TalkTalk Fibre Question

nantucket66 · 1 Oct 2015 at 22:26

TalkTalk have been our ISP for quite a while now, no real issues or problems.

Thinking of upgrading to fibre optic with them.

I currently use a Draytek Vigor 120 Modem and an Asus RT-N66U Router.

I would guess the Draytek becomes redundant, but will the Asus still work ok?

Do TalkTalk provide a modem or a modem/router in one? If it's the latter can you use it just as a modem so I can keep using the Asus?

The Draytek is connected to the master phone socket by a 5 or 6m cable that is hidden under the floor (the Draytek/Asus are in one room and the phone socket is in another), would the fibre modem be ok on that length of cable or would it need to be next to the socket?

Do TT just send the bits and let me get on with it or is an engineer needed?

Sorry for all the questions......

bremen1874 · 2 Oct 2015 at 00:35

The Vigor 120 isn't going to work with VDSL.

I believe that TalkTalk use a combined device. I don't know if it has a modem only mode, but if not you'd still have the option of using the Asus in AP mode if you just want to use its wireless.

You can easily get hold of Openreach supplied VDSL modems which would replace the Vigor 120 in your current setup. There's also an updated Vigor that supports VDSL.

The cable under the floor shouldn't matter very much as long as it's decent quality twisted pair.

IFAIK TalkTalk will just send you the bits and let you get on with it.

If you aren't too tied to TalkTalk have a look at PlusNet. I think they're still using the better engineer install option which does at least provide you with a free VDSL modem. Don't forget to check for cashback offers.

nantucket66 · 2 Oct 2015 at 10:26

bremen1874 said:
There's also an updated Vigor that supports VDSL.

Thanks.

So I presume I can get the fibre installed using their supplied device then change it for a Draytek 130 (presuming it would be better and more stable than what TalkTalk supply?) and keep using the Asus?

That would be the preferred option as other than 1 minor hiccup with the Asus it's been as solid as a rock.

Jez · 2 Oct 2015 at 12:01

The supplied router has a very good broadcom VDSL modem in it (i sync at full rate 80/20@550metres). I would use their combined device (i do, in preference to other equipment which i also have), but as a wired router, and then use your existing router as an access point.

nantucket66 · 2 Oct 2015 at 12:26

Jez said:
The supplied router has a very good broadcom VDSL modem in it (i sync at full rate 80/20@550metres). I would use their combined device (i do, in preference to other equipment which i also have), but as a wired router, and then use your existing router as an access point.

Thanks, sounds like a half decent bit of kit then.

I think I'll give that a try and see how I get on, switch the Asus to AP mode for wireless and use the TalkTalk box as a modem/wired router. If it works well all good, if it doesn't I can obviously pick up a Draytek at a later date

Cheers

bremen1874 · 2 Oct 2015 at 12:31

If you end up wanting a separate modem get an Openreach modem at auction (preferably the Huawei version), it'll cost a lot less than the DrayTek.

For now the Asus in AP mode is the most sensible option.

mrkev · 3 Oct 2015 at 11:16

I had an engineer visit when I had TalkTalk fibre installed last year and he kindly left me a free openreach modem as well. Can't hurt to ask.