Spark Smart Modem 2 for Fibre?

Forums › Spark New Zealand (including Skinny and BigPipe) › Spark Smart Modem 2 for Fibre?

Geekeneer

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#295154 9-Mar-2022 11:10

Can anyone recommend the Spark Smart Modem 2 for Fibre connection? The store says it was 'designed' for wireless, but can give me the Smart Modem 2 if I 'want'.

Specs are not too shabby: https://www.spark.co.nz/shop/internet/spark-smart-modem/

Just wondering why they pushing on the wireless part if the website says its suitable for fibre as well.

Jiriteach

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#2883576 9-Mar-2022 11:15

It supports fibre and 4G really well. Its well spec'd and works well. Its the latest version so why not?

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

Geekeneer

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#2883579 9-Mar-2022 11:17

Jiriteach:

It supports fibre and 4G really well. Its well spec'd and works well. Its the latest version so why not?

Exactly my thoughts, but the store person seemed to really push that its for wireless, and not entirely suitable for fibre. Hence I was looking for first hand experience.

Jiriteach

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#2883580 9-Mar-2022 11:18

On the wireless side - its definately better than the B618's so totally recommend it which is why they were prob pushing it for wireless. I'm using one as a backup link and it really good. I did channel my fibre link through it as well and had full throughput with no problems.

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

Linux

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#2883581 9-Mar-2022 11:20

Are they trying to get you connected to 4G / 5G instead of Fibre? Only go down the Fibre path!

Geekeneer

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#2883585 9-Mar-2022 11:31

Linux: Are they trying to get you connected to 4G / 5G instead of Fibre? Only go down the Fibre path!

No I'm still on fibre, just need a new modem, but they suggesting Smart Modem 1 instead of 2.

Linux

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#2883586 9-Mar-2022 11:33

Geekeneer:
Linux: Are they trying to get you connected to 4G / 5G instead of Fibre? Only go down the Fibre path!

No I'm still on fibre, just need a new modem, but they suggesting Smart Modem 1 instead of 2.

Smart2 hands down they trying to get rid of old stock on you

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Talkiet

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#2883591 9-Mar-2022 11:38

The SM1 and SM2 are different. The SM2 is primarily for 4G wireless connections and the SM1 is primarily for fibre connections - it doesn't have the 4G radios.

I have a SM1 and a SM2 here at home and I haven't bothered even installing the SM2 (I use it for testing mostly) - the SM1 is fine on my FibreMax connection. I used to have a 659 but I encountered the 32 device limit so upgraded and haven't had any issues. My speedtests are 936/520(ish) consistently.

I don't know why the people on the phone might be pushing one model over the other but either is fine for FibreMax.

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.

Geekeneer

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#2883761 9-Mar-2022 14:24

Update: Went in store to collect. Storeperson asked why I want that for fibre, as it's meant for wireless. Also said it's not compatible with Fibre Max for some reason, I said I'm on Fibre300 (Essential Fibre) so I don't mind, he eventually agreed and gave me the Smart Modem 2.

Whether or not it's compatible with Fibre Max, I wouldn't be able to test.