[WXC/VFX] Fusion Unlimited

Forums › One New Zealand (including Vodafone, WxC, Farmside) › [WXC/VFX] Fusion Unlimited

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

12 posts

Geek

#1090396 17-Jul-2014 09:05

Alix boards max out at about 70Mbps, but the new APU boards will do 300Mbps running a set of firewall rules and NAT and have Gigabit ports. Also have PCIe slots so easy to stick in cellular modems and wifi N cards.
Also, given the NSA's propensity to hack commercial routers, there's something to be said for an open source product.

sultanoswing

814 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1090401 17-Jul-2014 09:12

Thanks again for the ongoing information.

I still don't quite get why, if you already have a working WxC ADSL and VOIP package (Fusion 40) with your own formerly acceptable gear, that you can't just pay your $99 and go unlimited - saving WxC the rental cost of an unneeded mp264 in the process. I'd even accept it if, when there was a problem and you weren't using the mp264, they said "sorry, we can only support mp264, you're on your own so long as you use your SPA122 and [insert common modem/router here]". Except that they wouldn't say that, as under Fusion 40, these devices are supported.

Locking you into a proprietary set-up, with limited available documentation as to how it works under the bonnet is just so Apple/Gillette/Soda Stream.

:confused:

RunningMan

8955 posts

Uber Geek

#1090636 17-Jul-2014 12:48

sultanoswing: [snip]
Thanks again for the ongoing information.

I still don't quite get why, if you already have a working WxC ADSL and VOIP package (Fusion 40) with your own formerly acceptable gear, that you can't just pay your $99 and go unlimited - saving WxC the rental cost of an unneeded mp264 in the process.

I guess I have the same question - Why is it that a device that is certified for VFX (be it an ATA like SPA112 or router like SRP521) is not certified for Fusion Unlimited, given that Fusion is basically a package deal of a naked connection, with a VFX number?

If it's something like a performance issue (I'm using the routing function of this old SPA2102 to do NAT, but I can't seem to get 100Mb/s on my fibre connection...) then perhaps this could be a strong recommendation of suitable hardware, rather than a mandatory requirement?

Again, thanks to Glenn / Cameron / Andrei for taking the time to respond to the barrage of questions here.

deadlyllama

1263 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#1090698 17-Jul-2014 13:54

RunningMan:
sultanoswing: [snip]
Thanks again for the ongoing information.

I still don't quite get why, if you already have a working WxC ADSL and VOIP package (Fusion 40) with your own formerly acceptable gear, that you can't just pay your $99 and go unlimited - saving WxC the rental cost of an unneeded mp264 in the process.

I guess I have the same question - Why is it that a device that is certified for VFX (be it an ATA like SPA112 or router like SRP521) is not certified for Fusion Unlimited, given that Fusion is basically a package deal of a naked connection, with a VFX number?

If it's something like a performance issue (I'm using the routing function of this old SPA2102 to do NAT, but I can't seem to get 100Mb/s on my fibre connection...) then perhaps this could be a strong recommendation of suitable hardware, rather than a mandatory requirement?

Again, thanks to Glenn / Cameron / Andrei for taking the time to respond to the barrage of questions here.

It cuts down on support costs. Like Orcon, who give me an Orcon modem, and are not going to help me if I ring up to say I've worked out my SIP password and set up something else, but I have a problem...

RunningMan

8955 posts

Uber Geek

#1090766 17-Jul-2014 14:49

deadlyllama:
It cuts down on support costs. Like Orcon, who give me an Orcon modem, and are not going to help me if I ring up to say I've worked out my SIP password and set up something else, but I have a problem...

I agree that standardising equipment would be beneficial from a support view, not just costs as you say, but also ease of support, and possibly better depth of product knowledge amongst support staff. However I suggest in this case, it's equipment that is already officially certified and supported (for previous Fusion plans and current VFX), not just a random BYOD.

Niel

3267 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#1090900 17-Jul-2014 17:08

Maybe it has features to allow them to manage "fair use"? Maybe it has features they do not want to mention in the public domain as it might be key to the quality of their network?

You can never have enough Volvos!

sultanoswing

814 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1091196 18-Jul-2014 09:40

Niel: Maybe it has features to allow them to manage "fair use"? Maybe it has features they do not want to mention in the public domain as it might be key to the quality of their network?

Yikes! Keeping secret "features" on a customer's home device is a little bit suspect, don't you think. I would hope and presume that this isn't the case with the MP264 on WxC. It's bad enough with the NSA hacking backdoors into hardware without our ISPs getting all furtive on it. I have no problem with traffic management, so long as there's a degree of transparency about it.

If the MP264 has features they would rather weren't in the public domain, that's all the more reason to not want to use it IMHO. Looking forward to some clarity rather than user-generated FUD. And yes, I'm aware of the irony of my sort of posting regards FUD - but the absence of information breeds speculation. Looking forward to more info on the MP264 from WxC once they're in a position to do so. Pretty much every other home modem/router has at least a published user manual. The Fritzbox from Snap manages to have a manual available (http://en.avm.de/fileadmin/user_upload/EN/Manuals/FRITZ_Box/Manual_FRITZBox_Fon_WLAN_7390.pdf).

If WxC wants to provide a simple "black box" service for Mom & Pops, fair enough. I understand the potential simplicity and reduction in support costs by having standard hardware (again, the Apple model of business), but this is Geekzone and most of us here like to adjust the carburettors, tweak the ignition timing and even swap out the engine as the fancy takes us. Trust your users / customers.

