Kitz Forum
Broadband Related => Broadband Hardware => Topic started by: cliver on August 24, 2016, 05:35:43 PM
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Current setup:
Talk Talk Fibre Large. Fed , I think, from a Huawei OpenReach cab.
I am a fair distance from the cab and get a reliable 50Mbps down and 8Mbps up on my current service.
Modem: Talk Talk sort router set as modern only
Router: RT-AC68U
2nd AP: RT-AC66U for improved wireless coverage
Both routers running RMerlin latest firmware.
I access the modern direct from the LAN with IP routing scripts in the router and would like to be able to do the same with any replacement modem.
My contract with TT expiress next month and I'd like to consider my options, although I get good reliability and speeds from TT at the moment.
Anyway; I'm looking to replace the TT super router with a good generic modem that I can use on any FTTC service.
So should I go for one of the Open Reach modems on eBay?
If so HG612 or ECI?<br />I'm happy flashing replacement firmwares on these and like the idea of getting stats.
Or should I go for a proprietary one like Dratek Vigor?
My main requirement is, as always, good reliable sync speeds and reliable hardware.
Anyone with any thoughts, experiences and advice much appreciated.
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It would be worthwhile for you to take a look at the Combined VDSL2 Modem Routers (http://forum.kitz.co.uk/index.php/topic,14436.0.html) thread.
Would you prefer to have an all-in-one device or would a multi-box solution be acceptable?
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Not really burrakkucat, I have a lan setup with my existing routers that works well and I don't want to have to set it all up again every time I change isp's. So my plan is to have a modem that I can use for any isp so I'm not reliant on the supplied modem router. Hope that makes sense.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
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Hi Cliver, my setup was similar to yours (albeit with ADLS2+), I also prefer to have a dedicated router with separate WAP's and modems etc.
I also had an RT-68U as my main router and used a Billion 7800N followed by a Zyxel VMG8324 in bridge mode as modems.
Personally I had problems using the RT-68U in this way as it would periodically and regularly drop the PPPOE connection for no apparent reason - I replaced it with another central router and it is now just used as a WAP on my network and doing a great job.
I don't have any experience of FTTC connections but tend to stick to Broadcom based devices as I have had by far the best and most stable connections with them on my noisy long line. Many people on here also favour them, the HG612, Billion 8800NL and Zyxel VMG8324/8924 being commonly recommended by people.
If your TalkTalk router is a Huawei HG635 like this one on ebay (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TALK-TALK-WIRELESS-BROADBAND-SUPER-ROUTER-HUAWEI-HG635-/282145802312?hash=item41b1334848:g:Yk0AAOSw9NdXuxCe)it might be worth keeping it as I believe it is based on a BCM63168 chipset which is actually considered a good performer and according to user kitzuser87430 can be used on any connection (http://forum.kitz.co.uk/index.php/topic,18339.msg331388.html#msg331388) unfortunately not in bridge mode.
Personally I rate the Zyxel VMG8324, I have just bought a second unit and it can be used on both VDSL and ADSL connections.s
I am sure one of the more knowledgeable peeps will be along shortly to give further advice.
Cheers
Chunks
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If you want an 'Openreach modem' then I'd go for a HG612.
However, whilst these modems are stable.. I'm mindful of the fact that they have now been around for a few years and we are reliant on the likes of Asbo/HowlingWolf to ensure the firmware is kept up to date. Also the prices on ebay are sometimes silly money for a simple modem. If you can pick one up for <£20 then go for it. I personally wouldnt pay more than that for a locked modem. Some charge a little bit more if its already unlocked.
As already mentioned, the other option is using a modem/router in bridge mode. Billions and Zyxels seem to be the most favoured for reliability and functionality. I personally like my VMG8324 and its the one I go back to, but they can be hard to get hold of although one supplier offers a discount to Kitz forum members for the VMG8924 (http://forum.kitz.co.uk/index.php/topic,17721.0.html). However if you are using it in bridge mode then you may not want to pay extra for Wireless AC and not use it.
If you are looking for something cheaper then the VMG1312-B10A seems to be a good performer on even long lines considering it has a budget BCM chipset.
