Kitz Forum
Broadband Related => Broadband Hardware => Topic started by: hushcoden on September 24, 2017, 09:16:12 PM
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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.
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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
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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.
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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 ::)
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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.
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Havent tried a VMG3925 myself, but there is a thread about it here (http://forum.kitz.co.uk/index.php?topic=18246.0).
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.
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3925 not the best syncing but for me is the best at DS ES rates.
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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?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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 :thumbs:
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.
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ZyXEL do supply Ethernet patch leads with their devices.
The purist in me would say "Bridge Mode" but as you have mentioned double NAT, you are obviously aware of the potential for confusion. However I do know a number of people who deliberately use double NAT and one who even uses triple NAT!
For the Service Category I would advise that you set it as "UBR Without CBR".
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With a powerful device like the r7000 you really want that to handle the PPP session over the Zyxel.
In your current setup the Netgear is only really handling the wireless.
I would definitely use bridge mode.
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With a powerful device like the r7000 you really want that to handle the PPP session over the Zyxel.
In your current setup the Netgear is only really handling the wireless.
I would definitely use bridge mode.
So in terms of security, it means there is no benefit in using two routers, two firewalls... ?
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So in terms of security, it means there is no benefit in using two routers, two firewalls... ?
No real benefit, to be honest.
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None.
Just the issues that will come from having to double configure port forwarding, static routes etc.
Setting it up in bridge mode is extremely easy. There's a step by step tutorial kitz has made for the vmg8324 but it's the same procedure on most zyxel devices.
The benefit of bridge mode are that the modem only handles the xDSL connection, nothing else. Configure, connect, leave forever.
You can then make any changes you need to your router any time you want without worrying about breaking the dsl sync. DHCP, NAT, PPP, firewall, static routes, wifi, all done the the R7000.
If you need help setting up bridge mode just ask.
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Indeed I am trying since two hours but no luck: now, the Zyxel works in router mode with my R7000, and I simply changed the Zyxel in bridge mode + I've changed the set up of my R7000 as per attachment BUT there is no Internet :no:
I assume I am missing some setting on the Zyxel as the R7000 is really straightforward...
Any help much appreciated.
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Follow the below instructions in the link.
https://support.zen.co.uk/kb/Knowledgebase/ZyXEL-VMG1312-VMG8924-Bridge-Mode
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Yes, I read that (as well as http://www.kitz.co.uk/routers/zyxel_VMG8324-B10A_bridge.htm) and since I am on ADSL basically I just need to change the Mode from Routing to Bridge, right?
Done that, but then my R7000 has no Internet... :no:
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If you are on ADSL you won't need the VLAN active on the 1312.
I assume you have setup the PPP login details (your ISP username and password) on the R7000, and that you are connecting to its WAN port?
:)
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Indeed, the VLAN settings are greyed out...
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Is the encapsulation mode correct - I think it's usual to use 'VC/MUX' for ADSL connections.
:)
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Here are my zyxel settings
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Thanks, going to try and will let you know :fingers:
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One more thing: in Home Networking --> LAN setup I have assigned the IP to the modem and I assume I can disable the DHCP server, correct?
My understanding is that in bridge mode DHCP server doesn't work, am I right?
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The modem is on the WAN side of the firewall, so it can't access the LAN. The DHCP server must be in the router (or some other device connected to the LAN).
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I have the DHCP server enabled in the R7000, so do I need to enable that in the modem as well? If the Zyxel is in bridge mode it shouldn't really matter, correct?
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Why do you want to enable the DHCP server in the modem?
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Oh because the only way I know to access the ZyXEL GUI when it is in bridge mode is to enable its wireless, so from my laptop I just need to switch WiFi network anytime I need to log in to the ZyXEL GUI... and to do so I need the ZyXEL DHCP server to assign a local IP address to my laptop...
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Is the LAN ip of the Zyxel in a different subnet to the Netgear? If so, there should be no problem enabling the DHCP server. Or, you could give the Zyxel an IP address in the subnet of the Netgear.
