Vodafone Sure Signal - Access Control List

Forums › One NZ (including Farmside) › Vodafone Sure Signal - Access Control List

grattanlec

5 posts

Wannabe Geek

#151572 29-Aug-2014 12:12

First time poster here...

I have a VF Sure Signal running at home and it can be a bit hit and miss sometimes. We get calls drop out from time to time and sometimes I need to reboot it to get a signal. I have discovered that the signal quality is affected if the broadband connection is doing a lot of work eg, dropbox syncing a large upload etc, so I trying to sync large files over night.

One thing I have noticed is our neighbors are all with VF mobile and their house is only a few metres from ours. I've also seen them standing by the fence talking on the phone too (cheeky buggers).

My question is, has anyone found a way to lock down their sure signal to only allow specific devices to connect to it? I spoke to VF this morning about this and it seemed too hard for some reason.

I've spent a bit of time on google and VF UK have a web based management interface that you can add devices to, and from what I've read they come standard with an access control list in Europe.

If anyone can help with a solution it would be really appreciated. I work from home a couple of days a week so reliable mobile coverage is important to me.

Regards
Grattan

1 | 2

6028 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 461

Trusted

Geekzone

Lifetime subscriber

#1117855 29-Aug-2014 12:12

Hello... Our robot found some keywords in your post, so here is an automated reply with some important things to note regarding broadband speeds.

If you are posting regarding DSL speeds please check that

- you have reset your modem and router

- your PC (or other PCs in your LAN) is not downloading large files when you are testing

- you are not being throttled by your ISP due to going over the monthly cap

- your tests are always done on an ethernet connection to the router - do not use wireless for testing

- you read this topic and follow the instructions there.

Make sure you provide information for other users to help you. If you have not already done it, please EDIT your post and add this now:

- Your ISP and plan

- Type of connection (ADSL, ADSL2, VDSL)

- Your modem DSL stats (do not worry about posting Speedtest, we need sync rate, attenuation and noise margin)

- Your general location (or street)

- If you are rural or urban

- If you know your connection is to an exchange, cabinet or conklin

- If your connection is to a ULL or wholesale service

- If you have done an isolation test as per the link above

Most of the problems with speed are likely to be related to internal wiring issues. Read this discussion to find out more about this. Your ISP is not intentionally slowing you down today (unless you are on a managed plan). Also if this is the school holidays it's likely you will notice slower than usual speed due to more users online.

A master splitter is required for VDSL2 and in most cases will improve speeds on DSL connections. Regular disconnections can be a monitored alarm or a set top box trying to connect. If there's an alarm connected to your line even if you don't have an alarm contract it may still try to connect so it's worth checking.

I recommend you read these two blog posts:

- Is your premises phone wiring impacting your broadband performance? (very technical)

- Are you receiving a substandard ULL ADSL2+ connection from your ISP?

I am the Geekzone Robot and I am here to help. I am from the Internet. I do not interact. Do not expect other replies from me.

Referral links: Quic Broadband (free setup code: R587125ERQ6VE) | Samsung | AliExpress | Wise | Sharesies

Support Geekzone by subscribing (browse ads-free), or making a one-off or recurring donation through PressPatron.

froob

698 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 233

Lifetime subscriber

#1118224 29-Aug-2014 20:52

From memory it's not possible with the NZ version of the sure signal. They will allow any Vodafone mobile to connect, but so that data usage is not an issue, they can only be used with a Vodafone broadband connection . In contrast, I think the UK version can be used with any ISP, but is locked down to the owner's mobile to avoid unexpected data use.

With the right router, you could potentially set up QOS rules so that the sure signal has the necessary amount of bandwidth dedicated to it to ensure calls work. Sorry, I'm not sure how much dedicated bandwidth it would need, but there might be a user guide on the Vodafone website that has minimum operating requirements.

Guide: Installing Network Cabling in New Zealand Homes

DjShadow

4222 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 1322

ID Verified

Trusted

Subscriber

#1118225 29-Aug-2014 20:59

Get them to go halves with you to upgrade to the next model that supports more connections? (or make them get their own)

Andib

1395 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 974

ID Verified

Trusted

#1118236 29-Aug-2014 21:06

Move the SS down the other end of the house :)

<#
.DISCLAIMER
Anything I post is my own and not the views of my past/present/future employer.
#>

johnr

19282 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2526
Inactive user

#1118248 29-Aug-2014 21:17

If the Sure Signal is connected to Conklin on the end of a ADSL connection then peak time you could find it dropping out due to congestion on the Conklin

How are your peak time internet speeds testing over LAN cable plugged direct into modem?

Demeter

709 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 391

Trusted

One NZ

#1119353 1-Sep-2014 09:26

Hey Grattan,

unlike their European counterparts, the SureSignals on our network don't have an ACL feature unfortunately. We did seriously look into getting this feature, but it is prohibitively expensive to obtain and maintain in relation to the relatively small number of SureSignal devices we have active on the network.

If you're having major issues, we might be able to tweak it internally for you. Not making any promises, but send me a private message with your customer info and your SureSignal serial number and I'll see what I can do.

