Spark Smart Modem 2 vs B618?

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Jiriteach

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#289416 4-Sep-2021 12:51

Hi - Anyone know what hardware the Spark Smart Modem 2 is based on or who makes it?
https://www.spark.co.nz/shop/internet/spark-smart-modem/

How does this compare to the B618?

I currently have a B618 as my backup connection but firmware is so restricted so keen to see if less so on these new Smart Modem's.

Any know or have one?

Thanks

-- opinions expressed by me are solely my own. ie - personal

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#2772048 4-Sep-2021 14:12

CAT12 so does multi carrier aggregation.

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snnet

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#2772065 4-Sep-2021 15:04

I wonder if it has half the GUI missing like the B618?

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#2772119 4-Sep-2021 15:55

Those settings are just hidden with "display: none" so any of the chrome add-ons that remove that markup and you can see all those fields.

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#2772125 4-Sep-2021 16:03

Yes, just a pain - there are a few settings you need to change "disabled" to "enabled" in the source code to be able to adjust them as well with developer tools

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Jiriteach

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#2773751 7-Sep-2021 15:44

So can confirm the new Spark Smart Modem 2 is actually a really nice device.
Lots of useful settings compared with the B618.

I'm using it for a backup/secondary link with 4G wireless broadband hooked in for WAN failover on my UDM Pro.

Apart from the Spark logo - GUI looks stock of what you would expect from one of these routers.

Spark Smart Modem 2 is made by Arcadyan for Spark

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snnet

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#2773759 7-Sep-2021 15:59

Cool. I've got one on the way as well - I think my B618's wifi is on the way out

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wratterus

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#2773765 7-Sep-2021 16:19

Wow that's an impressive device. Any idea if Spark are phasing out the Smart Modem, or is this more for fixed wireless connections, but can also route gigabit fibre if needs be?

Jiriteach

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#2773767 7-Sep-2021 16:20

wratterus:

Wow that's an impressive device. Any idea if Spark are phasing out the Smart Modem, or is this more for fixed wireless connections, but can also route gigabit fibre if needs be?

It does both. 4G for wireless connection as well as gig fibre.

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Talkiet

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#2773778 7-Sep-2021 16:46

The Smartmodem 2 is not 5G - there's a separate device for 5G. SM2 is 4G FWA principally, but has the grunt for Fibre as well.

Cheers - N

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Jiriteach

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#2773781 7-Sep-2021 16:47

Talkiet:

The Smartmodem 2 is not 5G - there's a separate device for 5G. SM2 is 4G FWA principally, but has the grunt for Fibre as well.

Cheers - N

Thanks for clarifying. Whats the device for 5G called?

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Talkiet

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#2773782 7-Sep-2021 16:50

It's an Arcadyan device as well, I think it's very similar to the SM2 but with 5G radio support. Not sure if it's been given a name... It's just referred to as the "Spark 5G modem" in the product description pages.

Cheers - N

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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wratterus

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#2773783 7-Sep-2021 16:52

@talkiet Thank you for the info. Any ideas if there would possibly be an updated Smart Modem in the future with WiFi 6 capability, or would you foresee it possibly being phased out in favour of the SM2?

catspyjamas

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#2773784 7-Sep-2021 16:53

Hi @talkiet

Does the Spark Smart Modem 2 allow bandsteering like the Spark Smart Modem original modem?

Also, can it be purchased for use with the 100/20 Spark fibre plan? Or is it just supplied with the max plan 900/400?

Talkiet

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#2773796 7-Sep-2021 17:18

Sorry all, I'm unable to talk about future product plans, just what's available. There are good descriptions of the modems here: (including the 5G model actually)

https://www.spark.co.nz/help/internet/set-up/check-modem-compatibility/

There are more technical details on the Smart Modem and SM2 here... Although it doesn't speak to the 5G variant I'm afraid

https://www.spark.co.nz/shop/internet/spark-smart-modem/

Also sorry, I have no idea about whether it's available to purchase outright for Fibre100 - honestly the helpdesk would know more about that side of it that I would! :-)

Cheers - N

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.

catspyjamas

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#2773801 7-Sep-2021 17:27

No worries about not being sure about the plans it's offered with, @talkiet, but what about myquestion about bandsteering? I already had a good look at the info page & support guide for the Spark Smart Modem 2 before asking here. Or @Jiriteach - are you able to tell me if the Spark Smart Modem 2 does bandsteering?

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