Help! Need new modem for UFB Starter.

Forums › Spark New Zealand (including Skinny and BigPipe) › Help! Need new modem for UFB Starter.

stone2

120 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 2

#165580 13-Feb-2015 23:13

Hi all, I want to join BigPipe's UFB Starter at 100 Mbps down and 20 Mbps up but I am still on spark adsl and have no idea which new modem I would need to get. I have an adsl modem/router (DSL-504T) in the garage and a wireless router in the lounge for wifi at the mo. I have read lots of info on here about requirements for UFB but don't want to spend hundreds on a UFB modem/router. What options would I have in the $100 range? And how do you know which modems on http://pricespy.co.nz/ are suitable for UFB and vlan tagging. I was at least a little clued up on ADSL modems but am rather mystified on the the new UFB ones.
Any help would be appreciated.

1 | 2

1796 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 545

Trusted

#1237700 13-Feb-2015 23:56

I'd just get a huawei 630b from trademe if you don't need any special features. I'm on Spark UFB and it's the one they give you when you sign up, will be fine for BigPipe 100/20.

Wouldn't be good if you plan on going on a 200 plan, and the LAN is limited to 100 Mpbs, the same as your existing 604T.

Bigpipe no longer do vlan tagging so that is not a restriction when looking for something.

DarkShadow

1647 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 656

#1237702 14-Feb-2015 00:20

Basically, any router you buy will work fine. Whether it is fast enough is another question. ;)

richms

29099 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 10211

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1237711 14-Feb-2015 02:43

Does the router in the lounge have an ethernet wan port on it? If so just plug that into the ONT and job done.

Richard rich.ms

stone2

120 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 2

#1238992 14-Feb-2015 17:25

The router in the lounge does have a Wan port but I will want the ont installed in the garage and everything will go out from there.

stone2

120 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 2

#1238994 14-Feb-2015 17:35

So just to be clear any adsl modem/router will be fine? As long as it has a Wan port it'll work just may not be very fast if not rated for ufb speed?

As for vlan tagging if big pipe doesn't require it anymore what if I go with another isp later down the track. Do other isp's require it?

Jase2985

13732 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 6205

ID Verified

Lifetime subscriber

#1239006 14-Feb-2015 18:12

yes if you want to safeguard yourself you will need a router with VLAN tagging

Quic Broadband

Move to New Zealand's best fibre broadband service (affiliate link). Free setup code: R587125ERQ6VE. Note that to use Quic Broadband you must be comfortable with configuring your own router.

DarkShadow

1647 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 656

#1239012 14-Feb-2015 18:21

stone2: So just to be clear any adsl modem/router will be fine?

You want a router, not an ADSL modem/router.

(Some ADSL modem/routers do come with an ethernet WAN port and you can use it with UFB, but they are the exception.)

sbiddle

30853 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 9996

Retired Mod

Trusted

Biddle Corp

Lifetime subscriber

#1239013 14-Feb-2015 18:24

Buying a cheap device is a waste of time.

Buy a Netcomm NF8AC and be done with.

richms

29099 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 10211

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1239015 14-Feb-2015 18:30

Jase2985: yes if you want to safeguard yourself you will need a router with VLAN tagging

Safeguard from what? Vlan tagging gives no added protection of any type it just allows for the priority tags which are used if you choose an isp that deploys a voice service on the router not the ONT. Nothing to do with securing things.

Richard rich.ms

DarkShadow

1647 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 656

#1239044 14-Feb-2015 18:59

richms:
Jase2985: yes if you want to safeguard yourself you will need a router with VLAN tagging

Safeguard from what? Vlan tagging gives no added protection of any type it just allows for the priority tags which are used if you choose an isp that deploys a voice service on the router not the ONT. Nothing to do with securing things.

You misunderstood. Safeguard here refers to you safeguard yourself from having to buy a new router if you change ISPs.

Jase2985

13732 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 6205

ID Verified

Lifetime subscriber

#1239053 14-Feb-2015 19:22

richms:
Jase2985: yes if you want to safeguard yourself you will need a router with VLAN tagging

Safeguard from what? Vlan tagging gives no added protection of any type it just allows for the priority tags which are used if you choose an isp that deploys a voice service on the router not the ONT. Nothing to do with securing things.

DarkShadow:You misunderstood. Safeguard here refers to you safeguard yourself from having to buy a new router if you change ISPs.

That

no where did i mention security so you read into the statment the wrong way

if he were to buy an non VLAN tagging router and he were to change ISP's down the track he would need to buy either a new router or a device that can do the VLAN tagging form him

up to the OP how they want to do it.

New World

Shop on-line at New World now for your groceries (affiliate link).

stone2

120 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 2

#1239098 14-Feb-2015 20:37

Thanks for the replys people.
oes the draytek vigor 130 support vlan tagging?
I'm still lost regarding which to buy but this one has been recommended before and seems well priced.

stone2

120 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 2

#1239103 14-Feb-2015 20:46

What about this one. A better wireless signal would be good in the garage. Currently very poor.

http://www.gowifi.co.nz/coming-soon-new-products/mikrotik-rb951g-2hnd-high-power-802.11n-gigabit-wireless-router.html

lxsw20

3689 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2174

Subscriber

#1239105 14-Feb-2015 20:55

The Draytek you have mentioned is an ADSL/VDSL Modem. Buy the Netcomm SBiddle mentioned.

Lorenceo

904 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 336

Trusted

#1239106 14-Feb-2015 20:59

The Draytek Vigor 130 is an ADSL/VDSL modem. It doesn't have an Ethernet WAN port and is no use for UFB.

Look into the Netcomm NF4V or NF8AC. Both offer decent price/performance. As mentioned, any router with an Ethernet WAN port + a PPPoE client will work with Bigpipe UFB, as long as you configure it correctly. Keep in mind that the less you spend on the hardware, the less likely it'll be able to handle the full throughput of a 100+ Mbit line.

If you're going to put your wireless router out in the garage IMO you're shooting yourself in the foot. If the ONT has to go in the garage that's fine, but you want the router or AP to go somewhere centrally within the house to help ensure good coverage. Also keep in mind speeds over wireless are unlikely to ever match that of Ethernet. The more devices you have connected via Ethernet the better.

1 | 2