As I said, Annex A/B refers to the VDSL service only.
Annex A B does absolutely not apply to VDSL only.
The physical infrastructure remains Annex A or B whether you run ADSL, VDSL or G.Fast.
If you are buying a Vigor 166 to use on G.Fast then there shouldn't be a problem.
I looked at this before buying a ZyXel XMG3927 for UK G.Fast use from Germany.
G.Fast may run over either, or those modem manufacturers may have made their devices to run on either.
It's still Annex A and B infrastructure. Just with a modem that handles both.
Draytek include an Annex A and Annex B cable in the box.
Agreed, I'm stll pretty confused about it... I did read somewhere that Openreach uses an Annex B bandplan from the VDSL2 spec (G.993.2) over Annex A physical infrastructure, so for the UK, the modem hardware/firmware needs to be Annex A
Correct.
but it will sync using Annex B
From my stats, see 'Mode':
Incorrect, sort of.
That Annex B reported is the bandplan.
It's Annex A, with an Annex B bandplan.
Some modems report 1 Annex, while other modems report the other Annex, confusing things further.
I've tried 2 Annex B (infrastructure Annex) modems on OpenReach VDSL2 and neither synced.
I've read other posts that have also failed to get the Vigor 165 syncing in the UK
There are also sites selling the Draytek that specifically label it as a Vigor 165-A, advising it won't work with ISDN
Suitable for VDSL2 and ADSL2 / 2 +
The integrated modem of the Draytek Vigor 165 is suitable for both VDSL2 and ADSL2 connections. This model supports analog ADSL2 / 2 + connections. If you are looking for a similar model supports ADSL connections via ISDN, please refer to the Draytek Vigor 122 annex B .
The 1st Google result for "Vigor 165 OpenReach" has a thread with the following
Will Vigor 165 Annex B work in UK?? (FTTC VDSL connection)Containing the posts...
I have just tried a Vigor 165 bought in Germany.
The 165's firmware supports Annex A and B, still I was not able to get a sync on my line.
Will have to see, whether I can make some adjustment to the settings to get it to make a sync
and
I have acquired a Draytek Vigor 165 (Annex A, not B) imported from the Netherlands, working with PlusNet in the UK.
I can happily confirm this seems to work A-OK.
If you're in the UK and want one of the 165's - make sure it is indeed Annex A.
I'm still not sure if there are 2 models of the 165 (an A and B variant) or if there's only 1 model.
As for the Vigor 166... It might well sync on G.Fast and not VDSL2.
It might sync on both.
The Vigor 165 would not sync on OpenReach VDSL2 though and that also appears to have a single EU model, but that's contradicted by retailers who specify Annex A or B.