Kitz Forum

Broadband Related => Broadband Hardware => Topic started by: hacktrix2006 on November 23, 2020, 11:08:36 PM

Title: Help Deciding on Modem
Post by: hacktrix2006 on November 23, 2020, 11:08:36 PM
I currently have a Zyxtel 1312-B10A in bridge mode connected to a Linksys WRT32X (OpenWRT), now i normally have a modem/router for 2 years before i replace it.

I am currently looking for a new modem (VDSL2) but without the Router segment.

So far i am looking at:

Comtrend 3030/3031u
Zyxtel VMG-4005-B50B
Vigor 165
Vigor 130

But are there any others i should also consider.

My current setup has a 40/10 connection syncing at 40/6 and i am connected to a Huawei Cabinet as well.

Now for Diagnostics reason i will be keeping my VMG-1312-B10A so i am not requiring a modem with SSH access or the such.

Moderators if this is the wrong place, please accept my advance apologies and move to the correct area.
Title: Re: Help Deciding on Modem
Post by: Weaver on November 23, 2020, 11:20:37 PM
May I ask what’s wrong with the VMG 1312-B10A ? Will it not do VDSL2 (I don’t know.)

One of the higher end ZyXel models will do a good job for you.

The Vigor 130 is a solid piece of kit. I prefer the VMG 1312-B10A.
Title: Re: Help Deciding on Modem
Post by: hacktrix2006 on November 23, 2020, 11:23:54 PM
There is nothing wrong with my VMG 1312-B10A, however i have always replaced my equipment after 2 years or sooner.

As i am looking to turn my VMG 1312-B10A (which has been rock solid i might add) into just a diagnostic router for when there is a line issue i am looking for something that will replace it.
Title: Re: Help Deciding on Modem
Post by: Weaver on November 23, 2020, 11:27:14 PM
Sticking with ZyXEL is a good plan, although the models ending in -D do not have the good input filtering that the -A and -B models have, ask about this as I can’t remember if that’s true without exception.
Title: Re: Help Deciding on Modem
Post by: hacktrix2006 on November 23, 2020, 11:29:49 PM
I was tossing between the comtrend and zyxtel with zyxtel being 1st however its how easy i can get a VMG4005-B50B being that is a CPE for ISP's and the only ones i can find right now are in the USA.

Also looking for one thats in the MCT as i am in the UK.
Title: Re: Help Deciding on Modem
Post by: tubaman on November 24, 2020, 07:41:08 AM
Quote from: hacktrix2006 on November 23, 2020, 11:23:54 PM
There is nothing wrong with my VMG 1312-B10A, however i have always replaced my equipment after 2 years or sooner.

As i am looking to turn my VMG 1312-B10A (which has been rock solid i might add) into just a diagnostic router for when there is a line issue i am looking for something that will replace it.

If it's working fine then why replace it?
It sounds like your connection is similar to mine, which runs at about 43/7 on a Huawei cabinet, and I think you'll struggle to find another modem that syncs as high and is a stable as the Zyxel.
I've tried a multitude of other modem/routers on my line and the only one I have ever found that's as good as a Zyxel VMGxxxx-B10A (for 'xxxx' substitute 1312/8324/8924) was a Netgear D6220, and that suffered a hardware failure after about 10 months of use.
 :)
Title: Re: Help Deciding on Modem
Post by: Weaver on November 24, 2020, 09:26:05 AM
What tubaman said. It was at one time possible to get new boxed VMG 1312-B10As on ebay even after ZyXel stopped supplying them. But in any event, as I said, I personally would go for one of the high end VMG 8xxx-B10A or 9xxx-B10A or -10B models. I can’t remember the exact model numbers; Kitz herself uses one of these as a router. An advantage of all of these ZyXELs, apart from being a fine modem, is that it has PPP MTU = 1508 ie IP MTU = 1500 if you put our very own Johnson’s custom software into it and your router and wholesale service provider can support it.
Title: Re: Help Deciding on Modem
Post by: meritez on November 24, 2020, 10:17:31 AM
The issue with comtrend is lack of publicly available firmware for the vr3030.
TTB tend to replace them instead of updating the firmware.

