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

hio77

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#257136 17-Sep-2019 10:49

Hey all,

figured i'd post up here before it surprises any techys out there..

Spark Smart Modem:

https://www.spark.co.nz/getmore/spark-smart-modem

Fibre customers will have a new Default modem, Copper to come at a later date.

Headline Specs are...

4x4 Wifi AC
Band-steering and beam-forming
no 32 device limit (it's 54 and 64 per band if i recall the numbers correctly)
Available in store, Online and through normal channels.
4 Gbit Ethernet ports (LAN 4 used as WAN)
VDSL/ADSL Modem inbuilt
Further enhancements to come down the track :)

Overall, I've been very impressed with the device itself.

Even testing in the office (which is very dense in 5ghz utilization) I've had peak speed tests just shy of 700mbit and iperfs at home in the 800mbit ballpark (I have no interference) testing on my 4x4 Mate 20 Pro.
While i wouldn't expect that performance in all situations, that's peak real world..

now who said providers didnt do 4x4 routers? :P

Spark Smart Mesh:

https://www.spark.co.nz/getmore/spark-smart-mesh/

(Buy online here -https://www.spark.co.nz/shop/mobile/accessories/spark-smart-mesh/)

Headline specs are...

HARDWARE
880Mhz dual core CPU
1 auto-sensing 10/100/1000Mbps Ethernet LAN port
MediaTek MTK7621A Wireless network card
128MB DDR3
32MB NOR flash

WIFI TECHNOLOGY
4x4 WiFi 5 (802.11ac) with 256 QAM support
4x4 WiFi 4 (802.11n) with 256 QAM support

DATA RATE
AC2533 (800 + 1733 Mbps)*

WIFI ROAMING
WiFi roaming IEEE® 802.11k/v
WiFi band steering

WIFI STANDARDS
IEEE® 802.11 b/g/n 2.4GHz
IEEE® 802.11 a/n/ac 5GHz

PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions: 154*154*60mm

This Mesh is quite a seamless setup, there are two different setup modes.

The first is with the Smart Modem, Connect it with a cable up for the first sync then it will Connect over Wireless from there. You may also use Wired Backhaul. (Firmware 6.0.12 or Greater required)

The Second is with another Router, You will need Two Mesh units. one to connect to the existing Router, and then Wireless from there to the secondary mesh units.

#include <std_disclaimer>

Any comments made are personal opinion and do not reflect directly on the position my current or past employers may have.

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#2319076 17-Sep-2019 11:20

Who makes it, how many ethernet ports, Wifi 6 Support and will retail stores have this? :)

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littlehead

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#2319083 17-Sep-2019 11:37

DjShadow:

Who makes it, how many ethernet ports, Wifi 6 Support and will retail stores have this? :)

Quick start guide suggests its made by Arcadyan. 4 lan ports with one used to connect to ONT.

Edit: The product code VRV9517UWAC34 suggests an Arcadyan Experia Box v10A or similar. Not a lot on it out there from a quick google.

hio77

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#2319086 17-Sep-2019 11:39

littlehead:

DjShadow:

Who makes it, how many ethernet ports, Wifi 6 Support and will retail stores have this? :)

Quick start guide suggests its made by Arcadyan. 4 lan ports with one used to connect to ONT.

As above.

Wifi is AC. AX isnt quite at the stage that it will appear sadly.

Retail stores do have it, and have already been selling them today :)

#include <std_disclaimer>

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freitasm

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#2319121 17-Sep-2019 12:20

But does it support WiFi 6 for iPhone 11 users?

🤪

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#2319129 17-Sep-2019 12:33

@hio77

Band-steering and beam-forming

Spark going into mind control? This is what users are saying on Facebook for this feature!

Talkiet

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#2319130 17-Sep-2019 12:35

Linux:

@hio77

Band-steering and beam-forming

Spark going into mind control? This is what users are saying on Facebook for this feature!

Oh please link that here :-)

Please note all comments are from my own brain and don't necessarily represent the position or opinions of my employer, previous employers, colleagues, friends or pets.

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#2319134 17-Sep-2019 12:41

Talkiet:

Linux:

@hio77

Band-steering and beam-forming

Spark going into mind control? This is what users are saying on Facebook for this feature!

Oh please link that here :-)

N

VodafoneNZ 5G Facebook page, Get ready to see DUMB!

hio77

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#2319138 17-Sep-2019 12:50

Linux:

@hio77

Band-steering and beam-forming

Spark going into mind control? This is what users are saying on Facebook for this feature!

Easy solution, Place your devices further away from yourself, and it's a safety feature.

It directionally forms the radiation towards the device instead of all through everything in range.

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kobiak

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#2319180 17-Sep-2019 13:59

nice. will be watching trademe for $1 new modems :D

helping others at evgenyk.nz

hio77

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#2319186 17-Sep-2019 14:13

kobiak:
nice. will be watching trademe for $1 new modems :D

I'd hope not honestly. It's actually quite a decent device and is only going to get better :)

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Dochart

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#2319226 17-Sep-2019 14:56

I had a feeling a new modem might come out soon since the Hg659b has been out since 2015. I wonder why Spark decided to go to a different brand.

hio77

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#2319233 17-Sep-2019 15:07

Dochart: I had a feeling a new modem might come out soon since the Hg659b has been out since 2015. I wonder why Spark decided to go to a different brand.

Don't think that's a detail i can share.

What i can say is, New devices take a massive amount of work to onboard.

before having first hand experience in this, i honestly assumed it was just sign a bit of paper pay some money and stick some labels on..

The HG659b honestly lasted it's life so long because it was a solid device. it is cost effective, it routes full gbit, it has 3x3 5ghz wifi. Literally the main thing i can fault it on is it's mac table limit.

Ofcourse the fancy new stuff that can be done with wifi is certainly a nice improvement.

#include <std_disclaimer>

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DjShadow

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#2319234 17-Sep-2019 15:08

Is there a Geekzone special price for this?

xpd

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#2319237 17-Sep-2019 15:11

DjShadow:

Is there a Geekzone special price for this?

See https://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=39&topicid=257136&page_no=1#2319180

;)

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hio77

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#2319239 17-Sep-2019 15:12

DjShadow:

Is there a Geekzone special price for this?

It's a standard device, so free under a contract sign, or agents can offer a half price deal in certain situations.

Unfortunately it's not up to me to make a special price for here, nor do i feel it's the right market.

Geekzone is full with techys at heart, who most likely dont use devices as they are intended.

Take myself for example, i quite like the device. but the best i'd probably do with it in all honestly i would only stick it in family that i dont have a custom setup already.

#include <std_disclaimer>

Any comments made are personal opinion and do not reflect directly on the position my current or past employers may have.

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