FTTC BT Modems (HG612 etc)

[Sparx]

Hi guys, so my Sky Fibre Pro goes live tomorrow, I currently have the stock Sky SR102 hub but don't have great expectations. I'm estimated to achieve between 60-70mb being approx. 350-400m away from my cab.

I'm planning ahead and wonder if it's worth investing in a OR modem, specifically the HG612 as it's Huawei-based (my local PCP is Huawei)? I've always read online it seems to achieve a higher sync and more importantly a stable line, to go with the same modem/chipset as your PCP if you can.

Although my line was brand new and only laid 4-5 months ago (new build) and is of fantastic quality, I was only estimated to get 3-4mb speeds but can hold 6.5-7mb for weeks on end without a re-sync. I've also already fitted a Mk3 VDSL faceplate which no doubt helps.

Here are my sync stats, speed test and ping times, with lots of packet loss! I'll post up an update tomorrow once Fibre goes live!

 

[bremen1874]

My cabinet is a Huawei. There's no noticeable difference between using a HG612 or ECI modem.

At one point I had FTTC on both of my phone lines with one of each type of modem. The two connections were basically identical.

 

[Terrier_Jimlad]

a HG612 with unlocked firmware will achieve you around 1mbps upload, will do nothing for download, but imo prove to be a hell of a lot more stable with zero drop outs.

My cab is ECI and paired with an ECI OR modem it would cut off frequently. Grabbed a HG612 off the bay, firmwared it, and it's never dropped once. I found in 3 different places where i've put the HG612 in for people, it's a lot more reliable, regardless whether the cab is ECI or Huawei

Only downtime i've had recently was when the DSLAM card in the cab seriously **** itself and needed replacing!

 

[Sparx]

Well sounds like a win-win then I guess. My cab is Huawei and the Huawei-based modem is the most reliable of the two. I'll see what I sync at later today and if I feel I could squeeze a little more with the HG612.

 

[Sparx]

Just nipped home on my lunch, it seems 15-20 mins ago it was done!

Maxed out my sync rate! I must have a fantastic copper line density / quality at my 350-400m distance!

It does however seem my home plugs (TP-Link PA411 500Mbps) are limiting my max downstream though. So I'm contemplating buying some AV2 Gigabit+ home plugs instead.

 

[Sparx]

Ping times and packet loss (none!) are much better compared to the Sky ADSL/LLU network in my OP.

Very happy and impressed! My only gripe is I can't get a Static IP yet until the end of April apparently! Due to my exchange not being ready yet..