In reply to a post by keith_thfc:

In reply to a post by Edge:

With a combined modem/router, you don't need to plug your own router into the BT Openreach supplied VDSL modem as it's all consolidated into one unit. The terms & conditions don't allow this currently but many people use a combined unit anyway.

II'm probably being a bit dim here but in what circumstances would you want to plug your own router into a VDSL modem?

In order to route ('share') the VDSL connection to its clients. There are protocols for routers to speak to modems, to tell it to connect and so on.

Edited by deleted (Mon 15-Aug-11 11:09:04)

The modem provided by Openreach is 'just' a (bridged) modem - similar to a dial-up modem. It has no routing capabilities or wireless etc.
If you want to do more than plug a single computer directly into the modem , you will need to connect a router to add the required functionality.

The BT VDSL modem is the endpoint in the premises where the internet connection is live, but this box doesn't have any routing capability to share the connection to the rest of the devices in your house. This is why BT also provide a Homehub in addition to the VDSL modem if you choose BT Infinity; ie, you'll have 2 separate units for FTTC unlike ADSL which usually has one.

If you choose a different ISP (such as me, I'm with IDNet) you have the option of providing your own router because BT will only supply a VDSL modem in this case.

Rather than have 2 separate boxes with the need for 2 plug sockets, some people are using combined VDSL modem/routers like this one. Although from what I understand this is against the terms & conditions at present.

Thanks for that. I didn't realise BT Infinity give you a router and separate modem.

Its making sense to me now. I can see that Zen provide a free VDSL modem but I need to have a compatible router - alternatively I can get one combined device. I didn't quite understand before.

In reply to a post by keith_thfc:

Thanks for that. I didn't realise BT Infinity give you a router and separate modem.

Its because BTopenreach provide the VDSL modem as part of the FTTC connection, and BT Infinity give you the router as part of the internet account.

As you say, Zen suggest you buy a suitable one, but you get the BTopenreach VDSL modem as part of the connection.

Some people (perhaps against terms) are trying using routers that do the VDSL part in the same box.

Combined VDSL modems with routers it a bit rare in the market place, and also when FTTP arrives it will initially be handed to users via ethernet, so its better to get a non combined router, and have the modem seperate and router seperate.

In reply to a post by DrTeeth:

Zyxel NBG 4604
Has Gigabit ethernet ports. The only gotcha, do NOT use spaces in the SSID.

Looking forward to getting a combined modem/router in the future, but not one of the units that are currently available.

DrT

Have you found any way to change the Supervisor account password? I'm using the latest available firmware (1.00(BWH.2)C0), but can't change the default password.

It's not a major issue, management is restricted to LAN only but it's a bit annoying.

In reply to a post by Amjad:

Have you found any way to change the Supervisor account password? I'm using the latest available firmware (1.00(BWH.2)C0), but can't change the default password.
It's not a major issue, management is restricted to LAN only but it's a bit annoying.

I found that when I updated the firmware, I could not use the original details that I had used. IIRC I had to use a different password. I don't know if that is the same issue. The firmwares do not fix much from my point of view so I am staying on the H.1 version as upgrading is more trouble than it is worth. - and that is saying something from somebody who always updates.

DrT

Thanks, I asked on the Zyxel forums and the silence was deafening! Hopefully they'll fix it with the next update.

I wouldn't hold my breath.

Not a bad bit of kit at all when one gets used to its foibles.

DrT