This uses completely different extenders (Smart Mesh 2) than the original version. I'm using a new Smart Mesh 2 extender and it's been working great for me.

Cheers - N

Wonder if you can buy one for the $106.20 cost as a Skinny customer?

wratterus:

 

Look at the USB naming scheme.

concordnz: @talkiet
Does this Version 3,
Resolve the limitations the original SmartModem had with its mesh extenders?

Does anyone know if the 5GHz WiFi performance of SSM3 is comparable to (or better than) that of SSM2?

I found the Smart Mesh 2 did not work well with SSM2 on 2.4GHz coverage.  Mesh 2 interferes with the main SSM2 2.4GHz and the bit rate drops to practically single (or low double) Mbps in area near the main SSM2 (devices still hang on to the mesh).  Has this been fixed with SSM3?

Bung:

concordnz: @talkiet
Does this Version 3,
Resolve the limitations the original SmartModem had with its mesh extenders?

What are these limitations?

wratterus:

 

Wonder if you can buy one for the $106.20 cost as a Skinny customer?

 

I've just joined Skinny (Under Spark). 

You 'have to use' their router.... umm. I paid for the shipping and the router is included with my 12 month plan.

More e-waste because you are forced to buy one essentially.

openmedia:

 

Any ideas who the OEM/ODM is?

 

Brand: Arcadyan 

Product: SMART MODEM

Labelled as model: V9517

Full model number: VRV9517UWAC34-A-SP

Someone has mentioned the model in a reply on this thread from 2019: https://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?topicid=257136

I haven't even plugged it in.

I just plugged in my own router and set the PPPoE and Vlan tagging off.

Just set one up today - didn't even realize it was a SM3 until I went to connect & noticed the WiFi6 icon on the wireless network. 

I did notice the power adapter was different, and asked the user if they were sure they had the correct power adapter haha. Edit - the adapter is nice and slim though, and very compact for a 3A adapter, so that's great. The older ones with those wings out the side were very annoying, they were unnecessarily wide and hardly ever fitted correctly next to another plug, so I don't know if that was a deliberate change, or just coincidental, but it's definitely another plus for the SM3. 

On the basis that there is no Wifi6E and the Modem is aimed at a typical Spark Customer, how well would you rate it (based on Specs)?

1 = Poor

2 = Fair

3 = Good

4 = Very Good

5 = Excellent

(add 0.5 if necessary).

Gordy7:

 

alisam:

 

On the basis that there is no Wifi6E and the Modem is aimed at a typical Spark Customer, how well would you rate it (based on Specs)?

 

1 = Poor

 

2 = Fair

 

3 = Good

 

4 = Very Good

 

5 = Excellent

 

(add 0.5 if necessary).

 

 

Which Modem are you interested in?

 

SM1

 

SM2

 

SM3

 

Does your typical Spark customer care about the specs?

 

SM3

I am quite sure most customers don't care about the specs. I don't take much interest, but based on the specs and based on Geekzone users who will look at the specs, is the SM3 a reasonable modem to buy in Mid. 2022?

alisam:

 

Gordy7:

 

Which Modem are you interested in?

 

SM1

 

SM2

 

SM3

 

Does your typical Spark customer care about the specs?

 

 

SM3

 

I am quite sure most customers don't care about the specs. I don't take much interest, but based on the specs and based on Geekzone users who will look at the specs, is the SM3 a reasonable modem to buy in Mid. 2022?

 

I deleted my posting after I discovered that the heading was only about SM3.

However, I guess Geekzone users will not be your typical Spark customers.

Based on my use of the SM1 (non mesh), I would say that the SM3 is likely to be a very good performer for your typical Spark customer.

SM1 (Wi-Fi 5) - 3.5

SM1+Mesh1-wired backhaul (Wi-Fi 5) - 4

SM3 (Wi-Fi 6) - 4

SM3+Mesh2-wired backhaul (Wi-Fi 6) - 4.5

With Spark.

Recently upgraded from SM1+Mesh1 to SM3+Mesh2

Depending on your setup with devices, internet etc. focusing on Wi-Fi (your mileage may vary)

If your on the 1Gbps (900Mbps-Down/500Mbps-UP) fibre plan you should be happy with the SM3 -capable of max internet speeds on Wi-Fi 6.

SM1 seems to average between 300-600Mbps on Wi-Fi 5.

For most people SM1 should be fine if you have newer devices with Wi-Fi 6 go SM3 :-)

If you need a guest Wi-Fi network SM1/SM3 are fine. *The Mesh units do not expand guest Wi-Fi coverage

If you need to expand your Wi-Fi coverage of the SM1/SM2 - mesh units work well - a lot better via wired backhaul

In theory that 2.5Gbps WAN port on the SM3 should allow for low end 2Gbps hyperfibre speeds if/when spark choose to do it.

As for Wi-Fi 6E if you can wait for Wi-Fi 7 it looks promising lol.

https://www.techspot.com/news/95930-intel-broadcom-reach-5gbps-wi-fi-7-demonstration.html

jdogz:

 

SM3 (Wi-Fi 6) - 4

 

SM3+Mesh2-wired backhaul (Wi-Fi 6) - 4.5

 

If you need to expand your Wi-Fi coverage of the SM1/SM2 - mesh units work well - a lot better via wired backhaul

 

How many Mesh2 Units are you using?

What area are you covering with Modem and Mesh Units.

1, 2 or more storey house.

I did try and find out what the 2 ethernet ports were for and came to the conclusion they were for backhaul. But until this last week or so, I had never heard of backhaul.

Based on my house layout, I will not be able to backhaul (the Home CEO will veto any suggestion).