You can pick up Zyxels for pounds on ebay, my latest is a new in box VMG1312-B10D for £1 plus postage, but I also managed to grab a VMG3925-B10C postoffice branded for £7 plus postage.

The VMG8924 is worth looking out for
Title: Re: Help Deciding on Modem
Post by: Weaver on November 24, 2020, 11:21:16 AM
The VMG 8924 is the model I was trying to remember.
Title: Re: Help Deciding on Modem
Post by: tubaman on November 24, 2020, 01:21:51 PM
Quote from: meritez on November 24, 2020, 10:17:31 AM
The issue with comtrend is lack of publicly available firmware for the vr3030.
TTB tend to replace them instead of updating the firmware.

You can pick up Zyxels for pounds on ebay, my latest is a new in box VMG1312-B10D for £1 plus postage, but I also managed to grab a VMG3925-B10C postoffice branded for £7 plus postage.

The VMG8924 is worth looking out for

Out of interest is your VMG3925 locked to Post Office firmware, as I have one that any attempts to update are met with a flat 'computer says no' because it has an ISP special version installed.
 :)
Title: Re: Help Deciding on Modem
Post by: meritez on November 24, 2020, 03:38:02 PM
Quote from: tubaman on November 24, 2020, 01:21:51 PM
Out of interest is your VMG3925 locked to Post Office firmware, as I have one that any attempts to update are met with a flat 'computer says no' because it has an ISP special version installed.
 :)

Not turned it on yet, hoping to use the following to downgrade the firmware:

Code: [Select]
To downgrade first give these commands from telnet or ssh using the admin account:

zycli fwidcheck off
zycli modelcheck off
Title: Re: Help Deciding on Modem
Post by: hacktrix2006 on November 24, 2020, 04:34:13 PM
Thanks everyone for your replies, i am after just a bridge modem like the H612 where there is no Wifi etc. Will keep looking though and post what i find.
Title: Re: Help Deciding on Modem
Post by: tubaman on November 24, 2020, 05:40:31 PM
Quote from: meritez on November 24, 2020, 03:38:02 PM
Not turned it on yet, hoping to use the following to downgrade the firmware:

Code: [Select]
To downgrade first give these commands from telnet or ssh using the admin account:

zycli fwidcheck off
zycli modelcheck off

I've just tried this on mine and it has allowed me to install standard firmware. However, in the process it has locked me out of the device, which was on the default admin/1234 combination but clearly now isn't.
It's not the end of the world as I wasn't going to use it with the Post Office firmware anyway, but I suggest you proceed with caution.
Now, where's that large hammer....:comp:
Title: Re: Help Deciding on Modem
Post by: skyeci on November 24, 2020, 06:01:39 PM
Zyxel vmg3925-b10b are also well worth getting to use a bridge modem. Cheap to buy on ebay and easy to unlock for supervisor access if ex kcom for example.
Have found the speed to be very good too and with stability.
Title: Re: Help Deciding on Modem
Post by: burakkucat on November 24, 2020, 07:39:47 PM
Quote from: tubaman on November 24, 2020, 05:40:31 PM
Now, where's that large hammer....:comp:

Or connect to it via the serial console, interrupt the boot process and obtain the CFE> prompt, etc.  ;)
Title: Re: Help Deciding on Modem
Post by: tubaman on November 24, 2020, 08:05:15 PM
Quote from: burakkucat on November 24, 2020, 07:39:47 PM
Or connect to it via the serial console, interrupt the boot process and obtain the CFE> prompt, etc.  ;)

Probably a better plan, but may not be as much fun as the hammer option.   :)
Title: Re: Help Deciding on Modem
Post by: Weaver on November 24, 2020, 10:30:17 PM
Good tip from skyeci. Does that model have the good input filter?
Title: Re: Help Deciding on Modem
Post by: meritez on November 25, 2020, 09:38:17 AM
Quote from: tubaman on November 24, 2020, 05:40:31 PM
I've just tried this on mine and it has allowed me to install standard firmware. However, in the process it has locked me out of the device, which was on the default admin/1234 combination but clearly now isn't.
It's not the end of the world as I wasn't going to use it with the Post Office firmware anyway, but I suggest you proceed with caution.
Now, where's that large hammer....:comp:

Which firmware did you install?
I've had to do this on a vmg1312-b10d to downgrade from beta releases.