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So should I go for one of the Open Reach modems on eBay?
If so HG612 or ECI?<br />I'm happy flashing replacement firmwares on these and like the idea of getting stats.
The OpenReach ECI modem is locked down, and requires opening the unit and soldering to unlock and view stats. even after that the stats harvesting programs commonly used in here don't work with it.
The almost identical looking Huawei HG612 is also locked down, but is very easily unlocked by simply holding a button down then uploading modified firmware. This gives full access to the Broadcom CLI, and works with all the popular stats programs.
Your Huawei cabinet has a broadcom DSLAM, and it's recommended to match this with a broadcom modem. The HG612, Billions and ZyXELs all tend to have broadcom chipsets in them. The Broadcom modems provide the best stats/compatibility with stats programs.
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Cheers Chunkers,
My current "modem" is indeed the HG365 and it does seem to work well. I'm on tt's Fibre Large (up to 72Mbps down) and get consistent 50Mbps down on it with no disconnections that I can't out down to me messing around. So may be worth just hanging on to it.
I'll have a look at the others you mention though. Many thanks for the input.
I have only recently bought the RT-AC68U as I was using the 66U as my main router without any issues. I updated to the 68 as my main and put the 66 at the other end of the house upstairs for better wireless coverage. Both seem to week pretty much flawlessly for me.
Regards
Clive
Hi Cliver, my setup was similar to yours (albeit with ADLS2+), I also prefer to have a dedicated router with separate WAP's and modems etc.
I also had an RT-68U as my main router and used a Billion 7800N followed by a Zyxel VMG8324 in bridge mode as modems.
Personally I had problems using the RT-68U in this way as it would periodically and regularly drop the PPPOE connection for no apparent reason - I replaced it with another central router and it is now just used as a WAP on my network and doing a great job.
I don't have any experience of FTTC connections but tend to stick to Broadcom based devices as I have had by far the best and most stable connections with them on my noisy long line. Many people on here also favour them, the HG612, Billion 8800NL and Zyxel VMG8324/8924 being commonly recommended by people.
If your TalkTalk router is a Huawei HG635 like this one on ebay (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/TALK-TALK-WIRELESS-BROADBAND-SUPER-ROUTER-HUAWEI-HG635-/282145802312?hash=item41b1334848:g:Yk0AAOSw9NdXuxCe)it might be worth keeping it as I believe it is based on a BCM63168 chipset which is actually considered a good performer and according to user kitzuser87430 can be used on any connection (http://forum.kitz.co.uk/index.php/topic,18339.msg331388.html#msg331388) unfortunately not in bridge mode.
Personally I rate the Zyxel VMG8324, I have just bought a second unit and it can be used on both VDSL and ADSL connections.s
I am sure one of the more knowledgeable peeps will be along shortly to give further advice.
Cheers
Chunks
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If you want an 'Openreach modem' then I'd go for a HG612.
However, whilst these modems are stable.. I'm mindful of the fact that they have now been around for a few years and we are reliant on the likes of Asbo/HowlingWolf to ensure the firmware is kept up to date. Also the prices on ebay are sometimes silly money for a simple modem. If you can pick one up for <£20 then go for it. I personally wouldnt pay more than that for a locked modem. Some charge a little bit more if its already unlocked.
As already mentioned, the other option is using a modem/router in bridge mode. Billions and Zyxels seem to be the most favoured for reliability and functionality. I personally like my VMG8324 and its the one I go back to, but they can be hard to get hold of although one supplier offers a discount to Kitz forum members for the VMG8924 (http://forum.kitz.co.uk/index.php/topic,17721.0.html). However if you are using it in bridge mode then you may not want to pay extra for Wireless AC and not use it.
If you are looking for something cheaper then the VMG1312-B10A seems to be a good performer on even long lines considering it has a budget BCM chipset.
Hi kitz,
I am tempted to try the HG612 but like you am concerned that it has been around for a long time and reliant on the guys hard work to keep them up to date. And they seem to be going for ridiculous prices on eBay at the moment.
