Spark Launches new Inhome Experience - Spark Smart Modem & Spark Smart Mesh

Forums › Spark New Zealand (including Skinny and BigPipe) › Spark Launches new Inhome Experience - Spark Smart Modem & Spark Smart Mesh

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295 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2714871 28-May-2021 19:50

I notice that even when I use the Smart modem and Mesh units on an ethernet backhaul, they still all broadcast on the same Wifi channels. I have always assumed that this causes interference - with my old system of wired Airport expresses, I used to force them to all use non-overlapping channels to avoid interference. I understand that when the Mesh units work as wireless Mesh, they have to use the same channel.

Is there a way of forcing the Spark mesh units to use different non-overlapping channels when wired, or does it not matter so much for these mesh units compared to traditional APs?

BuzzLightyear

411 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2715340 29-May-2021 21:33

Hemi88: Any one else having problems with default dns with Apple services it started last night, phone has always been set to Auto dns I changed it to google dns this morning and the App Store/music/tv worked fine again, changed it back to auto started doing same thing it would randomly work/not work, changed dns to one from sparks website working again if I set it back to auto it starts playing up again seems to only affect Apple services

I do have the same problem, noticed today issue with apple services on some of my devices. I use a DNS proxy for a lot of my devices so don’t generally use Sparks DNS. Def an issue there though. There is another thread in GZ about it.

Hemi88

185 posts

Master Geek

#2715345 29-May-2021 21:42

@BuzzLightyear saw the other thread this morning at least I know it not just me must be something going on with spark

lookout

626 posts

Ultimate Geek

ID Verified

#2715358 29-May-2021 22:06

How is the Smart Modem on other ISPs? My fibre connection is finally happening and I'm switching to Stuff. They have sent me an ASUS RT-AC59U. I could stick with the Smart Modem & 2 Smart Mesh I already have. Or I could use the new ASUS and hook up the Smart Mesh to it (assuming the mesh units play nice with other routers). Or I could go back to a Unifi AP which is what I had previous to the Spark setup.

Gordy7

1906 posts

Uber Geek

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Lifetime subscriber

#2715394 30-May-2021 10:18

lookout:

How is the Smart Modem on other ISPs?

I used a Spark Smart Modem for a few weeks with Orcon.

Had very early firmware.

I bought the modem off Trademe because my old HG659 was failing.

Had no problems using IPv4 and IPv6.

Found the WiFi coverage very good all around my 3 bedroom house. (without any mesh)

Switched to Skinny (for a lower ongoing price) to get their modem and to update the firmware in my Spark modem.

Gordy

My first ever AM radio network connection was with a 1MHz AM crystal(OA91) radio receiver.

antonknee

1133 posts

Uber Geek

#2715411 30-May-2021 10:37

lookout:

How is the Smart Modem on other ISPs? My fibre connection is finally happening and I'm switching to Stuff. They have sent me an ASUS RT-AC59U. I could stick with the Smart Modem & 2 Smart Mesh I already have. Or I could use the new ASUS and hook up the Smart Mesh to it (assuming the mesh units play nice with other routers). Or I could go back to a Unifi AP which is what I had previous to the Spark setup.

I’m using it on Vodafone fibre and it’s flawless. Obviously needs the settings changed, and I have a feeling Stuff will be reluctant to offer much in the way of support if you aren’t using their modem (no biggie though).

lookout

626 posts

Ultimate Geek

ID Verified

#2715504 30-May-2021 14:17

Cool. Thank you. I'm just deciding if I replace the Spark with the ASUS, turn off the wifi and have my 2 Smart Mesh connected as APs (by ethernet). Or if I leave the Spark modem + mesh units hooked up, knowing I won't get firmware updates and support from Stuff. I might have to do some testing with both.

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raiven

7 posts

Wannabe Geek

#2717525 3-Jun-2021 09:13

Gordy7:

lookout:

How is the Smart Modem on other ISPs?

