Openreach modem questions

Hi Guys,

I've got my engineer appointment booked for next week, just one quick question. I'd prefer to not wall mount the Openreach VDSL modem, is that going to be an issue? I've read a few threads about heat.

Secondly is it worth going down the twisted cable route vs straight cable for the RJ11 fly lead? The distance between my socket and the modem is less than 0.5M

Do the engineers call ahead? Access won't be an issue as my wife is able to sit in during the appointment slot but if notice is provided I'd like to attend.

Thanks in advance guys!

My ECI lays flat, it does get warm but it is not wall mounted. Hidden away in a cupboard.

I did invest in a Belkin cable and my BT engineer did give me a call 30 minutes before he arrived when he was checking for a line fault.

Lay flat is normally OK - however, do not cover it and do not place it on a fabric or cloth such as carpet or fluffy type mats as that will hinder the airflow.

Flat v twisted pair. At 0.5m you should be OK with flat, not ideal however a lot will depend on what other electronics and power supplies are close by. Use what ever you have to start with and see what your stats say - if it is under-performing then maybe a change. Do not fall for the marketing hype that some companies use - you should be able to get a 2pair Cat5e RJ11 for £1 or so!

Do the engineers call ahead? Access won't be an issue as my wife is able to sit in during the appointment slot but if notice is provided I'd like to attend.

Yep, they should do.

I'd just like to thank those who responded, I'll be keeping my ears out on Wednesday

You guys rock!

Are they still giving out the Openreach modems?

BT just supplied me with a Homehub5 which does the VDSL and router in one - I presumed the others would do the same since even the router I have from before is VDSL capable (TP-Link which I have had nearly a year).

Depends on the ISP, if its an engineer install you get the Operneach modem usually, if its self-install you get whatever the provider sends you, or with some smaller providers what you buy yourself.

Many still do. Probably most that do engineer installs. BT, Sky and TalkTalk send out self-install VDSL2 routers.

Engineer installs are expected to give the Clean range figures, whereas self-installs are likely to give Impacted range.

In reply to a post by RobertoS:

Engineer installs are expected to give the Clean range figures, whereas self-installs are likely to give Impacted range.

That is the first I have read of that. Useful to bear in mind for the future.

"Expected". Not guaranteed. And a decent self-install has a good chance of getting Clean. Just as in ADSLx, but FTTC is more sensitive.