I'm not worried about paying a bit for it as long as it works well and is reliable. I'll have a look at the ones you suggest.
Many thanks for the input.
Regards
Clive
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The OpenReach ECI modem is locked down, and requires opening the unit and soldering to unlock and view stats. even after that the stats harvesting programs commonly used in here don't work with it.
The almost identical looking Huawei HG612 is also locked down, but is very easily unlocked by simply holding a button down then uploading modified firmware. This gives full access to the Broadcom CLI, and works with all the popular stats programs.
Your Huawei cabinet has a broadcom DSLAM, and it's recommended to match this with a broadcom modem. The HG612, Billions and ZyXELs all tend to have broadcom chipsets in them. The Broadcom modems provide the best stats/compatibility with stats programs.
Thanks J0hn,
Plenty of choices. As I said in previous reply, I'm tempted to try the HG612. I can always go back to my current modem if necessary.
I'm thinking I may have to try a few for comparison purposes, keep the best one and sell the rest on 😁
Thanks and regards
Clive
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I've become a big fan of the Zyxel VMG8324-B10A in bridge mode. It didn't work well for me as a combined modem/router, but in bridge mode it gives the best combination of speed and stability for me.
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I've become a big fan of the Zyxel VMG8324-B10A in bridge mode. It didn't work well for me as a combined modem/router, but in bridge mode it gives the best combination of speed and stability for me.
Thanks roseway,
I was just googling the 8324 as everyone seems to love it. Looks like the front runner at the moment 😁
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Hi
Hi kitz,
I am tempted to try the HG612 but like you am concerned that it has been around for a long time and reliant on the guys hard work to keep them up to date. And they seem to be going for ridiculous prices on eBay at the moment.
I'm not worried about paying a bit for it as long as it works well and is reliable. I'll have a look at the ones you suggest.
Many thanks for the input.
Regards
Clive
The other problem is these modems do degrade with 24/7 use (capacitor aging), so given a second hand one could have been running for a couple of years they may not be at peak performance.
Regards
Phil
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Hi
The other problem is these modems do degrade with 24/7 use (capacitor aging), so given a second hand one could have been running for a couple of years they may not be at peak performance.
Regards
Phil
I agree Phil, that's why I tend to buy new if I can.
Regards
Clive
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Thanks roseway,
I was just googling the 8324 as everyone seems to love it. Looks like the front runner at the moment 😁
I bought my 8324 new 6 months ago for £40 +P&P but they do seem to be more expensive now, I think word is spreading! INterestingly there does not seem to be much variation in price on ebay between the 8324 and the 8924 so for my second unit I figured "might as well" get the 8924 for the better WLAN even though I am not planning to use it.
This vendor has stock on evilbay (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ZyXEL-VMG8924-Dual-Band-AC-Gigabit-Router-Modem-Gateway-FTTC-VDSL-ADSL-/272341646010?hash=item3f68d3baba:g:5BQAAOSwIgNXsOwf)and I made an offer of £40 which was countered by £55, so I got the unit for £55 inc P&P - I was happy with on the basis that it is a new unit, was dispatched yesterday very promptly so maybe find out today if its pristine.
So I think the going rate for a new unit on ebay is £40-60 depending on how patient you are :)
Chunks
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I bought my 8324 new 6 months ago for £40 +P&P but they do seem to be more expensive now, I think word is spreading! INterestingly there does not seem to be much variation in price on ebay between the 8324 and the 8924 so for my second unit I figured "might as well" get the 8924 for the better WLAN even though I am not planning to use it.
This vendor has stock on evilbay (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ZyXEL-VMG8924-Dual-Band-AC-Gigabit-Router-Modem-Gateway-FTTC-VDSL-ADSL-/272341646010?hash=item3f68d3baba:g:5BQAAOSwIgNXsOwf)and I made an offer of £40 which was countered by £55, so I got the unit for £55 inc P&P - I was happy with on the basis that it is a new unit, was dispatched yesterday very promptly so maybe find out today if its pristine.
