I thought I'd start a new thread, hope that's ok?
I've been reading the main one with great interest, thanks to all who have contributed:
BeFibre
In short I'd like to use my own router with BeFibre so I'd like help to confirm my setup before committing to this but hopefully this thread will also be useful to other users considering doing the same in future.
Bit of background: I've had BeFibre for a bit over 6 months now, the install went well enough and I do seem to be able to get the speeds I'm paying for (750Mbps) most of the time, but I have the terrible Adtran router which I'd really like to get rid of. The fibre is connected to the router via an SFP module to the port on the bottom of it. The IP address I have assigned is clearly CGNAT as the router reports a different IP address to that on which a laptop connected to the router reports if I use WhatsMyIP.
So some initial questions before I proceed further with this:
1. I understand that BeFibre now typically supply an ONT rather than the SFP interface. Is it worth pursuing BeFibre to get an ONT installed? Would they likely not entertain the idea as there is nothing wrong with the setup I have as far as they are concerned.
2. I see they now also offer Linksys hardware instead of the Adtran. Whilst this may be an improvement in performance, if connected to an ONT, I think I'd still rather use my own hardware for greater control and flexibility. Is there any point at all in asking if I can switch to one of these? Guess it might be if they offer to fit an ONT at the same time?
3. Presumably getting off the CGNAT setup would also be preferable. I see they now offer static IP addresses for an extra £4/month. Would I have to sign up for this or again could I ask for a Internet facing IP address for my router that doesn't necessarily have to be static, just not CGNAT?
4. Was the VLAN thing mentioned a few times in other threads a red herring? I can see it in the routing pages of the Adtran. The consensus now seems to be that you just have to clone the MAC address of the router to get connected.
My plans:
1. Remove the CGNAT, purchasing a static IP address if needs be, check that is all good with the Adtran.
2. Assuming I have to stick with the SFP module get the
TP-Link Media Converter to convert SFP to Gigabit Ethernet.
3. Connect the TP-Link Deco router that I like the look of to the media converter. Thinking about getting either XE75 or XE75 Pro system (WiFi 6E) as using the 6GHz band for wireless backhaul, which I need to use, looks a good option.
4. Get the Deco to clone the MAC address of the Adtran.
5. Set it to DHCP etc. and it should hopefully connect to the Internet.
6. Goodbye AdTran!
Only other thing I have to contend with is that I switched my landline number over to VoIP/SIP when I ended my contract for FTTC. The only useful thing the Adtran does offer is a VoIP client with RJ11 phone ports on the back of it to which i can connect my old home phone. So I'll need to buy a VoIP to analogue adapter, but no big deal, there seem to be plenty of inexpensive options about.
Thanks in advance for any feedback and advice you can offer.
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