Title: Re: Help Deciding on Modem
Post by: tubaman on November 25, 2020, 10:33:35 AM
Quote from: meritez on November 25, 2020, 09:38:17 AM
Which firmware did you install?
I've had to do this on a vmg1312-b10d to downgrade from beta releases.

VMG3925-B10B_5.13(AAVF.13)C0 - the latest one. It may have all gone wrong as it appeared to crash following the update and I had to pinhole reset it. I can get to the login page fine now but can't login.  I'll try the serial cable route when I get a chance.
 :)
Title: Re: Help Deciding on Modem
Post by: meritez on November 25, 2020, 10:46:46 AM
Quote from: tubaman on November 25, 2020, 10:33:35 AM
VMG3925-B10B_5.13(AAVF.13)C0 - the latest one. It may have all gone wrong as it appeared to crash following the update and I had to pinhole reset it. I can get to the login page fine now but can't login.  I'll try the serial cable route when I get a chance.
 :)

Ah, I'm going to try downgrading to VMG3925-B10B_5.13(AAVF.10)C0 as it's the first version for the B10C and hopefully is the one the Post Office Firmware is based on.

Glad to hear you are trying the serial cable before the hammer
Title: Re: Help Deciding on Modem
Post by: tubaman on November 25, 2020, 02:03:53 PM
Quote from: meritez on November 25, 2020, 10:46:46 AM
Ah, I'm going to try downgrading to VMG3925-B10B_5.13(AAVF.10)C0 as it's the first version for the B10C and hopefully is the one the Post Office Firmware is based on.

Glad to hear you are trying the serial cable before the hammer

Thanks - the hammer is now demoted to 'Plan B'.
 :D
Title: Re: Help Deciding on Modem
Post by: Weaver on November 25, 2020, 03:00:01 PM
Is there not a long-pin-press on startup recovery procedure for this model? As there is for the VMG 1312-B10A ?
Title: Re: Help Deciding on Modem
Post by: tubaman on November 25, 2020, 05:03:32 PM
Quote from: Weaver on November 25, 2020, 03:00:01 PM
Is there not a long-pin-press on startup recovery procedure for this model? As there is for the VMG 1312-B10A ?

Unfortunately not. A search of the forum shows I'm not the first to have suffered from this - https://forum.kitz.co.uk/index.php/topic,24413.0.html
 :)
Title: Re: Help Deciding on Modem
Post by: Katana1074 on November 26, 2020, 12:58:32 PM
Hi There...

i can recommend the comtrend VR3030, Im currently using one, I did manage to get hold of the latest SIN498 MCT firmware,

Kenton Comtrends Managing Director came up trumps...

Mine syncs about 3mb higher than my HG612..

Hope this helps

Roy
Title: Re: Help Deciding on Modem
Post by: hacktrix2006 on November 26, 2020, 02:45:13 PM
Quote from: Katana1074 on November 26, 2020, 12:58:32 PM
Hi There...

i can recommend the comtrend VR3030, Im currently using one, I did manage to get hold of the latest SIN498 MCT firmware,

Kenton Comtrends Managing Director came up trumps...

Mine syncs about 3mb higher than my HG612..

Hope this helps

Roy

I sent the company a message about the modem but never got a reply. But thanks for reply though.
Title: Re: Help Deciding on Modem
Post by: Katana1074 on November 26, 2020, 06:22:48 PM
yeah there a bit dodgy with updates, mainly because they tend to preconfigured them for certain isps

mine has the generic mct firmware on it, well I went round the houses, from comtrend then got passed to kenton.

