FTTC question about new hardware

Sorry if this has already been asked, but I'm planning on getting FTTC when it arrives at my local exchange next year and understand that I'll need a new faceplate and modem - why? Surely with FTTC the cabling into my house won't change?

In reply to a post by joconnell:

Sorry if this has already been asked, but I'm planning on getting FTTC when it arrives at my local exchange next year and understand that I'll need a new faceplate and modem - why? Surely with FTTC the cabling into my house won't change?

The wiring to the house will not change, but how do you expect the analog VDSL2 signal to be converted to digital ? There has to be a compatible modem installed for that to happen.

In reply to a post by MHC:

In reply to a post by joconnell:

Sorry if this has already been asked, but I'm planning on getting FTTC when it arrives at my local exchange next year and understand that I'll need a new faceplate and modem - why? Surely with FTTC the cabling into my house won't change?

The wiring to the house will not change, but how do you expect the analog VDSL2 signal to be converted to digital ? There has to be a compatible modem installed for that to happen.

i also always wounded why there has to be a diff faceplate i get the modem part but not the faceplate part, Dose a normal ADSL pre filtered faceplate not work with VDSL (been serious there as i dont really no the diff between VDSL and ADSL except the part were the fibres to the cab instead of exchange lol)

Ash

different frequencies (if i remember correctly)

Both the VDSL modem AND the VDSL Faceplate are provided by Openreach as part of the installation.

Unlike other ADSL filtered faceplates, it uses the existing lower removable half of a standard NTE5 to sandwich together the modified assembly.

This means that you can actually hardwire telephone extension wiring to the lower half of the plate whilst your VDSL modem is on-line and operating.

Although not advertised, there appears to be provision to extend the VDSL wiring (ie the unfiltered A & B wires) to an RJ11 VDSL extension socket; in the same way as you can with an ADSLnation ADSL filtered faceplate.

Cheers!

If I could get hold of a spare VDSL faceplate and have a good look at the filter design then the differences may become apparent.

There could be differences such as different 3dB points, different roll off (dB/octave), different characteristic impedance at hugher frequencies (too low and it would attenuate teh higher VDSL frequencies).

An ADSL filter might work but give a lower sync on Down and Up ...

In reply to a post by MHC:

The wiring to the house will not change, but how do you expect the analog VDSL2 signal to be converted to digital ? There has to be a compatible modem installed for that to happen.

Ah, I thought that happened at the exchange.

There is no difference, except in price, the 'VDSL' ones are cheaper. They also have a knock out in the bottom so can be slipped over existing connected extension wiring. Clearly a nod in the direction of self install. When testing anywhere else other than at an existing faceplate filter, I'll use the same micro-filter I use for testing ADSL.

In reply to a post by acpsd775:

i also always wounded why there has to be a diff faceplate i get the modem part but not the faceplate part, Dose a normal ADSL pre filtered faceplate not work with VDSL (been serious there as i dont really no the diff between VDSL and ADSL except the part were the fibres to the cab instead of exchange lol)

Ash

See Zarjaz's post.

Several posters have retained their filtered ADSLx faceplates when getting FTTC, with no quibble from the engineers. The filter just filters out everything except phone-frequencies from the line to the phone etc., and similarly only allows phone frequencies back onto the line.

No real difference.

What is different is that the xDSL cable from the master to the modem has to be short, or a high quality cable such as the OR-available Data Extension Cable or user-supplied CAT5, (subject to engineer acquiescence), has to be used to get from the master to the extension socket.

In reply to a post by RobertoS:

In reply to a post by acpsd775:

i also always wounded why there has to be a diff faceplate i get the modem part but not the faceplate part, Dose a normal ADSL pre filtered faceplate not work with VDSL (been serious there as i dont really no the diff between VDSL and ADSL except the part were the fibres to the cab instead of exchange lol)

Ash

See Zarjaz's post.

Several posters have retained their filtered ADSLx faceplates when getting FTTC, with no quibble from the engineers. The filter just filters out everything except phone-frequencies from the line to the phone etc., and similarly only allows phone frequencies back onto the line.

No real difference.

