Fibre vs VDSL and modem choices

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Jurosem

2 posts

Wannabe Geek

#181151 4-Oct-2015 20:33

Hello,

I've just moved to a new apartment and I'm trying to decide which Internet service to sign up to. There are several available in the $70-85 range. The most appealing to my ignorant mind is this one: https://my.unlimitedinternet.co.nz/?cmd=cart&action=add&id=17
I put my address into the checker and it tells me that I can indeed get fibre.

So my question is firstly is it a good idea to go with fibre; I'm probably at this flat for a significant period, but that's not certain, and it's been suggested to me that if I move elsewhere I may well find fibre unavailable. I'm in Eden Terrace, and if I do move it would likely be to somewhere similarly central. I don't have any particular need for blistering speed, but I do watch movies and play games, and some level of future - proofing appeals. The issue is that fibre modems seem to cost a lot more.

So the overall question is which ISP and which deal should I go with? There were some that include modem rental but they seemed to be more expensive monthly, and there was a VDSL deal which came with a modem for $75. I'd prefer not to spend $250 on a fibre modem router, but if people think it's a good investment and will deliver better quality broadband for the monthly price then I'll go for it. (I'll be operating one PC and a couple of mobile devices).

Feel free to recommend where I should get the modem too; I've been looking at PBTech.

Finally, apologies if this question is asked/answered elsewhere. I thought it would be, but looked and failed to find it. (Doesn't help that I'm doing this on my phone since my PC has no connection.)

Thanks

PeterReader

6019 posts

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Geekzone

Lifetime subscriber

#1399811 4-Oct-2015 20:33

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.

Jase2985

13465 posts

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#1399825 4-Oct-2015 20:37

if you are in an apartment just because fibre is available at your address doesnt mean a lot, it could take up to a year to actually get it in your apartment if the building doesn't have it already

vdsl uses a modem, fibre used a router. most vdsl modems have a built in router that can be used for fibre, but not all do. a router can not be used on VDSL

DarkShadow

1647 posts

Uber Geek

#1399855 4-Oct-2015 21:07

Is the fibre ONT already installed in the apartment?

If so then definitely go for fibre.

If not then sign up for VDSL then ask your ISP to upgrade you to fibre. Be prepared to wait for a looong time for fibre. You wouldn't go amiss if you plan for it to take a year.

NetComm NF8AC will be fine for both VDSL and UFB. If that's too expensive a HG659 on Trademe will work fine too.

quickymart

13976 posts

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#1399867 4-Oct-2015 21:35

Jase2985: if you are in an apartment just because fibre is available at your address doesnt mean a lot, it could take up to a year to actually get it in your apartment if the building doesn't have it already

vdsl uses a modem, fibre used a router. most vdsl modems have a built in router that can be used for fibre, but not all do. a router can not be used on VDSL

Really? I've used the same Netcomm NF4V router on ADSL, VDSL and now fibre?

DarkShadow

1647 posts

Uber Geek

#1399870 4-Oct-2015 21:48

quickymart:
Jase2985: if you are in an apartment just because fibre is available at your address doesnt mean a lot, it could take up to a year to actually get it in your apartment if the building doesn't have it already

vdsl uses a modem, fibre used a router. most vdsl modems have a built in router that can be used for fibre, but not all do. a router can not be used on VDSL

Really? I've used the same Netcomm NF4V router on ADSL, VDSL and now fibre?

A NF4V isn't a "router", it's a "modem router". Hence it can do both DSL and fibre.

Jase2985

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#1399909 4-Oct-2015 23:00

quickymart:
Jase2985: if you are in an apartment just because fibre is available at your address doesnt mean a lot, it could take up to a year to actually get it in your apartment if the building doesn't have it already

vdsl uses a modem, fibre used a router. most vdsl modems have a built in router that can be used for fibre, but not all do. a router can not be used on VDSL

Really? I've used the same Netcomm NF4V router on ADSL, VDSL and now fibre?

the NF4V is the former, its a modem with a router in it. there are some, like some of the DSL range of the Asus CPE that are xdsl but dont have WAN ports or support VLAN, and there is some like the netcomm you mentioned that do and will support fibre on all providers. its a case of buyer beware at the moment.

find out what the appartment has currently, then go from there. if it doesnt have fibre, get vdsl installed THEN apply to get fibre. that way you have something in the meantime

pdath

252 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1399934 5-Oct-2015 07:52

If you can get fibre, always take it over a copper service. Fibre is so much more reliable. It doesn't suffer in the weather. It doesn't suffer cross-talk when more and mroe copper xDSL subscribers are signed up.

