In reply to a post by Hoolay88:

Thanks for all the info, is that trace route to multiplay.co.uk on sky after the latency issues you were having as it looks around 20ms compared to plusnets 12-13ms?

Also the traffic prioritization on the plusnet network where they prioritize gaming traffic above downloads etc, did you find this to be helpful?

Finally, are you sure the Openreach modem adds latency? what Router/modem would you suggest?

When I said Sky went to 20ms I meant further into Skys network, i.e. before the increase the final hop (e.g. multiplay) would of been 11ms instead of 20ms.

Gaming on Plusnet is fine, yes there is packet loss now and again (never on Sky). I usually have the lowest ping in the servers that I'm in. I believe there's more jitter on Plusnet, I don't have any proof, it's just a feeling.

I'm 100% sure the HG612 adds a couple of milliseconds of latency, at least on my cab which is an ECI cab. I don't know if there's a difference on the Huawei cabs. I use an ECI Openreach modem, I'd recommend that with a router, not a router/modem all-in-one.

I personally have a preference for OpenWrt, but pfSense and DD-WRT are also solid. As for routers, I've used a Buffalo WZR-HP-AG300H (with OpenWrt 12.09) since I've had Sky Fibre, it's solid. E.g. full speed on wireless, 70+ Mbps.

Edited by deleted (Thu 17-Apr-14 14:02:32)

ive read on some topics that you can only use the sky hub for skys fiber not sure if thats true. So for an overall experience (not taking actual download speed into account, purely based on ping, jitter and stability) you would favor sky over plusnet...are you planning on going back to sky after your PN contract ends?

I might try picking up an ECI modem online if it will work with sky and my cabinet (would i have to fiddle about with settings or anything to get it to connect to the sky connection?)

Have you considered Zen?

i haven't no, they didnt even enter my mind, when i was trying to find the best providers i kept seeing PN and Sky on google and forums etc.

i've heard of zen but i dont really know anything about their service/network being good or not.

There's a website that generates the username and password based on the algorithm that Sky use. So yes it's technically possible. I think that has changed now, there's some login information that you can use that's online, so you don't need to work out your specific login.

Sky is better in my opinion for latency, they have much more bandwidth which should mean a better overall experience latency-wise. I don't know if I'll change back, probably not, because on the bandwidth and latency side of things Plusnet is fine, just not as good. Plusnet has more technical extras so I think I'll stay with them.

The Openreach branded modems will work out of the box on any of the ISP's who resell Openreach's GEA-FTTC product, e.g. Sky and Plusnet.

technical extras? such as static IP etc?

I'm now also delving into researching about Zen fibre, see what their service is like, i think at the minute im edging towards sky, but if i hear and see good things about zen i may go that way

Static IP, rDNS, IPv6 trials (not on it, but at least there's a trial), and other trials. As for Zen, isn't worth the extra to me (for residential use anyway). I'm willing to bet the difference of the connection itself would be unnoticeable (haven't really looked into them). Plus I think they use BT Wholesale (like Plusnet) which adds another layer, so possibly higher latency and packet loss.

There's also the possibility to earn money from Plusnet, for each person that you refer that signs up you will earn a monthly commission all the time they are with Plusnet, it can soon add up if you refer enough people.

as long as the monthly cost for who ever i pick is no more than £35-£40 im not to bothered about savings. Just want solid stable pings

It could be earnings depending on how you look at it.