Moving to UFB With Apple Eco-system

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Tinshed

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#213994 22-Apr-2017 20:26

I am considering moving from Vodafone cable to [Spark] UFB. As someone who is heavily invested in Apple's eco-system, including an Airport Extreme router and one Airport Express, I want to make sure that any transition is as seamless as possible. However I recall reading on Geekzone somewhere that there were limitations/issues in such configurations. My search-fu has let me down and I can't find any such a reference. Can someone point me to discussions on issues moving to UFB with an Apple router and Airport express.

Tinshed
Wellington, New Zealand

Behodar

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#1769035 22-Apr-2017 20:29

Spark requires VLAN tagging, which is not available on the AirPort. You'll need to use Spark's router (or another third-party one) and disable the AirPort's routing functions.

sbiddle

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#1769036 22-Apr-2017 20:33

As Apple don't support VLAN tagging and won't ever since they've dumped routers you either need to move to a provider that doesn't require VLAN tagging or buy hardware such a Mikrotik or managed switch to do that tagging for you. Spark require VLAN tagging.

If you require a landline you'll have to find a provider that delivers voice via the ONT.

If you don't want to do either you could use your Apple hardware solely as an AP with DHCP disabled.

Tinshed

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#1769037 22-Apr-2017 20:35

Behodar:

Spark requires VLAN tagging, which is not available on the AirPort. You'll need to use Spark's router (or another third-party one) and disable the AirPort's routing functions.

Ah yes, that rings a bell. Bit of a deal breaker for me to be honest. Is it any different with other UFB providers?

Tinshed
Wellington, New Zealand

Behodar

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#1769039 22-Apr-2017 20:36

I'll just plug my own thread. You can see there which ISPs require VLAN tagging.

Tinshed

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#1769040 22-Apr-2017 20:42

Thanks Behodar and sbiddle. I will look at your suggestions more closely. The cost of change, eh?

Tinshed
Wellington, New Zealand

michaelmurfy

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#1769046 22-Apr-2017 20:52

Tinshed:

Behodar:

Spark requires VLAN tagging, which is not available on the AirPort. You'll need to use Spark's router (or another third-party one) and disable the AirPort's routing functions.

Ah yes, that rings a bell. Bit of a deal breaker for me to be honest. Is it any different with other UFB providers?

The Airport Extreme will give you a poor experience on anything over 200Mbit UFB - it won't work for Gigabit and I've seen it struggle even on 200Mbit with multiple connections. I strongly recommend just using Sparks provided router and putting your Airport into AP only mode (as in - turn off DHCP and any routing and use it only as an AP).

Michael Murphy | https://murfy.nz
Referral Links: Quic Broadband (use R122101E7CV7Q for free setup)

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