Thanks for all the replies.
It would mean a day off work, then I'd need the Engineer to run suitable cables to all current wall sockets so that they were all capable of being fibre outlets (5 of them). With everything being set behind plaster it's a job where he'd need access to the loft (I'm in the top floor apartment) & even then he might not be able to get the new cables in the existing channels. I'm thinking this could end up quite costly.
I appreciate all the replies - thanks again.

In reply to a post by TheVin:

It would mean a day off work, then I'd need the Engineer to run suitable cables to all current wall sockets so that they were all capable of being fibre outlets (5 of them).

That is not an option. Why do you think you need that anyway? You need a single master socket to which the modem is connected. All connections after that are via Ethernet cables or, optionally, once you get beyond the router, wireless.

Edited by kasg (Tue 24-Sep-13 09:35:59)

Thanks Kevin.
I can't have the router connected to the master socket as this is in a cupboard with no power sockets available.
Based on what you've said I'd therefore need at least one of the extensions re-cabled from the master socket (one in the living room for example - where my router is currently located). I would need it to be this one as I have my TV/Sky HD Box/Media PC/Blu-Ray all connected to the router with Ethernet cables.
Having only 1 of the 5 remote sockets re-cabled would mean that I won't ever be able to re-locate my router to one of these once I've changed over to fibre broadband - is that correct?
Is the re-cabling job (assuming I have only 1 of the remote extension sockets done) chargeable? And like I say I've never seen up in the loft or the wiring channel set in the wall so have no idea whether it'll take extra cabling - so that might well be something that holds the Engineer up.

You need the Home Wiring solution (as previously discussed) to effectively move the master socket to a more convenient solution - it may not actually be moved, but it will be the new connection point for the modem. I think you might be confusing the modem and the router. It is two separate boxes. The Openreach modem stays connected to the master connection point. The router (usually supplied by the ISP) can be up to 100m away, connected via Ethernet.

In reply to a post by orbrey:

Hi there, really sorry you were told that - it's completely untrue. The extension kit is selectable when going through the order process on our website, or can be requested if our service is ordered over the phone, for no extra cost.

Thanks for the reply Orbrey. Yes, I did order the Data Extension Kit, and then enquired about the Home Wiring Solution later, as I would like the master socket moved. The person I spoke to, after checking with your provisioning team told me that all you could offer was the Extension Kit.

Simon.

In reply to a post by TheVin:

Having only 1 of the 5 remote sockets re-cabled would mean that I won't ever be able to re-locate my router to one of these once I've changed over to fibre broadband - is that correct?

That is correct. Unlike ADSL the new filter is on the socket as in the pictures Andrew posted. You can't easily move this to another socket.

You actually want the modem and router at the best location to get the best speed - then think about getting the internet to where you want it, rather than moving the router.

Perhaps using power line technology (homeplugs) or wireless, or ethernet cables.

In reply to a post by bet_here:

Yes, I did order the Data Extension Kit, and then enquired about the Home Wiring Solution later, as I would like the master socket moved. The person I spoke to, after checking with your provisioning team told me that all you could offer was the Extension Kit.

I believe Home Wiring Solution is just the new name for the Data Extension Kit.

This is from a document I found on the Openreach site -

In positioning the equipment, there are various options available to achieve the end user�s requirements and these �home wiring solutions� should be openly offered if your skills and local operating procedures allow. The standard product includes:
� Install an external or internal data extension kit up to 30m from the master socket
� Move the master socket
� Change an existing voice extension socket to become the master socket
and make the original master socket simply a voice extension (make
sure you reconnect all existing extensions and leave them working)
� Or a combination of these.

So I believe the Data Extension Kit is only part of the Home Wiring Solution(s)

Simon.

A link to that document would be useful, as it's new to me.

The way that reads, you are right. However, when Openreach first announced FTTC there was no such thing as the Home Wiring Solution. So probably many ISPs have the Data Extension Kit in their order systems and have never updated its descriptive name there. What gets ordered from Openreach by their systems is however the Home Wiring Solution. The Data Extension Kit is not orderable as such.

Originally the engineer could only use the extension kit to provide the VDSL2 socket at the requested location, using a cable that plugged into the master socket. This was unsatisfactory for many customers as they still wanted a phone at the master socket. So savvy engineers started doing all sorts of things to provide a satisfactory installation for the users, and what you have quoted looks like a formalisation of what they needed to be able to do.

As what can now be ordered is a solution for the home wiring, the rename was done by Openreach, but nothing changed except the name and the rules the engineers work to. All that is supplied is the data extension kit, which sometimes isn't used.

It is very rare to see the Home Wiring Solution ever mentioned. Nearly everyone still calls it the Data Extension Kit.

Thanks RobertoS, that all seems to make sense. It's a shame Plusnet couldn't tell me any of this, and would have me arrange a second engineer visit to move the master. Never mind. I'll find out for sure Monday morning!

Simon.