I used a Spark Smart Modem for a few weeks with Orcon.

Had very early firmware.

I bought the modem off Trademe because my old HG659 was failing.

Had no problems using IPv4 and IPv6.

Found the WiFi coverage very good all around my 3 bedroom house. (without any mesh)

Switched to Skinny (for a lower ongoing price) to get their modem and to update the firmware in my Spark modem.

how much are you paying with skinny broadband? and where in nz would this be? :)

Gordy7

1906 posts

Uber Geek

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Lifetime subscriber

#2717537 3-Jun-2021 09:29

raiven:

... snip...

how much are you paying with skinny broadband? and where in nz would this be? :)

I joined Skinny Gigibit fibre 10 months ago in northern Hawkes Bay...

Plan was 2 months free and $98 for the remaining months.

Works out at just under $82 per month.

Gordy

My first ever AM radio network connection was with a 1MHz AM crystal(OA91) radio receiver.

backfiah

219 posts

Master Geek

#2718777 5-Jun-2021 21:40

Gordy7:

Does the NTP server work in the log when connected to the Spark network?
The smart modem NTP server links are time1.telecom.co.nz and time2.etc.
I am about to join the Spark network with Skinny.
At present I am on Orcon and the smart modem shows the logs starting on 1 Jan at 11.59.... not too useful...

Probably a year too late, but you can set a custom NTP server by editing the form data (e.g. with Developer Tools in Chrome) before clicking submit :)

nunasdream

176 posts

Master Geek

#2720102 7-Jun-2021 10:52

I've been getting DNS issues for the last week or so with this modem. The internet doesn't disconnect (Torrents still download) but websites won't load and give a DNS error. It happens for 5-10 seconds and then works again.

sbiddle

30853 posts

Uber Geek

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Biddle Corp

Lifetime subscriber

#2720131 7-Jun-2021 12:10

nunasdream:

I've been getting DNS issues for the last week or so with this modem. The internet doesn't disconnect (Torrents still download) but websites won't load and give a DNS error. It happens for 5-10 seconds and then works again.

First thing would be to check you're not saturating the router CPU with your torrents because that's historically a pretty common scenario.

grolschie

911 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2728425 14-Jun-2021 11:24

Xbox gamers? Anyone using the Smart Modem with Xbox Live? How do you find UPnP for opening the right ports?

When going into "Test Multiplayer Connection", sometimes it says that I might have problems (Moderate NAT, I'm guessing), but when going into "Test NAT type" immediately afterwards, it often does say it's Open. Sometimes the initial "Test Multiplayer Connection" test says "It's all good". I have previously tried forwarding ports, but I think some games require extra ports possibly. And I'm guessing putting the console in the DMZ is a bad idea. Your thoughts please?

myopinion

938 posts

Ultimate Geek

#2728433 14-Jun-2021 11:29

nunasdream:

I've been getting DNS issues for the last week or so with this modem. The internet doesn't disconnect (Torrents still download) but websites won't load and give a DNS error. It happens for 5-10 seconds and then works again.

Honestly this is the absolute worst modem/router I have ever had the displeasure of owning. The DSL status page says its always up however as described above the devices we are connecting this to routinely have problems accessing the internet. This happens all the time. Often for a few minutes at a time before working again. I had hoped the latest update would fix this but no it is still there. Such a POS. Using my old Draytek modem with Airport wireless is rock solid.

hio77

12999 posts

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Lizard Networks

#2728436 14-Jun-2021 11:36

nunasdream:

I've been getting DNS issues for the last week or so with this modem. The internet doesn't disconnect (Torrents still download) but websites won't load and give a DNS error. It happens for 5-10 seconds and then works again.

I finally switched over to my RB1009 to get away from this.

my smart modem is dedicated to wifi duties only now, network has been quite happy since.

Bit of work still to do on getting the upstream shaping quite right so chorus don't randomly drop packets, but my network is much happier.

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