Then the MD of kempton got involved and sent me the latest update,

So support is minimal I'm afraid, apart from that its a good piece of kit with more features than you could ask for for

regards Roy
Title: Re: Help Deciding on Modem [SOLVED]
Post by: hacktrix2006 on November 29, 2020, 12:49:55 PM
Modem has been decided so thanks for everyone suggestions.
Title: Re: Help Deciding on Modem [SOLVED]
Post by: tubaman on November 29, 2020, 01:59:38 PM
Quote from: hacktrix2006 on November 29, 2020, 12:49:55 PM
Modem has been decided so thanks for everyone suggestions.

And the one you have chosen?
 :)
Title: Re: Help Deciding on Modem
Post by: hacktrix2006 on November 29, 2020, 02:05:38 PM
I will be hunting a Comtrend 3030/3031u as checking the MCT list i didn't notice the VMG4005-B50B in it, the Vigor's seem to be Lantiq chipsets which as i am on a Huawei Cab i'd rather have Broadcom Chipset.
Title: Re: Help Deciding on Modem
Post by: jaydub on November 29, 2020, 04:55:54 PM
IDNet sell the contrend 3030.  No idea whether you are able to purchase one if you are not an IDNet customer.
Title: Re: Help Deciding on Modem
Post by: hacktrix2006 on November 29, 2020, 05:06:04 PM
Will look on eBay etc the normal places.
Title: Re: Help Deciding on Modem
Post by: Vanburen on November 30, 2020, 01:29:37 PM
Quote from: hacktrix2006 on November 29, 2020, 02:05:38 PM
I will be hunting a Comtrend 3030/3031u as checking the MCT list i didn't notice the VMG4005-B50B in it, the Vigor's seem to be Lantiq chipsets which as i am on a Huawei Cab i'd rather have Broadcom Chipset.

I am also looking for a VDSL model at the moment and was trying to decide between the DrayTek Vigor 130 and Zyxel VMG4005-B50A, as I noticed that broadband buyer are now listing the Zyxel (https://www.broadbandbuyer.com/products/40844-zyxel-vmg4005-b50a-eu01v1f/) for £3.97 more than the Draytek (albeit on back order).

I would also prefer a Broadcom chipset, are there any downsides to the VMG4005-B50A not being in the MCT?
Title: Re: Help Deciding on Modem
Post by: hacktrix2006 on November 30, 2020, 01:57:00 PM
Nice spot will keep an eye and have it as a backup plain.
Title: Re: Help Deciding on Modem
Post by: meritez on December 01, 2020, 03:01:33 PM
Quote from: hacktrix2006 on November 29, 2020, 05:06:04 PM
Will look on eBay etc the normal places.

£13 with free postage looks good https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/COMTREND-VR-3030-VDSL2-ROUTER-MODEM-Brand-New/174533588850
Title: Re: Help Deciding on Modem
Post by: hacktrix2006 on December 01, 2020, 03:13:26 PM
Thanks for the listing I have one on thee way.
Title: Re: Help Deciding on Modem
Post by: Vanburen on December 02, 2020, 10:47:15 AM
Quote from: meritez on December 01, 2020, 03:01:33 PM
£13 with free postage looks good https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/COMTREND-VR-3030-VDSL2-ROUTER-MODEM-Brand-New/174533588850

Thanks I also ordered one :)

Quote from: Katana1074 on November 26, 2020, 12:58:32 PM
Hi There...

i can recommend the comtrend VR3030, Im currently using one, I did manage to get hold of the latest SIN498 MCT firmware,

Kenton Comtrends Managing Director came up trumps...

Mine syncs about 3mb higher than my HG612..

Hope this helps

Roy

Any chance you would be able to share the VR3030 SIN498 MCT firmware Roy?
Title: Re: Help Deciding on Modem
Post by: hacktrix2006 on December 02, 2020, 10:50:16 AM
Well It's now plugged in. So I am in the VR-3030 club,

Lost a very little bit of sync rate on upstream going from 6126 to 6097 but the downstream remains the same. However the max on DS has increased from 50000 to 51000 mark.
Title: Re: Help Deciding on Modem
Post by: meritez on December 02, 2020, 01:20:12 PM
Quote from: hacktrix2006 on December 02, 2020, 10:50:16 AM
Well It's now plugged in. So I am in the VR-3030 club,

Lost a very little bit of sync rate on upstream going from 6126 to 6097 but the downstream remains the same. However the max on DS has increased from 50000 to 51000 mark.