Just watch out signing up for a contract. No point signing up for a deal with a 2 year contract if you might have to shift in that time.

Try my latest project, a Cisco type 5 enable secret password cracker written in javascript!

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Jurosem

2 posts

Wannabe Geek

#1400364 5-Oct-2015 15:47

Thanks heaps for the helpful replies guys; I've learned that I know even less than I thought I did, and I'll have to do some proper research once I have home internet access again...

I'll go for the HG6578B or something similar. Any suggestions on who I should sign with? Slingshot Unlimited $79, Flip Naked Ultra VDSL $85, other? (Again, it's hard to do a thorough search without a home computer with internet)

NonprayingMantis

6434 posts

Uber Geek

#1400372 5-Oct-2015 16:01

Jurosem: Thanks heaps for the helpful replies guys; I've learned that I know even less than I thought I did, and I'll have to do some proper research once I have home internet access again...

I'll go for the HG6578B or something similar. Any suggestions on who I should sign with? Slingshot Unlimited $79, Flip Naked Ultra VDSL $85, other? (Again, it's hard to do a thorough search without a home computer with internet)

since you are (sensibly) buying your own modem, then there is no point going for an ISP that gives you a 'free' (not very good) one and forces you into a contract.

so for the best 'no contract' options:

If you want to include a landline, go with Flip
If you just want broadband with no landline, go with Bigpipe

Avoid Unlimitedinternet - they are super dodgy IMHO

kirinlager007

19 posts

Geek

#1400392 5-Oct-2015 16:19

Jurosem: Thanks heaps for the helpful replies guys; I've learned that I know even less than I thought I did, and I'll have to do some proper research once I have home internet access again...

I'll go for the HG6578B or something similar. Any suggestions on who I should sign with? Slingshot Unlimited $79, Flip Naked Ultra VDSL $85, other? (Again, it's hard to do a thorough search without a home computer with internet)

Hiya, I know how you feel as I was in the same position about almost 13months ago.

I also live in an apartment in Newmarket and when I applied for fibre internet through Vodafone $69/month 80GB - it took about 10months before I could start using fibre, that's because I had to wait for Chorus techies to:
- survey the apartment building to make sure it's capable of connecting and identify potential wiring issues
- talk to the building owner about how they want to set up the wiring to all apartments, and get consent of course
- lay the cabling outside and connect to the building
- get the cabling tech team to come and connect

Speeds are not that all what it seems to be because you have to understand that you are basically sharing one connection that goes out of your apartment block to connect to the internet. So if you are the only person doing so, good for you and you'll notice how fast it really is.. but if 20 other people in the apartment are surfing the web at the same time as you, then it's probably only slightly better than ADSL broadband depending if everyone is down/up-loading a tons of data.

I went with Vodafone because they provided the free modem as I can't be bothered dealing with hunting for a modem, I don't stream a whole bunch of vids/movies so this package suits me the best.

I personally don't see much difference with the providers out there as the product itself is very generic, if I were you I'd ask myself the following questions to decide on which provider:
- in the event of faults, can the provider give you clarity of what's happening?
- are their contact centre available to help you quickly, without having to keep you waiting forever queuing to speak to someone?
- can you call your provider almost 24/7?
- are there alternative ways to contact your provider regarding queries - such emails especially when something has gone wrong with your billing.
- do the providers have a throttling policy that can adversely affect you and the experience of the service?

Even if they cost a little more than competitor B, then it's probably worth forking out a little more to have a peace of mind knowing that you are going to be looked after and not get shoved around with hassles. Otherwise if everyone is on par, then save yourself some money and go for the cheaper dudes.