Seeking advice on resilient modem for Spark Fibre

Forums › Spark New Zealand (including Skinny and BigPipe) › Seeking advice on resilient modem for Spark Fibre

whitepark

4 posts

Wannabe Geek

#306917 3-Sep-2023 13:39

Hi all, first post here

I have Arlo CCTV security at my home, which I rely on heavily for home security as I am very frequently absent from home for work travel. I currently use Spark 4G service and have a good signal strength, but the Spark Modem 2 drops out almost daily, and requires very frequent rebooting - which is problematic when I am absent travelling for work. Obviously my Arlo CCTV is down when my internet is down because it hasn't been rebooted.

I am switching to Spark Max Fibre, I have the Chorus Optical Network Terminal installed and am now looking to buy a suitable modem. Spark of course recommend their Smart Modem 3.

I am looking to do all I can to minimise the possibility of my modem requiring rebooting while I am away from home; and would be grateful for all advice from getting a suitable professional quality modem if that is needed (instead of the Smart Modem 3) through to any other tips to maximise internet stability so that my home CCTV stays up and running while I am absent.

I believe the Arlo CCTV platform isn't the issue, as my other home internet devices are also offline when my Smart Modem 2 needs rebooting. My uneducated guess is that fibre will be more stable, which is why I am moving from 4G.

TIA for any advice

Jiriteach

1119 posts

Uber Geek

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#3123284 3-Sep-2023 13:47

Interesting - I have Spark's 4G service via Wireless Broadband (as a backup) and use the Spark Smart Modem 2 and its solid. Device is monitored and I never have any dropouts or issues.

This said - dropouts are expected as times. Moving to Fibre will definately elimate this. Nothing fancy required from a router perspective unless you are looking for specific features. Sparks Smart Modem's do an outstanding job to route full gig with no issues or dropouts or any other problems.

Unless you are looking for specific features - nothing wrong with the Spark Smart Modems. I run the SSM2 on multiple sites for Wireless and Fibre and no issues.

-- opinions expressed by me are solely my own. ie - personal

whitepark

4 posts

Wannabe Geek

#3123286 3-Sep-2023 13:53

Thanks for your reply, good to know.

coffeebaron

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#3123291 3-Sep-2023 14:14

You could get Draytek router with LTE. Use it primary on fibre, with failover to 4G.

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whitepark

4 posts

Wannabe Geek

#3123307 3-Sep-2023 14:26

Thanks, didn't know about that option..

fe31nz

1228 posts

Uber Geek

#3123421 4-Sep-2023 00:44

It is also possible to automate the rebooting of a router, as long as you have a machine on your network that is on 24/7. It can run a connection test every minute or so and if it sees the connection down (eg no traffic for several minutes), it could cycle the router's power using a remote controlled power socket. But that should not be necessary on fibre - it is very reliable.

whitepark

4 posts

Wannabe Geek

#3123479 4-Sep-2023 11:18

That's a great idea ! - I din't realise that. Thank you.

cbrpilot

955 posts

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Spark NZ

#3123491 4-Sep-2023 12:08

coffeebaron: You could get Draytek router with LTE. Use it primary on fibre, with failover to 4G.

Spark does not allow 3rd party modems for WBB, so I would urge caution if your failover is to WBB.

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coffeebaron

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#3123556 4-Sep-2023 13:40

cbrpilot:

coffeebaron: You could get Draytek router with LTE. Use it primary on fibre, with failover to 4G.

Spark does not allow 3rd party modems for WBB, so I would urge caution if your failover is to WBB.

Correct, so you would need an alternative provider or a standard mobile SIM with a data plan. Generally it would not need a large amount of data since its just or failover.

Rural IT and Broadband support.

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quickymart

13926 posts

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#3124918 8-Sep-2023 08:58

My mother had a very old Spark router (an HG531s) on her DSL connection, that kept dropping her wifi signal constantly. While visiting her I replaced it with the Spark Smart Modem 3 and she has had 0 issues since. So, that one comes with my recommendation 🙂