Separating modem and router - BT fibre

Craig321 · 3 Jul 2015 at 19:31

My BT fibre hasn't been great recently when 2 or more people are using it. Is it still worth getting one of their modems off eBay and using that with a separate router?

I was looking at getting the ECI V-2FUb/I modem, them maybe a DrayTek router or something. Would that help with speed and handling more than one person at a time? I also like the idea of being able to restart the router without disconnecting the internet which should help the profile a bit.

Currently have the HomeHub 5

Thanks

michty_me · 4 Jul 2015 at 03:01

I personally would go for a HG612 and unlock it following guides online. This way you can get stats easily and G.INP functionality if needed. You cannot get either of these with the ECI modem.
As for a router, I would opt for something along the lines of the Asus RT-AC68U or Netgear R7000 as both have outstanding reviews. Of course there are newer and much more powerful users but going one of these routes will be more cost effective.
If no need for AC wireless then I would even get a Asus RT-N66U. I had that in the past which was pretty flawless.

thenewoc · 4 Jul 2015 at 08:04

I would match the modem to the DSLAM.

The following can be used to obtain stats from an ECI modem.

http://forum.kitz.co.uk/index.php/topic,12111.0.html

Or the following for Huawei....

http://www.mydslwebstats.co.uk/

Both makes of modem require unlocking but the Huawei is easier.

@Craig321, are you referring to multiple wifi users, regarding speed slowing down?

michty_me · 4 Jul 2015 at 08:45

thenewoc said:
I would match the modem to the DSLAM.

The following can be used to obtain stats from an ECI modem.

http://forum.kitz.co.uk/index.php/topic,12111.0.html

Or the following for Huawei....

http://www.mydslwebstats.co.uk/

Both makes of modem require unlocking but the Huawei is easier.

@craig321, are you referring to multiple wifi users, regarding speed slowing down?

Thank you for the link. I did not realise it was possible to do that with the ECI /r version. Good to know. Apologies to the OP for telling you otherwise.

thenewoc · 4 Jul 2015 at 09:20

michty_me said:
Thank you for the link. I did not realise it was possible to do that with the ECI /r version. Good to know. Apologies to the OP for telling you otherwise.

No worries, your welcome.

Craig321 · 4 Jul 2015 at 10:56

thenewoc said:
I would match the modem to the DSLAM.

The following can be used to obtain stats from an ECI modem.

http://forum.kitz.co.uk/index.php/topic,12111.0.html

Or the following for Huawei....

http://www.mydslwebstats.co.uk/

Both makes of modem require unlocking but the Huawei is easier.

@craig321, are you referring to multiple wifi users, regarding speed slowing down?

Nope, barely use wifi here. It's when 2 of us are using wired connection that it seems to be struggling.

Matching the modem to the DSLAM makes sense. Now to find mine... if I find one, how do I confirm it's the one I use?

thenewoc · 4 Jul 2015 at 11:19

Craig321 said:
Nope, barely use wifi here. It's when 2 of us are using wired connection that it seems to be struggling.

Matching the modem to the DSLAM makes sense. Now to find mine... if I find one, how do I confirm it's the one I use?

This one was from meandu229:
https://www.telecom-tariffs.co.uk/codelook.htm
Then type in postcode and click lookup postcode. Scroll to under the map and click the locality from the list. From there on the top section of the page is a link to view all xx Fibre Cabinets in area which will show the locations and the activations/vendors

It gets a little more complicated if your postcode is split between different cabinets, hopefully the closest one would then apply if there's a difference in DSLAM.

Router wise i'd probably pitch at a mid end Asus as i'm holding off on buying a router at the moment until the mu-mimo stuff has matured.

Craig321 · 4 Jul 2015 at 12:09

Thanks

There are two possibilities, one is closer so I'd have to assume that's the one. I suppose I could go look at both and if they're both ECI or both Huawei then that answers the question for sure.

Edit: oh, looks like the site tells me anyway. Every single exchange it has listed for this area is Huawei & I'm on P6.

So I guess it's the HG612 I should be going for?

thenewoc · 4 Jul 2015 at 12:41

Craig321 said:
Thanks

There are two possibilities, one is closer so I'd have to assume that's the one. I suppose I could go look at both and if they're both ECI or both Huawei then that answers the question for sure.

Edit: oh, looks like the site tells me anyway. Every single exchange it has listed for this area is Huawei & I'm on P6.

So I guess it's the HG612 I should be going for?

Yep, hg612 is correct, which is nice because you get easier unlocking and stats access too.

thenewoc · 4 Jul 2015 at 12:44

If you want to be extra sure and can eye ball the cabinets in question then the following has pictures of what each look like.

http://www.kitz.co.uk/adsl/fttc-cabinets.htm

Craig321 · 4 Jul 2015 at 12:56

Thanks

I'll go have a look today to double check.

Edit
Struggling to choose a router here! It looks like it's between the Asus RT-AC68U and the NETGEAR R7000-100UKS Nighhawk.
I've heard some bad things about the R7000 firmware, but then supposedly it has been updated and fixed.

Which one is better?!

Craig321 · 5 Jul 2015 at 14:28

Found an HG612 for a decent price on eBay. Now to decide on the router

I'm thinking the R7000 at the moment. Although I am also considering just borrowing a DrayTek from work for the time being so I can see if this new modem and separate router is actually going to help!