What firmware did it arrive with?
Title: Re: Help Deciding on Modem
Post by: hacktrix2006 on December 02, 2020, 01:35:21 PM
Same as the one that other use was given.
Title: Re: Help Deciding on Modem
Post by: burakkucat on December 02, 2020, 05:57:36 PM
I obtained a Comtrend VR-3030 last year (2019). After testing, it became apparent that a firmware update would be appropriate. As I could find no obvious source for updated firmware, the device was returned to its box and stored. Then Roy (https://forum.kitz.co.uk/index.php/topic,25388.msg426147.html#msg426147) kindly shared the version that he currently has installed.

As far as I can see there is no obvious indication of the firmware version. So I captured images from the GUI before and after updating the firmware. The transcribed data is below. On the left is the "before" and on the right is the "after" --
Board ID:                   963168M-1341                                Board ID:                   963168M-1341
Software Version:           C031-416KRL-C01_R05.A2pv6F039p.d26b         Software Version:           C031-416KRL-C01_R13.A2pv6F039x5.d26r
Bootloader (CFE) Version:   1.0.38-116.228-2                            Bootloader (CFE) Version:   1.0.38-116.228-2
DSL PHY and Driver Version: A2pv6F039p.d26b                             DSL PHY and Driver Version: A2pv6F039x5.d26r
Serial Number:              xxxxxxxxxxx-xxxxxxxx                        Serial Number:              xxxxxxxxxxx-xxxxxxxx
Title: Re: Help Deciding on Modem
Post by: hacktrix2006 on December 02, 2020, 06:21:43 PM
I have the latter on mine.

Looking good stats wise 1 ES in the DS which has a 47.0 INP with 16 Interleave Depth and 28 ES on the US with no INP or interleave depth which is better then the Zyxel this far.
Title: Re: Help Deciding on Modem
Post by: hacktrix2006 on December 07, 2020, 06:24:02 PM
Just an update, since putting the Comtrend VR3030/3031u online i have been quite happy as you can see below the ES is now low and its been on a few days now. I only lost 100kbps on US and its been rock steady so can not complain.

Mode:   VDSL2   
Traffic Type:   PTM
Status:   Up
Link Power State:   L0
 
    Downstream   Upstream
PhyR Status:   Off   Off
Line Coding(Trellis):   On   On
SNR Margin (0.1 dB):   98   57
Attenuation (0.1 dB):   231   0
Output Power (0.1 dBm):   131   -42
Attainable Rate (Kbps):   50497   6097
 
    Path 0       Path 1   
    Downstream   Upstream   Downstream   Upstream
Rate (Kbps):   40000   6097   0   0
 
B (# of bytes in Mux Data Frame):   178   191   0   0
M (# of Mux Data Frames in an RS codeword):   1   1   2   0
T (# of Mux Data Frames in an OH sub-frame):   0   38   2   0
R (# of redundancy bytes in the RS codeword):   12   14   16   0
S (# of data symbols over which the RS code word spans):   0.1424   0.9994   10.6667   0.0000
L (# of bits transmitted in each data symbol):   10727   1649   24   0
D (interleaver depth):   16   1   1   0
I (interleaver block size in bytes):   191   103   32   0
N (RS codeword size):   191   206   32   0
Delay (msec):   0   0   0   0
INP (DMT symbol):   47.00   0.00   2.50   0.00
 
OH Frames:   0   0   31244452   0
OH Frame Errors:   3   188   0   0
RS Words:   1153181024   2008808818   187466708   0
RS Correctable Errors:   180645   109   136   0
RS Uncorrectable Errors:   0   0   0   0
 
HEC Errors:   0   0   0   0
OCD Errors:   0   0   0   0
LCD Errors:   0   0   0   0
Total Cells:   4244649423   0   0   0
Data Cells:   1908764824   0   0   0
Bit Errors:   0   0   0   0
 
Total ES:   3   176