So I think the going rate for a new unit on ebay is £40-60 depending on how patient you are :)
Chunks
Yes, some on eBay for £100😱
But some for around £50, may put in an order 😊
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Beware if you get the 8924, it's got a fault where you lose 2.4GHz WiFi access after a few days - I have to reboot to get it back.
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My VMG8924 was delivered very promptly yesterday (but I was out) so I collected from Post Office this morning and can confirm it is brand new - very happy. So if anyone does decide to purchase a unit from the vendor I linked above hopefully they will get the same good service.
Chunks
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Beware if you get the 8924, it's got a fault where you lose 2.4GHz WiFi access after a few days - I have to reboot to get it back.
I've never had this, nor have I seen anyone else describe this. Apart from an added 5ghz wireless card the 8924 and 8324 are identical. If the 8924 suffered a fault with 2.4ghz Wi-Fi then the 8324 would also. Sounds more like a faulty unit than a widespread problem
My VMG8924 was delivered very promptly yesterday (but I was out) so I collected from Post Office this morning and can confirm it is brand new - very happy. So if anyone does decide to purchase a unit from the vendor I linked above hopefully they will get the same good service.
Chunks
they appear to have 4 left (if I try add 5 it says not enough stock, but will let you order 4)
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I've never had this, nor have I seen anyone else describe this. Apart from an added 5ghz wireless card the 8924 and 8324 are identical. If the 8924 suffered a fault with 2.4ghz Wi-Fi then the 8324 would also. Sounds more like a faulty unit than a widespread problem they appear to have 4 left (if I try add 5 it says not enough stock, but will let you order 4)
http://forum.kitz.co.uk/index.php/topic,13930.msg331511.html#msg331511
http://forum.kitz.co.uk/index.php/topic,13930.msg311358.html#msg311358
and some others I saw
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I've read that also, but that's 1 post from February, where turning Wi-Fi on/off fixes it. The other post says they had that on older firmwares, again toggling Wi-Fi fixed it.
It's a bit of a jump to claim... Beware if you get the 8924, it's got a fault where you lose 2.4GHz WiFi access after a few days - I have to reboot to get it back.
. My Wi-Fi has never dropped. There's dozens of 8324/8924 users on here who's unit works fine.
Have you tried performing a hard reset?
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Yes, I've done a hard reset via button after I updated to the latest FW.
I've raised a ticket with Zyxel, will see what happens.
I'm sure there are lots of people without problems, suspect it hits specific configurations only.
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So I've ordered an Zyxel 8324 on eBay for £49.50 new Inc delivery. Now have to wait for my new toy to arrive 😓
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So I've ordered an Zyxel 8324 on eBay for £49.50 new Inc delivery. Now have to wait for my new toy to arrive
It Arrived today and turned out to be a VMG8924-B10A instead of the 8324-10A.
I have set it up, disabled NAT DHCP etc. and it is working as modem only.
Sadly my sync rate has halved from 54Mbps on the TT Super router as modem only to 24.991 on the VMG8924.
I can't believe that is a difference between the two modems so must have a config problem I believe.
My VDSL Stats are:
VDSL Training Status: Showtime
Mode: VDSL2 Annex B
VDSL Profile: Profile 17a
G.Vector: Disable
Traffic Type: PTM Mode
Link Uptime: 0 day: 0 hour: 14 minutes
============================================================================
VDSL Port Details Upstream Downstream
Line Rate: 8.702 Mbps 24.991 Mbps
Actual Net Data Rate: 8.670 Mbps 24.992 Mbps
Trellis Coding: ON ON
SNR Margin: 6.2 dB 18.6 dB
Actual Delay: 0 ms 0 ms
Transmit Power: 6.7 dBm 12.1 dBm
Receive Power: -6.7 dBm -7.6 dBm
Actual INP: 0.0 symbols 46.0 symbols
Total Attenuation: 13.3 dB 19.8 dB
Attainable Net Data Rate: 8.670 Mbps 51.513 Mbps
============================================================================
VDSL Band Status U0 U1 U2 U3 D1 D2 D3
Line Attenuation(dB): 7.3 41.0 50.2 N/A 14.8 40.7 64.5
Signal Attenuation(dB): 7.3 40.5 48.8 N/A 16.8 40.4 64.8
SNR Margin(dB): 6.3 6.2 6.3 N/A 18.6 18.6 0.0
Transmit Power(dBm): 0.5 - 5.6 4.9 N/A 9.1 7.5 4.3
My Setup on the modem is as follows:
General
Active: Y
Name: Modem
Type: ADSL/VDSL over PTM
Type: Bridge
VLAN
Active: Y
802.1p: 1
802.1q: 101
QoS
Rate Limit: blank
I'm loath to go back to the TT super router yet as I don't want to upset the DLM. have I set this up right? As I say it connects ok but speeds have halved :-(
Any help appreciated.
