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[hushcoden]

I'd like to replace my Sky Q hub (which I am using with a Netgear R7000) with a Zyxel modem as I've read very good comments and based on my budget I was thinking to buy either the VMG3925-B10B or the VMG1312-B10D.

If I am not mistaken they both use the same Broadcom chipset, BCM63168, but the price is quite different, so I was hoping in the knowledge and experience of the users of this forum to make a better/informed decision...

And as I am not interested in the Wi-Fi bit, I'd use it as a pure modem: can someone confirm I can do that?

Many thanks.

[j0hn]

The Zyxel VMG1312-B10A has the BCM 63168 chipset.
The Zyxel VMG1312-B10D has the BCM 63381

I have the A variant. Highest syncing modem I've tried. I would recommend the A.

Both can be run on bridge mode.

http://forum.kitz.co.uk/index.php/topic,14436.0.html

[banger]

I have both and the 3925 is lower syncing than the 1312-B10A. My recommendation is to get a 1312-B10A as this has the better chipset than the B10D.

[hushcoden]

Thank you all... I was hoping to read more positive comments about the 3925 as I like the fact it's got Gb LAN ports 

[j0hn]

If you're using it in bridge mode then you won't be using the lan ports above 100Mb anyway. Unless your in a country where you can sync over 100Mb on VDSL2 there's no bottleneck.

The 3925 had great reviews in another thread. Banger only pointed out the 1312 A synced a little higher.

[kitz]

Havent tried a VMG3925 myself, but there is a thread about it here.

Although both seem ok, IMHO the BCM 63168 is the better chipset than the BCM 63381 which is in the VMG1312-B10D

Please note that as mentioned by J0hn, the letter at the end of the VMG1312-B10 makes a difference as to which chipset it contains.

I and a few others have a VMG1312-B10D - It is very good value for money and as such I can't fault it.   
However I do personally prefer my VMG8324-B10A which has the better BCM 63168 chipset, the 'A's also tend to have the internal noise filter, which is why they are more expensive. 

[Chrysalis]

3925 not the best syncing but for me is the best at DS ES rates.

[hushcoden]

Lastly, I've seen on Zyzxel website there is the VMG3625-T20A which it seems to be the only one supporting profile 30a: does it mean it's based on some newer chipset?

[hushcoden]

So I think I've made up my mind and I'll go with the VMG1312-B10A. I've found one of them on eBay for £30, and was wondering if I have to be aware of anything in particular before buying it...

Thanks.

[banger]

Just be aware some 1312-B10A's are locked to ISPs so you may need to visit the unlocking forum. One's I have had are from iTalk and not too bad to unlock.

[j0hn]

Zyxel are big in the CPE game. The chances are probably higher that you'll get an ISP supplied version than a retail model.
Fortunately uk ISP's only alter the ROM-D so it's a very simple 2 minute procedure to make it blank like a retail model.

[hushcoden]

I asked the eBay seller and the answer was "retail", but it can be that it was an ISP model that they have unlocked 

Anyway, for £30 I will give it a go, thanks all for the good advice.

[banger]

Good luck with your purchase. The first one I received lasted a month and became bricked and was out of warranty. I have purchased another 3 for backup which are in warranty and a 3925 to use as a backup router only. But have found the 3925 latest firmware somewhat flaky with wifi only sometimes enabling 40mhz on the 5ghz band sometimes. But that maybe the router itself and not the firmware.

[Chunkers]

Just a comment, if you are digging around ebay for bargains the VMG8924 and VMG8324 have the same 63168 chipset and some are now going for less £20 on ebay, I guess because its an old model.

I have two as modems, as some others do on here, they work great on crappy lines.

Worth considering if you are looking for max cheapness?

Chunks

[hushcoden]

And I received today the VMG1312-B10A, updated to the latest firmware, connected to my R7000 as a router and not as a modem/bridge and it works 

I was hoping in an higher speed, but it's pretty much the same like the SKy hub (perhaps is due to my ADSL line?)

Just three questions:

1) I didn't find the Ethernet cable in the box, so does it mean Zyxel doesn't provide that or the seller needed a spare one?

2) Should I change the set up to bridge mode or I keep it as a router? I read that many people had problems due to double-NAT issues, but mine works... Plus I like the idea to use two firewalls as well as I can login to the Zyxel interface directly from my laptop - which is connected via wireless to the R7000...

3) What should I choose the service category to be:
     a. UBR with PCR
     b. UBR without PCR
     c. CBR
     d. Non realtime VBR
     e. Realtime VBR

Thanks.