Spark just sent me an HG659b

Forums › Spark New Zealand (including Skinny and BigPipe) › Spark just sent me an HG659b

geekIT

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#257339 26-Sep-2019 14:53

According to Chorus, we won't get fibre until 2022, so on Tuesday last I asked Spark to change my ADSL connection to VDSL.

They said OK, and told me I'd get a new modem within a coupla days.

It's just turned up and it's a HG659b.

I thought the HG630b was the latest model?

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#2325374 26-Sep-2019 14:58

HG630b is rather ancient - the HG659 is basically current, although Spark have just started supplying a new router the last few weeks.

I'm sure there will be stock of the HG659 that they will still be shipping for a bit.

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#2325377 26-Sep-2019 15:08

HG630 = 100mbps Ethernet ports and crappy 802.11 b/g/n WiFi

HG659 = gigabit Ethernet and 802.11 b/g/n/ac WiFi

geekIT

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#2325385 26-Sep-2019 15:27

Thanks, guys. If it works as well as my ancient TG582n I won't worry.

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hio77

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#2325389 26-Sep-2019 15:36

HG659b is our current modem for copper. If your still using a TG582n, i'd switch it out... otherwise it wont work when the port flicks to VDSL (which is why the agent sent the modem)

Ideally this should have been explained when you signed up.

Hg630 we have not sold for... 2 years if i'm not mistaken....

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geekIT

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#2325416 26-Sep-2019 16:11

The Spark guy didn't say a lot - only that that there'd be no probs 🤪

Oh, and $15 freight, the only cost.

Just reading the manual, it mentions a VDSL splitter. There's none in the box, does a tech visit and bring one?

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#2325431 26-Sep-2019 16:40

geekIT:

The Spark guy didn't say a lot - only that that there'd be no probs 🤪

Oh, and $15 freight, the only cost.

Just reading the manual, it mentions a VDSL splitter. There's none in the box, does a tech visit and bring one?

Nope, plugs in the same as the TG852n.

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geekIT

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#2325434 26-Sep-2019 17:01

hio77:Nope, plugs in the same as the TG852n.

I don't understand (duh). The manual sez: 'To get a VDSL connection, a technician will first install a VDSL splitter and a VDSL jackpoint (RJ45). Your home phone remains connected to its current jackpoint.'

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#2325435 26-Sep-2019 17:03

geekIT:

hio77:Nope, plugs in the same as the TG852n.

I don't understand (duh). The manual sez: 'To get a VDSL connection, a technician will first install a VDSL splitter and a VDSL jackpoint (RJ45). Your home phone remains connected to its current jackpoint.'

The manual is out of date..

Literally unplug the DSL cable from the TG852n and plug it into the HG659b.

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geekIT

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#2325441 26-Sep-2019 17:12

Okay. So the VDSL 'ingredient' is added at the cabinet?

(There's no exchange building in oor wee Southland hicktown).

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hio77

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#2325445 26-Sep-2019 17:17

geekIT:

Okay. So the VDSL 'ingredient' is added at the cabinet?

(There's no exchange in Hicktown).

Yes that is right. You need a modem that's capable of talking VDSL (which the HG659b does) and the cabinet needs to be told to send VDSL.

Years back, there was a full installation requirement with chorus, this has since been removed in favour of same priced product etc

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geekIT

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#2325781 27-Sep-2019 10:43

Okay, thanks.

BTW, how will I know when VDSL is working? Or do I just keep checking file download speed?

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#2325786 27-Sep-2019 10:48

geekIT:
Okay, thanks.

BTW, how will I know when VDSL is working? Or do I just keep checking file download speed?

You will get confirmation by email assuming that was provided.
It will seamlessly switch over.

If you dm me your details happy to let you know the exact time...

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#2325875 27-Sep-2019 11:56

Hi - I'm butting in here... but just wondering if we might expect to notice any difference in our VDSL experience if we swapped out our old HG630b modem for one of these new-fangled ones?

We're on a Spark VDSL connection in Miramar, Wellington - thanks if anyone is able to supply any info.

Cheers,
Mike

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hio77

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#2325876 27-Sep-2019 11:57

clicknz:

Hi - I'm butting in here... but just wondering if we might expect to notice any difference in our VDSL experience if we swapped out our old HG630b modem for one of these new-fangled ones?

We're on a Spark VDSL connection in Miramar, Wellington - thanks if anyone is able to supply any info.

You will gain 5ghz wifi, which undoubtedly is a bonus.

if your sync rate is over 100mbit there is also gains...

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wratterus

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#2325877 27-Sep-2019 11:58

clicknz:

Hi - I'm butting in here... but just wondering if we might expect to notice any difference in our VDSL experience if we swapped out our old HG630b modem for one of these new-fangled ones?

We're on a Spark VDSL connection in Miramar, Wellington - thanks if anyone is able to supply any info.

Not likely to make a difference to your actual line speed unless you have an awesome line, but it could well improve the experience on your local network, especially with the 5GHz wireless and gigabit LAN.

Edit - Hio beat me to it. 😆

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