Cheers,
Lon

Lego

Shop now for Lego sets and other gifts (affiliate link).

hsvhel

1273 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 596

ID Verified

#1119370 1-Sep-2014 09:51

What's the range on a sure signal device? My parents have one on their rural property and one of the neighbors (within 50m) remarked the other day that their signal was better. Wonder if they're tacking onto mums??

Referral Link Quic

Free Setup use R502152EQH6OK on check out

Demeter

709 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 391

Trusted

One NZ

#1119373 1-Sep-2014 09:57

hsvhel: What's the range on a sure signal device? My parents have one on their rural property and one of the neighbors (within 50m) remarked the other day that their signal was better. Wonder if they're tacking onto mums??

Depending on the area they're in, there may have been a tower upgrade there which may have improved your neighbours' signal. We're doing heaps of rural work at the moment. The range varies depending on a few factors, but usually after 20m or so the residential version's signal drops off considerably.

mclean

584 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 182

Subscriber

#1119417 1-Sep-2014 10:51

I have one in my office which is at street level. People on calls gravitate to my office window like they have some sixth sense. When I get sick of the gabble I hit the switch and they immediately drift off - like a human remote control.

hsvhel

1273 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 596

ID Verified

#1119424 1-Sep-2014 10:58

Demeter:
hsvhel: What's the range on a sure signal device? My parents have one on their rural property and one of the neighbors (within 50m) remarked the other day that their signal was better. Wonder if they're tacking onto mums??

Depending on the area they're in, there may have been a tower upgrade there which may have improved your neighbours' signal. We're doing heaps of rural work at the moment. The range varies depending on a few factors, but usually after 20m or so the residential version's signal drops off considerably.

Thanks for that, its not causing any issues, but made me think!

Referral Link Quic

Free Setup use R502152EQH6OK on check out

grattanlec

5 posts

Wannabe Geek

#1119437 1-Sep-2014 11:09

Demeter: Hey Grattan,

unlike their European counterparts, the SureSignals on our network don't have an ACL feature unfortunately. We did seriously look into getting this feature, but it is prohibitively expensive to obtain and maintain in relation to the relatively small number of SureSignal devices we have active on the network.

If you're having major issues, we might be able to tweak it internally for you. Not making any promises, but send me a private message with your customer info and your SureSignal serial number and I'll see what I can do.

Cheers,
Lon

Thanks Lon - I'll get in touch later today.

Lego

Shop now for Lego sets and other gifts (affiliate link).

SepticSceptic

2263 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 779

Trusted

#1120578 2-Sep-2014 16:34

Sorry to hijack the thread, are there any issues with the SureSignals, and Nokia C2 mobiles ?

Have had 3 Vodafone enabled C2's (visitors) not been able to use the SureSignal - just zero bars on the phone.

There are a couple of SS models - mine is one currently displayed on Vodafone nz web

johnr

19282 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2526
Inactive user

#1120594 2-Sep-2014 16:56

SepticSceptic: Sorry to hijack the thread, are there any issues with the SureSignals, and Nokia C2 mobiles ?

Have had 3 Vodafone enabled C2's (visitors) not been able to use the SureSignal - just zero bars on the phone.

There are a couple of SS models - mine is one currently displayed on Vodafone nz web

Have they got 3G enabled?

Edit: The Nokia C2 does not support 3G and the Sure Signal units only work on 3G 2100Mhz

SepticSceptic

2263 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 779

Trusted

#1121165 3-Sep-2014 14:28

johnr:
SepticSceptic: Sorry to hijack the thread, are there any issues with the SureSignals, and Nokia C2 mobiles ?

Have had 3 Vodafone enabled C2's (visitors) not been able to use the SureSignal - just zero bars on the phone.

There are a couple of SS models - mine is one currently displayed on Vodafone nz web

Have they got 3G enabled?

Edit: The Nokia C2 does not support 3G and the Sure Signal units only work on 3G 2100Mhz

The C2 does have 3G - one currently has a 2deg SIM, and definitely says 3G, ditto on the now Microsoft site Nokia C2 specs. Though it doesn't spcify the 3G frequency. I do note the 2G and 3 G talk-times are significantly different - twice the life on 2G.

Not that the C2 issue is a biggie - just an occasional visitor with a C2.

Maybe force Network mode to either GSM or UMTS ?

Demeter

709 posts

Ultimate Geek
+1 received by user: 391

Trusted

One NZ

#1121182 3-Sep-2014 14:50

SepticSceptic:
johnr:
SepticSceptic: Sorry to hijack the thread, are there any issues with the SureSignals, and Nokia C2 mobiles ?

Have had 3 Vodafone enabled C2's (visitors) not been able to use the SureSignal - just zero bars on the phone.

There are a couple of SS models - mine is one currently displayed on Vodafone nz web

Have they got 3G enabled?

Edit: The Nokia C2 does not support 3G and the Sure Signal units only work on 3G 2100Mhz

The C2 does have 3G - one currently has a 2deg SIM, and definitely says 3G, ditto on the now Microsoft site Nokia C2 specs. Though it doesn't spcify the 3G frequency. I do note the 2G and 3 G talk-times are significantly different - twice the life on 2G.

Not that the C2 issue is a biggie - just an occasional visitor with a C2.

Maybe force Network mode to either GSM or UMTS ?

Do those handsets support 3G at 2100Mhz? I suspect this is where the problem is. BSR's 3G signal works only on that frequency.

1 | 2