USB cellular dongles. Internally the firewall and VPN configuration is easy, but in this latest version is enhanced. Also can do 2-factor authentication on the dial-in VPNs using a phone app in order to comply with insurers current demands for home workers' security.