[WXC/VFX] Some VFX questions

Forums › One New Zealand (including Vodafone, WxC, Farmside) › [WXC/VFX] Some VFX questions

andrewcnz

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#19199 9-Feb-2008 02:55

What is the most reliable ADSL modem/router for use with VFX. I am looking at the naked DSL option but I have had problems with my existing gear. I have had a PAP2T for a while now and have found it ok. I convinced my partner to use the VFX line but she has had calls cut off and poor quality audio (not good start). The problems I think stem from the other 4 PC’s connected to the network at the same all wanting internet bandwidth. So I need a device that has a quality of service option. And the ability to have a fax attached. Also does VFX have faxability (different ring for the fax)? If not can you port a faxability number?

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#109400 9-Feb-2008 06:26

First of all it would be best for a start to get a modem/router that is capable of ADSL2+ as that is the next generation broadband that Telecom is upgrading its exchanges to over the next 2 - 3 years. Something like a Linksys modem/router or I have a Belkin modem/router here which I have a PAP2T hooked up to and it works just fine. One thing about the PAP2T though Xnet do not recommend it for faxing. So you could go for a Linksys WAG54GP2v2 which is a modem/router and VFX service all in the one unit or if you wanted separate modem router and VFX service you would probably need to change the PAP2T to a SPA2102. As far as faxability on VFX it is not available yet. Yes you can port a faxability number over to VFX but you cant port the service so you can have your fax number but it will work like any other number on VFX. Hope this helps.

Niel

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#109402 9-Feb-2008 07:28

If you do not mind an extra $12 per month, then you can use the second VFX port for your fax number (as far as I know all VFX hardware support 2 lines with their own numbers).

If XNet is your ISP, then they manage the QoS and should work fine most of the time. Also, with XNet they do not count voice data as part of your data usage.

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grant_k

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#109424 9-Feb-2008 09:57

Niel: If you do not mind an extra $12 per month, then you can use the second VFX port for your fax number

A second VFX line is $7.95 per month incl. GST.

Yes, you will need a second number for your fax because there is no Distinctive Ring service with VFX. However, $7.95 per month is not much extra to pay for that privilege really. And you have the benefit that you could plug a phone into the fax line and use both lines at once if you wanted to.

A router with QoS will make all the difference really. My wireless connection has a speed of just 512kbps, and yet I was able to load Google Earth last night while my wife was on the phone, and she didn't notice anything. Before I got a router with QoS, this would have turned the entire phone call to custard

which would not have gone down too well...

andrewcnz

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#109492 9-Feb-2008 14:28

Is this what i need to get from PB tech... WAG54GP2 Wireless-G ADSL2 Router w 2 Phone Ports. It does not have the v2 at the end. Could not find one at the Dick Smith site. Can I get one direct from world x change? I tried to ask them myself but they must only have one person on today(don't have that much spare time to sit on hold). ???

Niel

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#109496 9-Feb-2008 14:38

If the box has a VFX sticker on it or is preconfigured for XNet, then it is a V2. The V1 never got a sticker on it and was never preconfigured. On the serial number label it should also say if it is V2.

DSE is useless even for buying the simplest of things.

You can search Pricespy (www.pricespy.co.nz) for the WAG54GP2 and you might find the preconfigured one for cheaper than the unconfigured one!

No, WxC does not sell hardware and thus the partnerships.

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coffeebaron

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#109497 9-Feb-2008 14:38

andrewcnz: Is this what i need to get from PB tech... WAG54GP2 Wireless-G ADSL2 Router w 2 Phone Ports. It does not have the v2 at the end. Could not find one at the Dick Smith site. Can I get one direct from world x change? I tried to ask them myself but they must only have one person on today(don't have that much spare time to sit on hold). ???

Not sure, it has an Aussie product code, but this one will be correct:
http://www.acquire.co.nz/acquire/default.asp?PageID=ProductDetail&pf_id=509596

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andrewcnz

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#109501 9-Feb-2008 14:58

Thanks I will get the unit from acquire. BUT the equipment should be easyer to find. Better links should be provided for joe public..

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Dratsab

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#109533 9-Feb-2008 18:52

andrewcnz: Thanks I will get the unit from acquire. BUT the equipment should be easyer to find. Better links should be provided for joe public..

I've recently signed up for xNet Fusion after doing a considerable amount of very slow information trawling via my dial-up link.