Regards
Clive
EDIT: Current Firmware Version: 1.00(AAKL.14)C0 flashed by me before setting up.
Stats from TT Super Router:
Internet Connection
DSL synchronization status:
Up
Connection status:
Showtime
WAN IP Address:
None
Primary DNS Server:
None
Secondary DNS Server:
NoneLine Quality
Upstream line rate (kbit/s):
8577
Downstream line rate (kbit/s):
53443
Upstream noise safety coefficient (dB):
6
Downstream noise safety coefficient (dB):
6.4
Upstream interleave depth:
0
Downstream interleave depth:
0
Line standard:
VDSL
Upstream line attenuation (dB):
41.1
Downstream line attenuation (dB):
15.3
Upstream output power (dBm):
6.1
Downstream output power (dBm):
12.4
Downstream interleave depth:
None
DSL up-time:
2 days 18 hours 35 minutes 1 second
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SNR Margin: 6.2 dB 18.6 dB
Attainable Net Data Rate: 8.670 Mbps 51.513 Mbps
Looks like you should be able to get 51 Mbps out of it, but it has decided to sync with a d/s SNR Margin of 18.6 dB.
I wonder why ? (I have no experience of the Zyxel myself to answer that ...)
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SNR Margin: 6.2 dB 18.6 dB
Attainable Net Data Rate: 8.670 Mbps 51.513 Mbps
Looks like you should be able to get 51 Mbps out of it, but it has decided to sync with a d/s SNR Margin of 18.6 dB.
I wonder why ? (I have no experience of the Zyxel myself to answer that ...)
Thanks roswellgrey,
That's how I read it as well. I assume it will gradually push the sync rate up, presuming the noise figures stay the same.
Just wondering if there's anything I can do to pick it up.
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power down the modem for 30 minutes then reconnect, to avoid DLM counting it as a resync. very odd to have such a high SNRM.
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Not that this help much at all but .... another odd thing I just noticed - the D3 band looks a bit sick (0 SNR, 64 db Att), and I was wondering if the previous modems 53 Mb d/s sync could have been achieved with a D3 band looking like that ? or is there something weird happening with the new modem ....
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Powered everything down and left it for 30 mins as suggested, thanks j0hn.
All now looking good, see stats below.
Sync speed seems to be in line with what I got from the TT Super Router. Speed tests are, on initial tests a fraction down on what I was getting but that may be time of day etc.
I have DLS Stats running on it at the moment so will monitor it for a few days ad see what happens.
