Providers with Router/Modems that can be set to 'Modem Only' mode?

davehutch

After a lengthy Bot Chat followed by an Idiot Chat, Vodafone tell me their Router/Modems cannot be set to 'Modem Only' mode. I've recently bought an Asus Router which has been great and I'm currently with Virgin Media and thinking of ditching the TV package. So I'm looking around for providers with Router/Modems that can be set to 'Modem Only' mode? EE is a possibility in my street and not too expensive but does anyone know if they will suit my requirements or if there are any others I should check out/avoid? TIA

milgo

Not a direct answer to your question but an alternative for you to consider is ditching the ISP supplied modem/router and replacing it with  a "bt openreach modem"  Many available on a well known auction site.

Your Asus or in fact any other router can then be connected via a cable to it.

davehutch

Reading around a bit more it seems like a reasonable router and does have a USB connection for my file sharing. However, if it doesn't have the required 'reach' can I simply connect my ASUS Router to it and then switch off the Vodafone's WiFi features?

QrizB

davehutch said:

Reading around a bit more it seems like a reasonable router and does have a USB connection for my file sharing. However, if it doesn't have the required 'reach' can I simply connect my ASUS Router to it and then switch off the Vodafone's WiFi features?

You could even leave the Voda wifi turned on.

Can you put your ASUS into Access Point mode?

HaroldWren5

davehutch said:

After a lengthy Bot Chat followed by an Idiot Chat, Vodafone tell me their Router/Modems cannot be set to 'Modem Only' mode. I've recently bought an Asus Router which has been great and I'm currently with Virgin Media and thinking of ditching the TV package. So I'm looking around for providers with Router/Modems that can be set to 'Modem Only' mode? EE is a possibility in my street and not too expensive but does anyone know if they will suit my requirements or if there are any others I should check out/avoid? TIA

There are some who do it. Cuckoo Broadband's modem has a Modem only mode, and Bridge mode and even a button to turn the Wifi off without having to go into the settings. 

As far as the ASUS goes, you could turn the Wifi off on the ISP supplied modem (which would still do the routing) and use your ASUS system for Wifi and as Access points. If you want the ASUS to do the routing as well, you'd need an ISP modem that can be turned to Bridge mode. With Openreach based FTTP, you don't always have to have the ISP router connected and can just use your own as well. 

davehutch

HaroldWren5 said:

davehutch said:

After a lengthy Bot Chat followed by an Idiot Chat, Vodafone tell me their Router/Modems cannot be set to 'Modem Only' mode. I've recently bought an Asus Router which has been great and I'm currently with Virgin Media and thinking of ditching the TV package. So I'm looking around for providers with Router/Modems that can be set to 'Modem Only' mode? EE is a possibility in my street and not too expensive but does anyone know if they will suit my requirements or if there are any others I should check out/avoid? TIA

There are some who do it. Cuckoo Broadband's modem has a Modem only mode, and Bridge mode and even a button to turn the Wifi off without having to go into the settings. 

As far as the ASUS goes, you could turn the Wifi off on the ISP supplied modem (which would still do the routing) and use your ASUS system for Wifi and as Access points. If you want the ASUS to do the routing as well, you'd need an ISP modem that can be turned to Bridge mode. With Openreach based FTTP, you don't always have to have the ISP router connected and can just use your own as well. 

I'm happy to give the ISP router a try and then, assuming I can turn off WiFi which I believe I can on the Vodafone Hub, I can still use my Asus to carry out the WAP duties. Now I just need to know which socket plugs into which
Ideally, when I call Virgin tomorrow they'll let me simply revert to their Broadband only plan at the same price as a new customer (fat chance)

jbuchanangb

The Huawei Echolife HG612 modem would be a good solution. (As previously mentioned, available on auction site) In my case I have it connected to the incoming phone line then the LAN port is to the WAN port of a TalkTalk supplied router, via Netgear Powerline connectors. I have this strange configuration because I want the router in a location which allows wired connection to a set-top box and a smart TV, and better wi-fi coverage. These would not be possible if the router was located adjacent to the master phone socket.

davehutch

Thanks for you assistance everyone. Very much appreciated. In the end I called Virgin and as usual, spoke to the Retention Team.
I have to say, that particular team is always really helpful and this time was no exception. Until I spoke to them I was on 100MB BB, 'Mix'TV which has a few HD Channels and some Sky in SD, plus Weekend Calls. I was paying £48 which was due to up to £69.
The member of staff offered me a choice to stay on my current package and drop it to £35, or for and extra £4/month, to have ALL Channels in HD (not Sky Sports of Movies of course), plus 200MB BB, so I took them up on the offer.
It was switched over while I was on the phone with them. No need for a new modem or Freeview PVR so very happy.