Modem and router, why?

Legacy_user

I am due to have medium fibre optic installed next week. (TT) I've been told that I should have two spare power sockets for router and modem. Why are there two, aren't they both the same?

ZhugeEX

router from BT openreach connects to your talk talk router.

Same for all fibre customers. So just buy one of those multiple plug extender things if you don't have two free.

Nilrem

Aye chances are with fibre there will be an approved modem from the company that actually owns the line and the actual equipment, then a router from the ISP that will probably be customised to the ISP's requirement.

It's probably a cost thing on the part of the ISP (it's cheaper for them to supply the router than get a combined, customised unit approved), and a reliability issue for the line owner (knowing the modem is one that has been checked out by them).

A lot of problems with ADSL end up being down to the rubbish cheap modem or modem router combos ISP's or individuals buy because they are cheap - I know of people who have massively improved their connection speed by changing their ADSL modem for one that is either better in general, has a better/more flexible chipset*, or works better for their line conditions.


*And might allow additional user defined (or "expert user") options rather than everything set to "auto".

penrhyn

The Modem converts the VDSL signal that comes down the line to an Ethernet protocol, your router then splits the signal between its wireless and Ethernet ports, in fact the later is probably a standard ADSL modem/router that uses one of its ports to connect to BT Openreach's Modem.

Probably one of these.
http://bt.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/13767/~/%27power-cycling%27-your-openreach-fibre-modem-and-bt-infinity-hub

DonnyDave

The VDSL modem is "network terminating equipment" (NTE). With ADSL and earlier the master socket was the NTE and the subscriber's part of the circuit was what plugged into the master socket.

The Openreach modem forms part of the NTE and the ISP's router does not. Thus, strictly speaking you are allowed to change the router but the modem cannot be exchanged.

Jemma-T

And the other advantage of VDSL (fibre) is you don't need those little filters around the house (or at least I don't).

I picked up a spare BT modem off eBay (£6) just in case I need it and it's worth remembering you don't need any ISP router at all as every modem I've seen has 1 ethernet out (that's intended to go into the router). This gives you a direct connect bypassing your ISP's router (of course it means no wi-fi but it's good if you don't use wi-fi or don't want another box or want you own switch etc).

Fibre is amazing and since we got it we've never given speed a thought it changes the way the whole household uses the Internet. Amazing.

30mbps usually http://www.speed.io/index_en.html

penrhyn

Thats because BT OR will fit a VDSL Interstitial faceplate which incorporates a central microfilter. You can use these with ADSL as well as they are backwards compatible. Easy to fit too!


http://www.amazon.co.uk/GENUINE-BT-Openreach-Interstitial-Compatible/dp/B007URQZAU/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1368519812&sr=8-2&keywords=BT+VDSL+faceplate

BT fitted one for me when I last had line problems, I only have ADSL

bod1467

Is this the same as what they used to call the "iPlate"?

penrhyn

The old iPlate was just an RF choke for the bell wire. This device fits in the same way but incorporates both a central micro filter and RJ 11/45 modem socket.

DonnyDave

Jemma-T wrote: »

I picked up a spare BT modem off eBay (£6) just in case I need it and it's worth remembering you don't need any ISP router at all as every modem I've seen has 1 ethernet out (that's intended to go into the router). This gives you a direct connect bypassing your ISP's router (of course it means no wi-fi but it's good if you don't use wi-fi or don't want another box or want you own switch etc).

I wonder what the situation is with regards a firewall. "Routers" usually have firewall capibilities. Can someone confirm whether the Openreach VDSL modem has a firewall built in? I have read that there is no access to them from the subscriber, which also means that there is no indication of the line sync speed (why on earth is this?). This makes me think that it acts purely as a modem with no extras like a firewall.

penrhyn

BT run on a need to know basis.