VDSL Modem

SandLake

Hi
I have Fibre broadband through Plusnet and it all works very well - although I my VDSL modem is starting to give trouble. In 5 years I have never hasd to do anything with it and 3 times in thje past week my 'internet has died' and in all 3 cases the solution was to reboot the VDSL modem.
I have been onto Plusnet as I didn't supply the modem and they are happy to supply me with a combined router/modem in signing up for a new cheaper contract. I don't want their router so I didn't go for that option (although I did sign up for the cheaper broadband)

So I believe I need a new VDSL Modem. The one I have is a BT Openrach one which I believe is a Huawaei HG612. Can any one recommend a good replacement for that? Am I right in saying there is no configuation required for a VDSL Modem, just plug in and go?

Thanks

The_Last_Username

You will need either a fibre modem OR a fibre modem/router.
The modem you have (and indeed I too had) was old tech. when issued, sadly.

If you want "cheap-ish" there may be Openreach modems like yours on the bay, but what the lifespan will be like is pure guesswork.
You could be lucky but tbh you are probably better off getting either:

A BT Homehub5 off the bay. These too are cheap-ish and work well it seems PLUS there are "how to" guides on Plusnet's site.

OR
A newer branded VDSL modem/router.
I took the plunge & bought a TP-Link VR900 - but this particular model is BIG.;)
It was however EXTREMELY easy to install & set up.

The advantage of your own modem/router over the Homehub for example is that I can change fibre providers in the future without relying on their invariably mediocre hardware.

As for configuration of a new modem only - it depends upon which modem you go for or more-likely what you can find.
The Openreach modem only for example is indeed just plug & go AFAIK but the Homehub obviously needs configuration.

The Plusnet community website is a great place if you're unsure & want to know more.
https://community.plus.net/t5/Forum/ct-p/Forum

kwikbreaks

If it's just the modem you want then eBay is awash with them. It may well pay to replace the one you have with an identical model as the cabinets are of two types and OR supplied matching modems so getting the "correct" one may just work a tad better than the other type. I know from when I checked in the past that google will give you the info to decide which modem you have if you can't tell from labelling.

The other alternative is to buy a VDSL modem/router. I chose an Asus DSL-AC68U and it works well for me. There are other of course.

Quite a few ISPs these days insist that you use their supplied kit - how easy it is to get around that I'm not sure but I wouldn't go with any that had that requirement even if it could be circumvented.

System

TP-Link TD-W9980 is one I have. It has a drop down list of UK Fibre ISPs so you don't need to fanny around figuring out the settings. I've just checked on mine which I'm using on BT and VDSL Plusnet is listed.

They're £65 from Maplin and you'll be able to continue using it with your new ISP if you ever change.