Hi,
Am I correct in saying that the 8900AX R2 has a BCM63138 and 8800NL R2 has a BCM63381 modem?
Does this mean the 8800NL R2 has a newer chipset, if so which one will be better?
BCM63138 v BCM63381
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Re: BCM63138 v BCM63381
Yes the 8900 series has the BCM 63168 chipset
The 8800NL R2 is BCM 63381
The BCM 63168 is the more of a mature chipset
The 8800NL R2 is BCM 63381
The BCM 63168 is the more of a mature chipset
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Re: BCM63138 v BCM63381
I am interested in Billion_Fan coming down off the fence on this one 
Although, I must say, I'm getting the best line performance I've ever had from the 8900. I've tried almost every router on the UK market today and the only one that was of similar performance was the Netgear D7000 which I believe also has the BCM63381. Unfortunately as a router it was rubbish where as the 8900 has been ultra reliable and never missed a beat (touch wood). I get 19.4MB downstream today. I was getting that from the D7000 on a good day as well, but maybe the line has improved?
Also, I think you have the look at the 8900 differently as it runs two separate processors; one distinct one for the modem and one for the router. Does this deliver a better overall performance. Not sure.

Although, I must say, I'm getting the best line performance I've ever had from the 8900. I've tried almost every router on the UK market today and the only one that was of similar performance was the Netgear D7000 which I believe also has the BCM63381. Unfortunately as a router it was rubbish where as the 8900 has been ultra reliable and never missed a beat (touch wood). I get 19.4MB downstream today. I was getting that from the D7000 on a good day as well, but maybe the line has improved?
Also, I think you have the look at the 8900 differently as it runs two separate processors; one distinct one for the modem and one for the router. Does this deliver a better overall performance. Not sure.