Spark Fibre Broadband SM2 or SM3

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Geekeneer

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#302373 18-Nov-2022 12:39

Just wanting to know the better modem for Spark Fibre Broadband, the SM2 or SM3?

I've checked the specs but can't make sense of most except a few numbers. Will be used primarily for Fibre Broadband 300

This follows on from my previous post, I want to send my current SM2 with a family member overseas (beacause of 4g), and deciding if I should get another SM2 or SM3 for myself, for broadband.

Talkiet

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#2997990 18-Nov-2022 12:58

SM3 is the modem specified currently for Fibre plans. SM2 is primarily the 4G modem (although it can handle FibreMax great).

I have genuinely no idea whether the SM2 would work overseas - mobile network stuff is black magic.

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.

Spyware

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#2997992 18-Nov-2022 12:59

I wonder if exporting the router is against Spark's terms of service??

Spark Max Fibre using Mikrotik CCR1009-8G-1S-1S+, CRS125-24G-1S, Unifi UAP, U6-Pro, UAP-AC-M-Pro, Apple TV 4K (2022), Apple TV 4K (2017), iPad Air 1st gen, iPad Air 4th gen, iPhone 13, SkyNZ3151 (the white box). If it doesn't move then it's data cabled.

ShaneKNZ

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#2997993 18-Nov-2022 13:04

The main difference is that Smart Modem 2 is a 'hybrid' modem - so supports LTE and Fibre. Smart Modem 3 is a fixed line only modem and support DSL + Fibre. WiFi performance should be similar.

Geekeneer

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#2998000 18-Nov-2022 13:15

Spyware:

I wonder if exporting the router is against Spark's terms of service??

Even if i'm buying it outright at a Store independently?

ShaneKNZ

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#2998004 18-Nov-2022 13:27

It is not against Spark's T's and C's to send the modem overseas if you own the hardware outright. Keep in mind these modems are highly configured / designed to be used on Spark, and not supported by Spark to be used overseas. Have you considered just using a regular WiFi (mobile) hotspot?

Geekeneer

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#2998082 18-Nov-2022 15:15

Talkiet:

SM3 is the modem specified currently for Fibre plans. SM2 is primarily the 4G modem (although it can handle FibreMax great).

I have genuinely no idea whether the SM2 would work overseas - mobile network stuff is black magic.

Cheers - N

Thank you, would you recommend one over the other for light gaming, DLNA home streaming network etc?

Regarding the mobile netwrok, I have noted that the APN can be changed, though not sure if these talk back to Spark during the authentication handshake and possibly deny connection when using other provider sim.

Quic Broadband

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Talkiet

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#2998085 18-Nov-2022 15:17

I'd recommend the SM3 for sure. SM2 works great (and I am using one for other reasons at the moment with my FibreMax) but given a choice, I'd use the SM3 with 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.

WellyGeek

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#2998157 18-Nov-2022 16:16

How about WiFi performance between SM2 and SM3, particularly coverage)?

I find SM2 has much better WiFi coverage that SM1. If SM3 and SM1 (same physical appearance) do have similar WiFi radiation characteristics (eg antenna design etc) then presumably the coverage would be similar (difference in throughput mainly).

Also notice in the spec that SM2 has beamforming in both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands, whereas SM3 and SM1 beamforming is only for 5GHz band.

toejam316

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#2998179 18-Nov-2022 17:39

Fixed Wireless providers quite often lock their SIMs to only approved hardware - why wouldn't you get your family member to get their ISP's approved device?

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Anything I say is the ramblings of an ill informed, opinionated so-and-so, and not representative of any of my past, present or future employers, and is also probably best disregarded.