In reply to a post by ccomley:

I can only note that the GOOD news is they provide a modem and NOT a full router, so at least we're still in control of the firewall, etc., processes on our own kit inboard of the modem. Small mercies...

Someone that seems to understand part of the reasons behind BTs decision to supply a separate modem.

BT control the data and line - they then present the end user with an Ethernet WAN connection. The user can then deal with that in what ever way they want whilst BT can manage the line and diagnose any problems.

The BT (Huawei) modem has been in service for 2 years - that is at least a year longer than any of the others. It may have been put into service with some minor production faults but why did the others not release theirs? Incomplete design? Failed testing? Did not work?

I understand that the VDSL equipment in the cabinet can also work in various ADSL modes. Whether this is autodetetcted or needs intervention I don't know.

it would be essentially pointless as the power levels on adsl frequencies are reduced to match those coming form the exchange to avoid issues with existing services. The only benefit I could see would be almost seamless transition from adsl to vdsl (i.e. bt connect you when they please - then you do router end on the day quoted on self install). More trouble than it is worth imo.

Posting here as I have not seen it mentioned, that Openreach have been issuing new modems that do not fry themselves. They will be replacing old models on sight. If you look at the sticker on the bottom of your modem it will have a "2B" in the top right hand corner if it is the newer model. Had one run for 2 hours on the flat and was only warm - old model could get scorching in half that time.

I cannot see a '2B' on mine and it is only warm too. Mind you, it is my thrid one in less than a year .

DrT

In reply to a post by DrTeeth:

I cannot see a '2B' on mine and it is only warm too. Mind you, it is my thrid one in less than a year .

DrT

Can't see '2B' on mine either and it has been running since early April. It is fairly warm, it sits on the top of a bookcase

So it comes down to '2B' or not '2B'

Whether 'tis better on the wall to mount
The modem type kit of outrageous BT
Or to take blinds against a ray of sun
And by blocking thwart them. To die - to sleep,
No more.

In reply to a post by RobertoS:

Whether 'tis better on the wall to mount
The modem type kit of outrageous BT
Or to take blinds against a ray of sun
And by blocking thwart them. To die - to sleep,
No more.

Can't see '2B' on mine either and it has been running since early April

... that's because the new models have only been around since the start of August.

Just out of interest, if it were possible to buy one of BTO's modems, how much would they cost? It is a shame that they are not for sale as I would LOVE to have a spare. It is a real PITA to be off-line or have a flaky connection until a visit can be arranged.

It could be a nice little earner for BTO.

DrT

Edited by DrTeeth (Mon 29-Aug-11 19:29:42)

In reply to a post by G3UZF:

What's wrong with the Modem; ok, it's unreliable (on my second one), but it's free to replace. Just have to suffer the down time.

That *is* the problem with it . I'd love to have a spare handy.

DrT de G4DWV, 4X1LT