So long as the Fusion unlimited hardware requirement is limited to one device, and that device is a relative unknown quantity, I'm out. I don't mind a contract period so much, although without a device provided, 12 months would seem a more standard time frame.

Hope this customer feedback is of value to WxC as they move forward. I'd like to rejoin you guys, I really would.

GoodSync

GoodSync. Easily back up and sync your files with GoodSync. Simple and secure file backup and synchronisation software will ensure that your files are never lost (affiliate link).

deadlyllama

1263 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#1091199 18-Jul-2014 09:45

Niel: Maybe it has features to allow them to manage "fair use"? Maybe it has features they do not want to mention in the public domain as it might be key to the quality of their network?

Seems unlikely. There's nothing the CPE can do in that regard that couldn't be done within the WXC network.

Ragnor

8220 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#1091467 18-Jul-2014 15:12

Niel: Maybe it has features to allow them to manage "fair use"? Maybe it has features they do not want to mention in the public domain as it might be key to the quality of their network?

Were you wearing your tinfoil hat at the time of writing this?

Ragnor

8220 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#1091471 18-Jul-2014 15:17

sultanoswing:

If WxC wants to provide a simple "black box" service for Mom & Pops, fair enough. I understand the potential simplicity and reduction in support costs by having standard hardware (again, the Apple model of business), but this is Geekzone and most of us here like to adjust the carburettors, tweak the ignition timing and even swap out the engine as the fancy takes us. Trust your users / customers.

Yes Fusion = All in one service using supplied modem

As per what Maverick from WxC/Xnet said last year:

"Fusion is just the product name for our combined offering where we supply the certified WXC device and its an all in one service, we supply / configure everything for the customer so we can control the whole user experience, we dont allow byo devices to be part of this bundle as it doesn't fit in with our back-end provisioning systems, auto configs etc, but you can still get a DSL / VDSL service and bring your own device using the naked / clothed plan offerings and just add a open VFX connection and you have the same thing, its just not called Fusion "

http://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=65&topicid=119436&page_no=3#889187

sultanoswing

814 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1091521 18-Jul-2014 16:15

Except that the current Fusion plans don't lock you into the mp264, so why does the unlimited Fusion plan have to? IMHO, it's one thing adding a dedicated box such as the PAP2T or SPA122, it's a step too far additionally mandating what modem and router you have to use - and the justification for such a step is the bit I'm struggling with. Sure, make it optional.

My take has always been that Fusion = VOIP service + broadband. Why has the SPA122 and its ilk suddenly become persona non grata just because it's now being combined with unlimited data?

Is it so hard to offer unlimited naked bb + VOIP (and sure, to get the unlimited data you have to use WxC's VOIP.)

The obvious alternative if you already have the hardware is indeed to go naked BB with someone else, and VOIP with WxC. That's cheaper and more flexible, albeit at the cost of convenience, and I would have thought to WxC's bottom line.

Niel

3267 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#1091723 18-Jul-2014 20:13

Ragnor: Were you wearing your tinfoil hat at the time of writing this?

No, I was wearing tin foil underpants. You guys are misreading what I'm saying. There are aspects of how their network is setup that they do not share, because it gives them a competitive advantage regarding quality and reliability. And remember, they are the only carrier grade VoBB service provider in the country (still, AFAIK). If they have locked it down and have custom firmware and don't allow other hardware, then it is not unreasonable to suspect it is part of the security of their network and IP.

You can never have enough Volvos!

sultanoswing

814 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1091751 18-Jul-2014 20:50

Niel:
Ragnor: Were you wearing your tinfoil hat at the time of writing this?

No, I was wearing tin foil underpants. You guys are misreading what I'm saying. There are aspects of how their network is setup that they do not share, because it gives them a competitive advantage regarding quality and reliability. And remember, they are the only carrier grade VoBB service provider in the country (still, AFAIK). If they have locked it down and have custom firmware and don't allow other hardware, then it is not unreasonable to suspect it is part of the security of their network and IP.

Yep - so I accept having to use their required range of ATA's on their carrier grade VOIP network. Such as the PAP2T which I am using right now, and which has served me well for several years with them. But why must I use the mp264 if I want an unlimited data plan? How does that affect the network security and IP? The reasoning does not follow in my mind.

Ragnor

8220 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#1093102 21-Jul-2014 15:21

sultanoswing:

Yep - so I accept having to use their required range of ATA's on their carrier grade VOIP network. Such as the PAP2T which I am using right now, and which has served me well for several years with them. But why must I use the mp264 if I want an unlimited data plan? How does that affect the network security and IP? The reasoning does not follow in my mind.

Q: Have you actually asked their sales/helpdesk if you can go on the new unlimited plan but use "open vfx"?

RunningMan

8955 posts

Uber Geek

#1093108 21-Jul-2014 15:28

Ragnor:
sultanoswing:

Yep - so I accept having to use their required range of ATA's on their carrier grade VOIP network. Such as the PAP2T which I am using right now, and which has served me well for several years with them. But why must I use the mp264 if I want an unlimited data plan? How does that affect the network security and IP? The reasoning does not follow in my mind.

Q: Have you actually asked their sales/helpdesk if you can go on the new unlimited plan but use "open vfx"?

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think sultanoswing is referring to using a VFX supported device, as opposed to Open VFX, which is BYO unsupported device.

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5