Can somebody please identify my (Plusnet) modem/router setup?

Aubrey_Thicket

I'm going round the bend trying to understand the internet setup in my house. All the terms (802.11n/ac, ADSL, VDSL etc) are confusing me. I've checked the Plusnet forums and seen differing advice that confuses me. One thing that I am 100% certain of though is that our current router is now a bit out of date. I would be great full if someone would identify the actual setup we have now and then advise me on some things I have read.

So. We are on Plusnet fibre. On the window ledge at home we have a White box that has the wording 'BT openreach' in it. The label underneath states:

ECI B-FOCuS V-2FUb/I Rev. 1B

I am certain that this is a VDSL modem only. Is this correct?

Out of this device there is an Ethernet cable that is plugged into a Router. The label on that Router device states:

D Link DIR 845-L

This is a D Link Router but is only 802.11n. Therefore, I want to upgrade the router to one that is 802.11ac compatible.

Therefore, I looked in lots of forums and a lot of people talk about changing the modem. Are they mistaken when they say modem? Surely it's not the modem I need to replace but just my D Link Router? Or... is it possible to buy a COMBINED VDSL modem/Router? In an ideal world I would unplug the Present modem and present Router and replace them both with a combined BDSL modem/Router. Is this possible or do I still need to keep the existing modem in place and just change the D Link Router?

Thanks all.

Cornucopia

That setup (Modem + Router) is what I used to have before Talktalk upgraded me to a single unit.

So what you want to do is definitely possible. But I don't know enough to know how straightforward it will be to source the correct item.

TadleyBaggie

I have Plusnet fibre and have a single Plusnet branded hub. I was previously on BT fibre and the old BT superhub 5 also works with Plusnet. I suspect there are loads of these on the likes of eBay etc.

agrinnall

TadleyBaggie wrote: »

I have Plusnet fibre and have a single Plusnet branded hub. I was previously on BT fibre and the old BT superhub 5 also works with Plusnet. I suspect there are loads of these on the likes of eBay etc.

There's your answer then. I can confirm that my BT5 worked fine with Plusnet fibre, I declined the offer of any equipment from Plusnet when I moved to a fibre area.

System

Hi

You can have a standalone unit or a combined unit.

You appear to have 2 separate units. I have a combined unit. The end result is the same (except perhaps 2 plugs and power consumption).

Some possible Options

Change the D-Link for something that gives you all the functionality you want, like
http://uk.pcmag.com/wireless-networking-products/8151/guide/the-best-wireless-routers-of-2017

Have something from your ISP for a lot less money, and good all round performance, but nothing special.

Add an extra device(s) to get you upto what you want.

EG:
D-Link Wireless AC1200 Dual Band Gigabit Router with External Antenna 802.11B, 802.11G, 802.11n, 802.11A, 802.11 A/C

to replace your existing unit.

kwikbreaks

You can keep the Openreach modem and just upgrade the router or there are combined VDSL modem routers.

I use an Asus DSL-AC68U on a Plusnet connection and it works well for me - https://www.asus.com/uk/Networking/DSLAC68U/ You can ususally find somewhere doing a deal on these and selling at a big discount on the list price.

If you decide to just replace the router and keep the Openreach modem then make sure you buy just a router and not a router/modem. These used to be very common and usually called cable routers but VM went over to supplying hubs some time back as do most FTTC providers so they may be less common these days (I haven't checked).

Whichever route you choose you'll need to enter your Plusnet FTTC login details for it to work - https://www.plus.net/help/broadband/broadband-connection-settings/

Aubrey_Thicket

Excellent, rapid response guys. Very helpful. Thanks all.


PS... Bearing in mind I'm in UK which is best reviews website for me to look at reviews for best products?


Thanks

rhysadams

You can use a standard DSL router if you have got the BT openreach box. Our office has just had Plusnet fitted and I bought a Draytek VDSL router, less clutter and works a dream.

System

TPLink TD-W9980 if you can find one. Works fine on Plusnet (using one on Plusnet right now) and plenty of other Fibre suppliers and has the settings in the router for them all so you select your ISP, enter the log in details and it'll sort out the connection configuration.

The_Last_Username

I got the TPLink Archer VR 900 vI (be aware that there is a vII which is different) - a great buy too now at under £90 for a VDSL (fibre) AC1900 modem/router with a USB3 port too.
Very, very easy to set up (I too use Plusnet) and wireless coverage is IME excellent; I've been using mine over 6 months now with not one single problem
The only small negative is, it's a bit on the large side.
http://www.techadvisor.co.uk/review/modem-routers/tp-link-archer-vr900-review-3625814/

forgotmyname

I used BT equipment on my Plusnet connection. No issues at all. Possibly even better than the PlusNet unit.