While looking at the Fusion information page, I merely clicked on a link which took me to their certified hardware page. PBTech and Dick Smith were more than clearly displayed as retail partners...

I managed to find the Linksys WAG54GP2 ok on the DSE website but they were quitting the stock (maybe they're not going to be a retail partner for much longer?) and had none in Wtn, so I got one from PBTech. Couldn't have been easier!

Just waiting for the connection now, which should be taken care of sometime during the coming week.

andrewcnz

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Ultimate Geek

#109535 9-Feb-2008 19:39

The WAG54GP2 was on the page you click too. But dont i need a WAG54GP2v2 as the VFX website states. Is it the same product? The Manufacturers Code on the PB Tech site states its a SG model- whats that? Besides it was cheaper at acquire.

Dratsab

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#109537 9-Feb-2008 20:05

andrewcnz: The WAG54GP2 was on the page you click too. But dont i need a WAG54GP2v2 as the VFX website states. Is it the same product? The Manufacturers Code on the PB Tech site states its a SG model- whats that? Besides it was cheaper at acquire.

Couldn't give you a definitive answer on what the model SG actually means, but that's mine is and it came packaged up in a WorldxChange wrapper. The one thing I didn't do (which is unusual for me) was shop around much for the modem/router, so I've possibly paid a premium for my device - $259 all up.

I originally looked at DSE 'cause their advertised price was cheaper - but the lack of stock was problem...

I've now searched for the product with the v2 suffix, and tended to get very little back. Doing the same without v2 yields much better results. Happy hunting!

STI

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#109538 9-Feb-2008 20:25

Niel: If the box has a VFX sticker on it or is preconfigured for XNet, then it is a V2. The V1 never got a sticker on it and was never preconfigured. On the serial number label it should also say if it is V2.

DSE is useless even for buying the simplest of things.

You can search Pricespy (www.pricespy.co.nz) for the WAG54GP2 and you might find the preconfigured one for cheaper than the unconfigured one!

No, WxC does not sell hardware and thus the partnerships.

Can you configure a WAG54GP2 to XNet fusion like a V2 or lack of V2 mean it's older firmware/version? Couldn't find any WAG54GP2V2s on Pricespy.

Niel

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#109543 9-Feb-2008 21:02

I believe the V2 has replaced the V1 long ago, maybe almost 2 years? The risk is getting old stock, but by now should be unlikely. Linksys has a reputation for bringing out newer versions with completely different internals but still packaging it in the same box with the same model number.

I believe the V1 had some stability issues and might even have compatibility issues, but best to check with WxC as they will know (Maverick will probably be able to answer this one). But if it is sold as bundled/configured for VFX, then it is the right one and every time I was searching for pricing I found that the VFX preconfigured ones are cheaper than the unconfigured ones. Don't know why, but that is how it was 10 months ago when I was searching for one.

On Pricespy do not search for the V2, rather open each result and check what they say or phone the shop and ask for them to check for you. As said, Linksys often packed an item identical even though the internals might have gone through a complete redesign.

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STI

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#109547 9-Feb-2008 21:32

You are right. On pricespy there are several retailers who advertise WAG54GP2 as being compatible with Xnet Fusion, without the V2 suffix. Not particularly good on Linksys part, they should try differentiate older product with newer ones.

The cheapest price is from c1com, I have dealt with before so I will try calling them to confirm.

maverick

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WorldxChange

#109589 10-Feb-2008 07:52

Most of these now will all be V2, they probably are just not putting the v2 in the advertsing, generally tou will find the v2's will have our sticker, not always the case but the model number on the unit itself will have a V2.

if you do get however a new out of the box v1 from any retailer we can assit in getting it replaced with a v2.

Yes I am a employee of WxC (My Profile) ... but I do have my own opinions as well

https://www.facebook.com/wxccommunications

Niel

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#109605 10-Feb-2008 09:06

maverick: if you do get however a new out of the box v1 from any retailer we can assit in getting it replaced with a v2.

How about putting that on your web site? Perhaps in the FAQ? I think it was the WAG54G (not a VFX device) that came out in about 7 different versions all with the same model number yet very different hardware. Please that know Linksys will be worried about getting the right version but frustrated with not having the right into.

(Talking about your web site, you still can not get Fusion in the menu after you have gone to Tolls, small bug.)

You can never have enough Volvos!

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