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If you follow the instructions for ZyXEL VMG8324-B10A - Bridge Mode for FTTC (http://www.kitz.co.uk/routers/zyxel_VMG8324-B10A_bridge.htm) that you posted back here (http://forum.kitz.co.uk/index.php/topic,20354.msg355797.html#msg355797) you can assign the modem an IP address of your choosing, and having the second LAN cable from the modem to the router, allow the modem to be connected into the Netgear LAN and so accessed directly.
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DHCP should be off on the Zyxel
The Zyxels IP is set as 192.168.1.1 by default
Set the Netgear as 192.168.1.2
Troubleshoot 1 device at a time.
Do you have a solid DSL light on the Zyxel? If you do then you have that set correctly.
That means you just need so set your ISP credentials correctly on the Netgear.
What ISP are you with?
edit: Sky I believe. I'm sure they have special requirements to be set (MER?). Others will need to help you with that.
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Ahh I can't figure out what I do wrong, I think for today I am done ???
Can someone please let me know if the attached settings look good?
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Yes, that looks fine to me.
Does that give you a solid DSL light on the Zyxel?
If so your problem is with the Netgear.
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Yes, solid green DSL light... So the R7000 it's not handling the PPoE connectivity... >:(
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Yep....your first screenshot....DSL status UP (bottom right of capture).
1) What ISP are you with
and
2)have you got your username and password for the connection
Just seen your first post I'd like to replace my Sky Q hub
Sky ADSL settings https://www.daniscross.co.uk/2014/11/use-router-sky-broadband/ (https://www.daniscross.co.uk/2014/11/use-router-sky-broadband/) or https://charleswilkinson.co.uk/2014/10/27/sky-fibre-broadband-with-dd-wrt/ (https://charleswilkinson.co.uk/2014/10/27/sky-fibre-broadband-with-dd-wrt/)
you need a router that can send DHCP option 60 or 61 with pppoe login.... I will let you research that further.....
Ian
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Note he had the Zyxel working as a modem/router already.
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Exactly, the ZyXEL works perfectly in modem+router... maybe the issue is due to the fact that with ZyXEL I can select the PPPoA protocol while in bridge mode that protocol should be enabled in the router, which in my case is a Netgear R7000, but that gives me only three options to select from, that is PPPoE, PPTP and L2PTP but not PPoA...
So I reckon this might be the issue...
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So I reckon this might be the issue...
Nope
three options to select from, that is PPPoE, PPTP and L2PTP but not PPoA...
When a modem is bridging the connection you cannot use PPoA (you have to use PPPoE)
Ian
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When a modem is bridging the connection you cannot use PPoA (you have to use PPPoE)
Oh this is a good news for me then... is anyone with a bridge/modem+router configuration willing to post her/his own router settings?
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I am using a ZyXEL in bridge with an Asus doing PPPoE and tbh there aren't many settings to change on the Asus in PPPoE mode. When I was on ADSL I was using a Billion 7800 in bridge setup with the Asus again in PPPoE mode. But unless Sky has some special requirements I am not sure what to suggest. On my Asus I have to define one of the LAN ports as an EWAN port is there that facility on the R7000?
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The R7000 has a dedicated WAN port as it's just a router, don't need to sacrifice one of the LAN ports...
And I don't have too many options too, you select PPPoE, username and password, IP assigned by ISP and off you go... I really struggle to understand what's wrong...
I've even factory reset the R7000, but no luck...
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If you are with sky have you checked what the sky settings should be ? I know FTTC of course which the r7000 doesn't support with being flashed but not actually sure what the adsl settings should be
I believe you need ppoa- have you got this option on the r7000? - if not you will need to flash it perhaps with ddwrt or openwrt and hope it supports it
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Here are my zyxel settings
Are you with Sky ?
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No, but you are connected to the DSL....your settings are working fine...... its just your pppoe you need sorting out.
In one of your screenshots you are using install@o2broadband.co.uk username......were you transferred to SKY from O2??
If not you may have to wireshark to find your username or use “moo@skydsl” and “foobar” in as the username and password as per https://forumite.co.uk/forums/topic/replacing-the-homehub/#post-6879 (https://forumite.co.uk/forums/topic/replacing-the-homehub/#post-6879)
Ian
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yes I was with O2 and then SKY... as for the username/password those are the ones I am currently using with the ZyXEL being in router mode, PPPOA, etc... and Internet works fine...