What is different is that the xDSL cable from the master to the modem has to be short, or a high quality cable such as the OR-available Data Extension Cable or user-supplied CAT5, (subject to engineer acquiescence), has to be used to get from the master to the extension socket.

right thanks all seams a bit more clear now my friend wants FTTC but his dad wont allow an engineer out to change the faceplate and fit it (hes a right grumpy old numpty lol his house his rules n so on) so hes stuck on slow ADSL until they offer a self install option like normal ADSL lol

Ash

Odd. Faceplate looks much better than a dangling filter.

In reply to a post by Zadeks:

Odd. Faceplate looks much better than a dangling filter.

yea ive got a pre filtered faceplate on my sky connection more because it looks better it dont actually give any benefits to speed for me though lol.

My friends still got an old type socket thogh one of the none changeable plates (well none easy lol) his dad hates people around the house messing with things hes that fussy n grumpy he went 6 months without a boiler when it packed it because he hates people round that much so as you can imaging someone round to change a phone socket aint going to happen lol

Ash

so do I need the OR-supplied modem or can I get a router that I can connect directly to the faceplate/VDSL2 socket?

You need to have the OR modem. You can then connect your own router to the modem or use the BT supplied 2701 (if you are with BT Business) or if you have one PC and can set it all up, connect the PC direct (but not the best way).

You could buy a 3rd party modem/router and connect that but why pay for something you can get for free?

I was trying to minimize the number of boxes and plugs near the faceplate ...

In reply to a post by joconnell:

I was trying to minimize the number of boxes and plugs near the faceplate ...

It's only the OR supplied VDSL modem that has to be near the faceplate. The router can be up to 100 metres away from the modem.

In reply to a post by MHC:

You could buy a 3rd party modem/router and connect that but why pay for something you can get for free?

Personally, it makes me nervous that I do not have a replacement on stand-by*. I am on my third OR modem in less than a year and it is a PITA to wait for an engineer's visit just to replace a box and get me up and running again. I would even buy a spare OR modem if that option were available.

*I have enough spare parts here to fix/replace almost anything on my seven PCs - sad but true .

DrT

In reply to a post by DrTeeth:

<snip>
I would even buy a spare OR modem if that option were available.
<snip>

They do appear on eBay, from time to time.

How do they get onto Ebay? It does not sound too kosher to me. I would rather buy a legit unit, but failing that, would ask an OR manager (who is a patient of mine) to source one.

DrT

In reply to a post by DrTeeth:

How do they get onto Ebay?

A good question. Perhaps set up a "saved search for a Huawei EchoLife HG612" and when you are notified that one is available, ask the seller?

Done! Thanks for the tip. Is the latest version '3v'?

DrT

Is the latest version '3v'?

Erm, yes, I believe it is . . . In fact, I'm quite sure it is. (If my muddle-mind is still malfunctioning, I know Zarjaz will provide the necessary correction. )

Not having seen a "3V" in real life, I'll say that I believe they come with a white, not black, PSU.

In reply to a post by Anonymous:

In reply to a post by joconnell:

I was trying to minimize the number of boxes and plugs near the faceplate ...

It's only the OR supplied VDSL modem that has to be near the faceplate. The router can be up to 100 metres away from the modem.

So is the cable from the modem to the router the same type as from an ADSL faceplate to the router? Reason I ask is that I have the ADSL-out from the faceplate connected to a nearby cat5 network point which is then patched into my router in another part of the house.

OR modem >> router is standard ethernet, so if you run that from the modem to your existing CAT5 point instead of the ADSL going there you should be fine.

The old 'dodgy' ones were 2V's, the new 'improved' ones are 2B or 3B, which as you say, has a white PSU.

In reply to a post by RobertoS:

OR modem >> router is standard ethernet, so if you run that from the modem to your existing CAT5 point instead of the ADSL going there you should be fine.

So if I were to buy my own router, such as a Billion 7800N that I'd be able to connect the OR modem to that via ethernet?

yeap

In reply to a post by Zarjaz:

The old 'dodgy' ones were 2V's, the new 'improved' ones are 2B or 3B, which as you say, has a white PSU.

Ah, right. Thanks for the clarification.