Thanks all for your inputs and advice :-)
VDSL Training Status: Showtime
Mode: VDSL2 Annex B
VDSL Profile: Profile 17a
G.Vector: Disable
Traffic Type: PTM Mode
Link Uptime: 0 day: 0 hour: 8 minutes
============================================================================
VDSL Port Details Upstream Downstream
Line Rate: 9.191 Mbps 51.549 Mbps
Actual Net Data Rate: 9.157 Mbps 51.550 Mbps
Trellis Coding: ON ON
SNR Margin: 6.4 dB 6.8 dB
Actual Delay: 0 ms 0 ms
Transmit Power: 6.4 dBm 12.1 dBm
Receive Power: -6.8 dBm -8.0 dBm
Actual INP: 0.0 symbols 49.0 symbols
Total Attenuation: 13.3 dB 20.2 dB
Attainable Net Data Rate: 9.157 Mbps 53.482 Mbps
============================================================================
VDSL Band Status U0 U1 U2 U3 D1 D2 D3
Line Attenuation(dB): 7.3 41.1 50.3 N/A 15.4 40.6 64.6
Signal Attenuation(dB): 7.3 40.8 48.7 N/A 17.1 40.4 64.8
SNR Margin(dB): 6.7 6.3 6.4 N/A 7.2 6.6 6.4
Transmit Power(dBm): 0.4 - 5.3 4.8 N/A 9.0 7.7 4.1
============================================================================
VDSL Counters
Downstream Upstream
Since Link time = 8 min 49 sec
FEC: 656 18
CRC: 2 4
ES: 1 4
SES: 0 0
UAS: 0 0
LOS: 0 0
LOF: 0 0
LOM: 0 0
Latest 15 minutes time = 9 min 23 sec
FEC: 656 18
CRC: 2 4
ES: 1 4
SES: 0 0
UAS: 33 33
LOS: 0 0
LOF: 0 0
LOM: 0 0
Previous 15 minutes time = 0 sec
FEC: 0 0
CRC: 0 0
ES: 0 0
SES: 0 0
UAS: 0 0
LOS: 0 0
LOF: 0 0
LOM: 0 0
Latest 1 day time = 9 min 23 sec
FEC: 656 18
CRC: 2 4
ES: 1 4
SES: 0 0
UAS: 33 33
LOS: 0 0
LOF: 0 0
LOM: 0 0
Previous 1 day time = 0 sec
FEC: 0 0
CRC: 0 0
ES: 0 0
SES: 0 0
UAS: 0 0
LOS: 0 0
LOF: 0 0
LOM: 0 0
Total time = 9 min 23 sec
FEC: 656 18
CRC: 2 4
ES: 1 4
SES: 0 0
UAS: 33 33
LOS: 0 0
LOF: 0 0
LOM: 0 0
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Just one question. Can anyone tell me the significance, if any, of the U3 Band showing N/A and the D3 SNR Margin showing 0.0dB in the VDSL Band Status below?
VDSL Band Status U0 U1 U2 U3 D1 D2 D3
Line Attenuation(dB): 7.3 41.0 50.2 N/A 14.8 40.7 64.5
Signal Attenuation(dB): 7.3 40.5 48.8 N/A 16.8 40.4 64.8
SNR Margin(dB): 6.3 6.2 6.3 N/A 18.6 18.6 0.0
Transmit Power(dBm): 0.5 - 5.6 4.9 N/A 9.1 7.5 4.3
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U3 being N/A probably means your line is too long to make any use of the U3 band at all. Not even enough signal received to measure the attenuation.
D3 SNRM of 0.0 dB either shows the current conditions, and/or possibly that there are zero bits currently allocated to any of the tones in that band, the bit loading data would confirm or contradict that theory.
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U3 being N/A probably means your line is too long to make any use of the U3 band at all. Not even enough signal received to measure the attenuation.
D3 SNRM of 0.0 dB either shows the current conditions, and/or possibly that there are zero bits currently allocated to any of the tones in that band, the bit loading data would confirm or contradict that theory.
Thanks ejs.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
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I may well be wrong, but I don't think the UK Band plans use U3 (assuming you are UK based), so the n/a is just saying that Band is not in use.
As ejs says, bitloading , snr and hlog graphs will reveal all, but I would guess that the attenuation on your line at the higher frequencies (in the D3 band) is borderline as to usability i.e. it doesn't have a lot of margin to spare ... on 1st boot it decided not to use them, and after poweroff/reboot, it changed its mind i.e it is right on the threshold of use/no-use
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Think you may be right there roswellgrey, in DSLStats U3 is greyed out.
I am indeed UK based 😀
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I may well be wrong, but I don't think the UK Band plans use U3 (assuming you are UK based), so the n/a is just saying that Band is not in use.