I also extracted username/password from my SR102 and I tried them but nothing changed... it might be something is missing in the R7000 ?
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WAN MAC address spoofing?? or switch modem off for >2 hours
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yes I was with O2 and then SKY... as for the username/password those are the ones I am currently using with the ZyXEL being in router mode, PPPOA, etc... and Internet works fine...
So just use the Zyxel and dump the R7000? Or dual-nat like you did before
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Looks like Netgear don't include Option 61 in their firmware. You need to install DD-WRT firmware.
https://www.myopenrouter.com/downloads/dd-wrt-r7000r7000p
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So closing the thread, many thanks again to all of you for your good advice.
A colleague of mine has got Sky ADSL, a Draytek Vigor 120 in bridge mode and a Netgear R7000 and guess what, it works, same settings like mine... :mad:
So no more time spending on this. Also, in this forum there is anothe user that was trying to do the same thing with an Huawei modem, but no chance that was working in bridge mode, only as a router, exactly like me and he ended up buying a Draytek Vigor 120, which apparently, along with its bigger brother Vigor 130, are the only capable to deal with Sky ADSL in bridge mode...
P.S. all the stories about DHCP 60 & 61 seem to be related to the fiber/VDSL connectivity only.
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I don't think there's a problem with Sky, I think you're just sufferring from a misconfiguration somewhere. I mean, you have the Zyxel working on it's own but your not proving either that the Zyxel is configured correctly as a modem, or that the D7000 is configured correctly as a router.
One way of ruling out the Zyxel as a modem is to connect it to the Sky router. The Sky router will configure one of it's LAN ports as a WAN port if it detects that a modem is plugged in and successfully use it.
Mentioning the HG612, it is quite easy to set it up for VDSL or ADSL as shown here https://support.aa.net.uk/Router_-_EchoLife_HG612
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I don't think there's a problem with Sky, I think you're just sufferring from a misconfiguration somewhere. I mean, you have the Zyxel working on it's own but your not proving either that the Zyxel is configured correctly as a modem, or that the D7000 is configured correctly as a router.
Here you can see the Internet settings of my R7000 (and not D7000): http://forum.kitz.co.uk/index.php/topic,20354.msg355791.html#msg355791
And here modem settings: http://forum.kitz.co.uk/index.php/topic,20354.msg355852.html#msg355852
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Does the Zyxel as a modem work with the SR102?
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Unfortunately not... How come I can't find anyone who is using Sky ADSL with a bridge/modem which is not a Vigor 120/130? At least this would mean/prove that I am missing something in the configuration...
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I've done some more reading round and this is another suggestion
ATM. VPI/VCI 0/38, DSL Latency:path 0, DSL Link: EOA, Encap: LLC, Service type UBR without PCR
WAN:
Layer2 interface: ATM
WAN connection: Enable
Service list: Internet
Port binding: LAN1
Connection mode: Bridge type:
All other tickboxes unchecked.
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As I have no plans to move to VDSL in the short term, thinking to get an AMG1302-T11C... :rain:
I want to use the bridge mode at all costs :baby:
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In common with quite a few others in this thread, I'd like to sing its praises.
I've experience with HG612, VMG1312_B10D, and VMG1312_B10A, just as modems,
on a crappy line (and Huawei cabinet). My ASUS router logs in, using pppoe, or something.
My ranking from best to worse as modems, in terms of
just subjective general use, plus what I see (and possibly misunderstand) in dslstats is
VMG1312_B10A > HG612 > VMG1312_B10D, definitely.
No idea why this should, but the B10A uses a highly-thought-of chip: BCM63168, plus
it has some sort of noise-filtering ("8924/8324").
Setting up the B10D is child's-play compared to the B10A, which has more features.
To me the B10A seems physically quite flimsy and it rattles. If you mount it vertically,
everything is upside-down. It is next to impossible to read the ethernet port numbers.
On wonderful, short, noiseness lines, I've no idea how they'd rank.
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Yes, that looks fine to me.
Does that give you a solid DSL light on the Zyxel?
If so your problem is with the Netgear.
Just for sanity check, is it fine that I don't see there the WAN IP ?