Zen FTTP Router Question

Hi in around 2 weeks’ time my Zen FTTP 900 service is due to be activated at my new address. Zen will be providing their Fritzbox 7530 router. Just as a matter of interest, would any broadband router do or does it have to be the Fritzbox?

You can use your own router (I don't think Zen mind at all), as long as it has ethernet for the WAN port (not an RJ11 phone socket for ADSL/VDSL) and you get all the settings correct for username/password and VLAN tagging (where appropriate) - is your FTTP connection through OpenReach or CityFibre? (or another network provider).

If you're going for the full 900Mbps service you need to make sure that the router has enough horsepower to cope with that (some older devices don't, and some can't manage the high throughput with PPPoE encapsulation that's required).

Generally though, the Fritzbox is regarded as being one of the better (best?) ISP-supplied routers, so you might want to stick with that anyway. Also, if you take a voice service from Zen then that will run through the Fritzbox as well.

Hope that's helpful,

Kippy

Thanks kippy - that’s very helpful! I’m pretty sure my connection will be an OpenReach one.

P.S. How would one know (prior to purchase) which routers have Ethernet for the Wan port? Doesn’t the Fritzbox 7530 have a telephone jack (Rj-11)?

Edited by kam67 (Thu 17-Nov-22 01:50:09)

The Fritzbox 7530 has a RJ-11 for DSL connections. When using FTTP, it uses the #1 Ethernet port.

Ok thanks

I'd stick with the FritzBox. It's a damn good router, been using mine for over 2.5 years and it's been rock solid all the time with good WiFi coverage through my house, connecting around 25 devices.

I also use the FritzBox for VOIP telephony - many routers need additional kit to be able to do this.

Thanks for clarifying 😊👍🏼

In reply to a post by kam67:

P.S. How would one know (prior to purchase) which routers have Ethernet for the Wan port?

You'll have to read the specification. I suspect that it'll be a feature of all routers, but I don't know that.
It's certainly a feature of the Asus RT-AX86U that I am using on my Zen FTTP connection. Previous Asus DSL routers that I have had an ethernet WAN port.

Thanks ParksidePeter! How hassle-free/automatic was the Asus RT-AX86U when it came to recognising the Zen FTTP connection and implementing the required settings? As straightforward as the standard supplied router (the Fritzbox 7530)?

One specific requirement I’m interested in is the strength and reach/range of the Wi-Fi signal.

Edited by kam67 (Sat 19-Nov-22 17:45:08)

You simply need to select PPPoE and enter the username and password from your Zen portal.

I've been using the Asus RT-AX86U for the past 15 months and think it's an excellent router.
I run the 3rd party Merlin firmware on it for a few extra features and bug fixes.