You're quite correct. U3 and U4 arent in use
As ejs says, bitloading , snr and hlog graphs will reveal all, but I would guess that the attenuation on your line at the higher frequencies (in the D3 band) is borderline as to usability i.e. it doesn't have a lot of margin to spare ... on 1st boot it decided not to use them, and after poweroff/reboot, it changed its mind i.e it is right on the threshold of use/no-use
That first sync was rather strange. Obviously the line has sufficient SNR to give you the higher speeds, but for some reason during the channel analysis of training mustn't have had. I can't think of any obvious reason why it would do that. Hopefully it was a one off bad sync. I used to get them on adsl after a power cut or power surge.
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I was thinking it might have started off with a few bits allocated in D3, but later bit swapped them all down to zero bits allocated. Tones with zero bits may still have some signal so that the modem can monitor them for later re-use (they're sometimes referred to as monitored tones). Monitored tones would still have signal and noise, but they might not technically have an SNRM.
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Thanks for all the input guys, makes for interesting and educational reading. :)
I have had the VMG8924 online for several days now and noticed the following:
- Ping Times have gone from a consistent 8-10 Ms on HG365 to >12Ms on the VMG
- Speed test results have gone from 50Mbps down 9Mbps up on HG635 to 47Mbps Down 6-7Mbps up on the VMG8924
- I have been running dslstats on the VMG and seeing error bursts which coincide with glitches in my TV service. I didn't get anywhere near the same number of these on the HG635
So I have just put the HG635 back online and my sync rate and speed test results have recovered to their former glory. It's to early to tell if the errors will also diminish.
Both are configured as modem only.
Looks like the HG635 is the better performer as it stands.
My only concern is that I don't have same level of configuration control over the HG635 as The VMG8924 and I can't find a way to get a stats from it. So, unless someone can point me to how I can unlock/hack the HG365 to get more control, and a stats app that I can use with it, I would rather use the VMG8924 if I can.
I attach the logging output from dslstats and config screens on the VMG8924 and the config screens and what stats I can from the HG365 if anyone can give me any ideas if I can change anything on the VMG8924 to get it to perform better.
So, the questions I now have are:
1. Can I do anything to the VMG8924 to improve it connection speed and reduce the errors (probably mutually exclusive;)?
2. Can I improve the HG365 by unlocking/hacking/flashing to give me better control of the modem settings and to get stats from it?
3. Would it be worth getting a HG612 3B to try?
4. If the HG635 turns out to be the better performer and I stick with it will it connect to and perform the same regardless of who I buy my FTTC service from? In my mind the theory is that it's all the same OpenReach kit until the exchange so changing supplier shouldn't make any difference to sync rates/SNR etc. So, assuming I can configure it to any supplier it should perform as well?
5. On another matter entirely, whats the best stats program to use out there? Ideally that I can/could use on the VMG8924, the HG635 and a HG612. I got dslstas working on the VMG8924 but not the HG635. I would prefer a program that just saves the stats in a csv file/files that I can do my own graphing from if that's possible?
I have used DMT in the past on a Netgear Router and got on OK with it but don't think it's compatible with these three.
All input so far greatly appreciated and any and all input on the above also.
Regards to all
Clive
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More stats attached
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More Stats from VMG8924
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Last lot, If there's anything specific that might be helpful I may have it.
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To get full stats and things like dslstats working from the HG635 you just need to edit the config file to enable telnet access. See http://forum.kitz.co.uk/index.php/topic,15574.0.html
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Unfortunately the horizontal scale for the tone numbers is not very useful, it needed to go all the way up to tone 4095 to cover all of the VDSL2 bands.
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To get full stats and things like dslstats working from the HG635 you just need to edit the config file to enable telnet access. See http://forum.kitz.co.uk/index.php/topic,15574.0.html
Thanks Les,
Just downloaded the script and installed python but get the attached error when I run it.
Have I missed something?
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I really don't know. I have only run the script on raspberry pi or other Linux. I attach what "I think" is a default config file edited to enable telenet. The file type is changed to .txt you can change it back to .conf but it should not matter if you don't If you give it a try do save your current config and when it is working with the new config do a "shields up" to check all ports are OK and not open on the wan. It is a long while since I used a HG635 but another option is to use it in bridge mode with the Zyxel doing the ppoe.
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Hi Les,
Should have made clear. I am using the HG635 in bridged mode with an Asus router and AP behind it doing all the LAN and routing stuff.
