BT Business Hub 2700HGV (2Wire) ?

Hello,

Been using BT 2Wire routers for years, a 1250 then 1800HG, just got a 2700HGV, however it is missing the ability to vary the wireless power as per the 1250/1800HG.

Googling indicates that firmware updates can enable this feature though seems to indicate that VOIP will be disabled at the same time?

Any experience or ideas?


Many thanks.

Edited by 50pence (Tue 17-Feb-09 20:30:37)

My opinion is don't mess with the alternative firmwares unless you have a specific problem.

Bear in mind that wireless is two-way - just because the router is blasting away at 400mW, doesn't mean the network card (still at 100mW) will be able to talk back effectively, and the firmware does not make the router more sensitive, just ups the output power.

This only makes sense if you happen to have a US wireless card that can also output at high power, but bear in mind it's illegal - wireless kit is limited to 100mW in the UK.

If the 1800 you had was a UK (ie, BT Brand) one, it probably only worked in steps up to 100mW anyway.

If you have a problem with wirelesss range, I'd try some modification to fit higher-gain external antennae, myself, as this should improve both transmission and reception.

I too have heard that flashing to a non-BT firmware breaks the VOIP side.

An aside to this is that, as standard, the 2700 "just works" with broadband talk. you go through the config steps you used to with the HH1, and it's fine. The only thing I didn't like was that calls to the PSTN number did not make the BBT-connected phones ring, and there's no way round this that I have found.

Hi Thanks,

I am not using VOIP currently though am planning to look into using the router to faclitate a business phone line so dont want to disable it via a firmware flash.

On the otherhand I had wireless problems with a D-Link router which made me realise how good the 2Wire 1250 and 1800HG are in wireless ability. I.e. even if the adjustment is only taking the 1800 up to 100mw then its 100mw is much more effective than the D-Link to the extent that it performs better on power level 4 out of 10 than the D-Link does on full power. Hence I would like to have the same control of the 2700.

One other point, while Googling I read that the wireless power settings are only enabled when the default SSD and WEP password are used though this is certainly not the case on the 1800. Any thoughts?

Lastly I assume you have a 2700HGV, what firmware are you on, mine is 5.29.107.12, it seems that there is a BT version 5.29.107.19 which must leave VOIP in place, I wonder what the differences are? And do you know of any links to generic 2Wire firmware?


Many thanks and regards.

Well, if you want to use it for VOIP, don't reflash it!

From the sound of it you haven't actually tried the 2700 yet, so I'd say put it in place and see if you have a problem - you might be worrying about something that simply doesn't happen.

The power settings are a bit of a misnomer - as far as I know the device is shipped set at 100mW, the legal maximum for the UK, so you really don't need to muck about with it, and I'm deeply sceptical of the value in upping the output power for the reasons above.

I did have a 2700 in place for a while, but the lack of PSTN->VOIP ring ruled it out for me long term - I make a lot of use of the BBT service, and the incoming number is set to ring through. I'm tempted to open it up and see if there's any way to make it ring, as it will if you disconnect the mains power...

Firmwares? meh. Seemed to work fine, and I seem to remember it upgraded while it was in place.

As for sources, IIRC there was a long running thread on The Scream,

http://www.google.co.uk/search?hl=en&q=2...

and this,

http://bt2700hgv.tripod.com/ir1002700HGV...

yeah, have a look in those, there's bound to be some, but there's no such thing as a generic firmware - they are all customised to a greater or lesser extent. 2 Wire partner with telcos to provide the routers, firmware, mgt. and provisioning sytems, etc., which is why you can only ever find the things on eBay.

Hi thanks, the second link is great, I have emailed the guy with some info and questions.

Regards.