Decision making questions about fibre

Hi all,

FTTC has been available here since the end of last year and I've been sitting and waiting since to see how it pans out. Well in the last quarter, although there are quite a few options, they're all quite a bit more expensive than what I currently pay with Be, with the exception of BT.

Therefore, I'm thinking of going for 'BT Unlimited Broadband & Calls', as we already have the unlimited calls with BT. The speed change from Be would be from 6MB / 1MB to 38MB / 9MB, so quite a step.

However, I've a few questions;

My current config is master socket downstairs with an ADSL Nation XTE-2005 faceplate (nothing plugged into this socket). From this socket, I've CAT5 cable running from back of the master socket (without the ringer cable) to a ADSL Nation XTF-85 filtered faceplate where the modem and phone is connected in the office.

1. Therefore, how would BT setup in my situation?
2. Is the hub, the new BT Home Hub 3? If not, what is used? Any pics/details available?
3. With BT lifting the 300GB limit, can it be expected that all the high bandwidth users are going to jump across (we're very light users, less than 50GB)
4. Although the 'traffic shaping' is for P2P, does it impact regular surfing? Is it refined enough? We're not big users, but when we do use it, we want it to work.
5. Does anyone have a Vodafone Sure Signal working on FTTC?
6. As it's not static IP, how often does the IP change? (edited to add)

Sorry for so many questions, but before potentially signing up to a 18 month contract, I want to ensure that everything appears as it should and everything works how it should (within reason)...

I hope that all makes sense and hoping people can help. If anyone needs any clarification, please let me know.

Thanks,

Chris.

Edited by WannabeMKII (Sat 12-Mar-11 18:32:54)

1. Current NTE not being used for anything, so bypass this and make the NTE upstairs.

2. Yes, you'll get an HH3, and the engineer will bring and fit the VDSL modem.

3. Pass.

4. Seen no issues here.

5. Yes, saw one working no problems.

6. The IP will only change, and sometimes not even then, when you disconnect.

Hope this helps.

Post deleted by RobertoS, 'cos it was obvious tripe .

Edited by RobertoS (Sat 12-Mar-11 21:20:07)

1. Zarjaz answered this.
2. Yes, HH3. It's probably fine for what you want.
3. Doubtful. Even with the 300GB (soft limit) BT still was the cheapest and had the best overall usage allowance. That would have attracted enough heavy users. With BT removing the cap they obviously see no issue moving forward. Can't see it making any difference really.
4. Doesn't effect normal surfing, downloads, gaming etc.
5. Dunno.
6. Rarely. The IP is assigned to the openreach modem which the engineer brings. Provided the line is stable and doesn't drop the signal, it won't change IP. Obviously if the line drops or the power cuts then it'll change. Generally the modem is left alone to do it's job. You can change settings and reset the hub as often as you like really.

Edited by orly (Sat 12-Mar-11 19:04:30)

Thanks for answering the questions, appreciated!

In reply to a post by Zarjaz:

1. Current NTE not being used for anything, so bypass this and make the NTE upstairs.

Just thought, there's another extension socket that's run from the master that the Sky boxes are plugged into. Will this cause an issue? Also, will the engineer make these changes?

In reply to a post by Zarjaz:

5. Yes, saw one working no problems.

The one you saw, did they have any issues setting it up, as Vodafone 'claim' it won't work...?

Anyone any ideas what the BT lead time is on an install? I've already BT line rental and phone package.

In reply to a post by orly:

2. Yes, HH3. It's probably fine for what you want.

Within the HH3, can static IP's be assigned to devices? More specifically, can I assign the static IP, not the HH3?

Is port forwarding straightforward enough?

Edited by WannabeMKII (Sat 12-Mar-11 19:26:33)

Don't think that's quite right Bob... the modem establishes the link to the MSAN in the cabinet, but the router (or the computer if you're not using a router) establishes the connection to your ISP and hence to the internet. Your IP address is assigned to the router when it logs in.

The modem is, in essence, just a level/protocol converter. It's pretty dumb.

If you turn the router off then (for example) tbb's ping monitor will return packet loss because your IP no longer exists.

When you turn it back on, it will reconnect to your ISP and may (if on dynamic allocation) get a new IP address.

I'm pretty sure that's right, but I stand to be corrected.

Edited by billford (Sat 12-Mar-11 21:27:36)

Just thought, there's another extension socket that's run from the master that the Sky boxes are plugged into. Will this cause an issue? Also, will the engineer make these changes?

Ah, then let the engineer discuss the options when they turn up. Fit an RJ45 plug at either end of the existing cat5, and feed the router that way, lots of options.

The one you saw, did they have any issues setting it up, as Vodafone 'claim' it won't work...?

Just plugged its feed from the existing router to the new one, simple as...

I'm pretty sure that's right, but I stand to be corrected.

That was my take on it too, but I didn't want to hurt Bob's feelings.

Been a while since I took a look but should be easy enough.

I have a HH2 though but I'm assuming the interface and options will be similar.