The whole aim has been to find the best modem that I can use for any ISP service I may move to.
I was using the Zxytel the same way.
If I flash your conf file and then set up bridge mode I assume it will keep telnet?
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I can't see why not but I have never tried it.
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I can't see why not but I have never tried it.
I'll give it a go :)
EDIT: Just realised I'll need to plan this a bit more as I have mine setup with different IP addressing to suit my environment. I'll need to pull it offline at some point but can't at the moment as I'll get lynched for taking the internet down :0
Unless anyone can see what's wrong with my python environment in the meantime.
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You need to install the pycrypto (https://pypi.python.org/pypi/pycrypto) python package which provides the Crypto module, but I'm not sure how easy it would be to do that on Windows. You could try following the instructions to install it from the source code, but I'm not sure if that will work as some modules require a C compiler to build them.
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And you'd then for example need for example the superb GCC, plus a makefile, plus a bit of help if you're new to compilers and builds.
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Or try a project that re-packages python and includes lots of extras - see https://www.python.org/download/alternatives/
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There are prebuilt windows binaries here http://www.voidspace.org.uk/python/modules.shtml
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All of which were built for different versions of python than what cliver has installed, so will not be compatible.
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Looks like pycrypto has been abandonded and replaced by pycryptodome
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Thanks guys got pycrypto installed using
pip install --use-wheel --no-index --find-links=https://github.com/sfbahr/PyCrypto-Wheels/raw/master/pycrypto-2.6.1-cp35-none-win32.whl pycryptoDecryted .conf file and set telnet to 1, re-encrypted the file and uploaded it.
Modem working and I can telnet into it.
Many, many thanks guys.
Now to have a play with the stats :-)
Regards
Clive
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3. Would it be worth getting a HG612 3B to try?
That might be your best option. I've also tried the Zyxel VMG8924 & also the TP link N300 both in bridge mode so that I could make use of the newer Broadcom VDSL2 chipset (being on a Huawei cab) and whilst they synced a meg or two higher than my HG612, however the pings went up and line errors increased signficantly so went back to my tried & trusted HG612. The HG612 might be getting old now, but IMHO its the best option for those on Huawei cabs looking for speed & stability. Sometimes old is best!!
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That might be your best option. I've also tried the Zyxel VMG8924 & also the TP link N300 both in bridge mode so that I could make use of the newer Broadcom VDSL2 chipset (being on a Huawei cab) and whilst they synced a meg or two higher than my HG612, however the pings went up and line errors increased signficantly so went back to my tried & trusted HG612. The HG612 might be getting old now, but IMHO its the best option for those on Huawei cabs looking for speed & stability. Sometimes old is best!!
I can vouch for old is best myself psychopomp1 ;).
Think I may invest in one and try it. Seems to be a matter of trying these things out anyway, as what works best on one line may not be the same on another.
Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk
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Just came across this thread.
I am using the HG635 in bridged mode with an Asus router
@cliver
So the HG635 can be used in bridge mode on VDSL, the talk-talk forums always said that was not possible; can you post a couple of screenshots of your settings please.
I am currently using a HG635 in bridge mode on an ADSL MAX connection, with FTTC planned (eventually) in the next 12/18 months
Thanks Ian
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Seems quite simple
1. Set the PTM connection mode to BRIDGED
2. Disable TR069
3. Disable DHCP in the LAN
4. (Optional) Disable Wireless
http://www.talktalkmembers.com/t5/Superpowered-Fibre-Broadband/Super-Router-HG635-Configure-for-Your-Own-Router-Please-Try/td-p/1531435
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Just came across this thread.
@cliver
So the HG635 can be used in bridge mode on VDSL, the talk-talk forums always said that was not possible; can you post a couple of screenshots of your settings please.
I am currently using a HG635 in bridge mode on an ADSL MAX connection, with FTTC planned (eventually) in the next 12/18 months
Thanks Ian
I was on ADSL Max before and the settings are much the same. See attached. You will need a LAN ip address but everything else is off NAT, DHCP etc. You shouldn't have any trouble but if you do just post here.