Does fibre require two pieces of hardware? modem & switch?

Golf1.6

Golf1.6

Golf1.6

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A bit confused here. Bought a tp link TD-W8960N to replace the ISP router a while back. (while on adsl2)

Changed to plusnet fibre. Lo and behold plusnet send me the dreaded TG582n!!!!

On plusnet forum, some people are suggesting using the TD-W8960N in WAN mode so it is effectively like a switch with wifi capability.

So how does it work with fibre. Does the BT engineer install a new master socket and install a powered device that sits between the TG582n and the socket?

Or is the TD-W8960N WAN solution just a compromise to use it's management facilities & broadcase faciltiies with the TG582n???
 
Yup I believe so.. Well it only requires a modem really and that can directly attach to the PC. Most ISP Supply a modem/router built in combo to save any troubles (Such as the VM SH And SH2) but a lot of people do the same and put it into Modem mode and use a better router.
 
The TD-W8960N is primarily an ADSL router.

It is also capable of working as a cable/fttc router. In Ethernet ('EWAN') mode LAN4 becomes a WAN port that connects to the FTTC modem you'll have been provided with. Configured like this it'll completely replace the TG582n.
 
bremen1874 said:
The TD-W8960N is primarily an ADSL router.

It is also capable of working as a cable/fttc router. In Ethernet ('EWAN') mode LAN4 becomes a WAN port that connects to the FTTC modem you'll have been provided with. Configured like this it'll completely replace the TG582n.
Click to expand...

So let me just clarify this. the TG582n was supposed to work in EWAN mode just like the way you describe for the TD-w8960N??
 
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Well initially I think Openreach wanted to match the VDSL modem to the equipment in the cabinet to avoid problems so I suppose the cheapest way to do that was by providing a modem alone(though the HG612 can actually act as a router IIRC).

EDIT: You've edited your post but were originally suggesting it was odd to provide a separate modem ...
 
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Ok gotcha. Was not aware of this at all.

So what is a good FTTC/wifi router kit around?

Would something like the Billion BiPAC 7800DXL fit the bill?

Also, does the Bt engineer upgrade the cable from the master socket to the streets? I think the cable is low quality.
 
Why don't you just use the TD-W8960N? If you want something better have a look at the RT-N66U.

I'm sure the 7800DXL is perfectly good, but you'll be paying for features you almost certainly won't use.

I can't see BT replacing their cable to the house unless there's an actual fault.
 
I just dont want two devices running and using up a mains slot unnecessirily. I know that the power draw in minuscule. But even 6 watts ends up costing £20 a year.
 
Under £6/year unless you're really paying over the odds for your electricity. Any router you buy will probably be out of date before you break even.

The choice of routers with built-in VDSL2 modems is very limited (and AFAIK is doesn't include the 7800DXL).
 
I was thinking of buying a used home hub 5 that sell for £30-£40 on an auction site. very easy to use on plusnet which is just a rebranded BT isp.

Then I realised that the home hub 5 isn't wall mountable. Fatal flaw IMO. Gigibit routers needed to be wall mountable because they need very stiff cat6 cables.

Stiff cables will move the hub around.

I guess I'll look elsewhere.
 
ok. just on the other thread someone said for gigabit I'll need cat 6.

Still. the home hub should have been designed with wall mounting in mind. Just had a search to see if there were any brackets available to mount it on the wall. Seems to be none available.
 
Why would anybody want to wall mount a router? I doubt that even entered the designers head as it is something i cannot imagine anybody would really ever want to do.

Gigabit eth simply requires 8 conductors, any old crap cat5 or above cable, shielded or not, solid or stranded, literally anything, will carry gigabit signals over the distances that a normal house would require.
 
Jez said:
Why would anybody want to wall mount a router? I doubt that even entered the designers head as it is something i cannot imagine anybody would really ever want to do.

Gigabit eth simply requires 8 conductors, any old crap cat5 or above cable, shielded or not, solid or stranded, literally anything, will carry gigabit signals over the distances that a normal house would require.
Click to expand...

Wall mounting frees up a lot of space. Who cares about interior design? We live in a cramped tiny island.
 
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