Hi All,
Been doing loads of research recently on changing ISP's and what modem/router to purchase. I would like some advise from someone who has some knowledge in this area.
I was on Sky BB for many years but moved to NowTV as they had a superb offer on BB&Phone. Which is the same hardware/backbone as Sky.
I always got around 39999 Kbps Down and 5857 Kbps Up. I was happy with that
With using the NowTV-BB Router (NR801)
Here are my current Line Stats.
Connection Speed (Kbps) 39999 5857
Line Attenuation (dB) DS1:17.2 DS2:44.0 DS3:67.0 US0:5.9 US1:34.6 US2:0.0
Noise Margin (dB) DS1:7.6 DS2:7.6 DS3:7.7 US0:5.8 US1:5.9 US2:0.0
Now I am out of contract with NOWTV BB and want to start using my own hardware (modem/router).
I understand the best option for a modem/router chip set is Broadcom, as i don't know what my current cab DSLAM is. It could be Huawei by looking at Kitzs Cab look up pages, not 100% sure. Also can't check from my router as its locked.
Can anyone recommend a good Broadcom router, which has lots of config options. e.g. VPN, 3/4G Backup
Now for the ISP, this is where I get super stuck.....
1) If I move to another ISP what hardware changes between me and the exchange? Would someone like Plus.Net or Zen have there own hardware back at the exchange? or do they all use BT's hardware?
I really don't want to reduce my current Down/Up speed. Whats the chances of this changing when moving to another ISP.
2) Does anyone know if Sky allows the use of your own hardware? I saw some reports they changes their T&C's. I can't find anything on their website which states otherwise.
3) Looking at reviews of ISP's it seems my primary option Plus.Net has gone down hill recently. I remember the days when it used to be Force9
Can anyone recommend anyone else who provide truely unlimited download without much traffic shaping.
I know this might sound like a newbie type of question but i can't seem to find out up to date info on this type of query.
Appreciate any advice or info in advanced.
Cheers
Mo