Is Vodafone's Huawei HG659b same as Spark's?

Forums › LAN (ethernet/Wifi/routers/Bluetooth) › Is Vodafone's Huawei HG659b same as Spark's?

Batman

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Topic # 160203 28-Dec-2014 09:57

I'm on spark VDSL - if i buy a Vodafone's router of the same model will it work on my Spark without much hassle? Don't want to spend hours getting it to work properly.

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johnr

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Reply # 1204796 28-Dec-2014 10:23

Why?

Andib

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Reply # 1204799 28-Dec-2014 10:29

Vodafone supply the 659A Telecom 659b.

Basicly the same and Yes a Vodafone one should work on your spark connection without too much configuring

gregmcc

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Reply # 1204830 28-Dec-2014 11:41

Why don't you go and buy something else such as a netcomm nf4v,

when I switched to VDSL I decided I didn't want VF's hobble version of the firmware so the HG659 was a no go

The NF4V works very well, I can't remember the last time it had to be restarted, it seems to be very reliable

Zippity

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Reply # 1204835 28-Dec-2014 12:08

I have had my VF supplied router up and running since March.

No issues to date

Rebooted it once after a major power cut in our area.

Batman

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Reply # 1204925 28-Dec-2014 14:16

johnr: Why?

cheaper off trademe?

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Batman

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Reply # 1204927 28-Dec-2014 14:17

can someone suggest one under $100?

requirements are
- VDSL modem
- gigabit LAN
- gigabit AC wifi

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nigelj

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Reply # 1204934 28-Dec-2014 14:29

joker97: can someone suggest one under $100?
(snip)
- gigabit AC wifi

I think those two are still mutually exclusive at the moment, especially since 802.11ac Routers are starting at the 150-200 buck point last I checked. The ISP provided ones are kind of a bargain when you think about it in a way.

Batman

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Reply # 1204953 28-Dec-2014 14:58

ok. *goes back to trademe ...

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eXDee

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Reply # 1205159 28-Dec-2014 21:38

Personally i wouldnt touch this device with a 10 foot pole and instead get something better. Too many complaints about it.

Batman

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Reply # 1205169 28-Dec-2014 22:11

Any links? Complaints about performance in a controlled test or about lack of features or random rants on the interweb

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Zippity

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Reply # 1205184 28-Dec-2014 23:03

eXDee: Too many complaints about it.

Oh Really??

Justifiable complaints or just pissed off users who abuse the system?

eXDee

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Reply # 1205831 30-Dec-2014 00:03

I personally know of two IRL which have unreliable wifi (despite being wireless AC capable), one of which seemed to be particularly bad with DHCP when you have more than 10 devices. And ive seen a few complaints on twitter or from geekzone users.
Such as this 6 page one from GZ user XPD on the vodafone forums, where a number of other users chime in and replacement units exhibit the same issue. I spotted at least two other threads on that first page alone.

No its not scientific, but there are enough complaints that I would not spend money on it, and if i got one free i'd probably sell it to some poor sod on trademe for cheap. I like having things quality and reliable, and this doesn't fit into that category. Just one (or a few?) persons opinion.

ashtonaut

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Reply # 1205869 30-Dec-2014 08:29

Apart from lack of VOIP over WAN, my Spark HG659b has been good.

There seems to be some confusion about model numbers, the HG659b is only sold by Spark. I haven't seen any of these on Trademe. The HG659 has been sold by both Spark and VF.

Batman

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Reply # 1205910 30-Dec-2014 09:41

eXDee: I personally know of two IRL which have unreliable wifi (despite being wireless AC capable), one of which seemed to be particularly bad with DHCP when you have more than 10 devices. And ive seen a few complaints on twitter or from geekzone users.
Such as this 6 page one from GZ user XPD on the vodafone forums, where a number of other users chime in and replacement units exhibit the same issue. I spotted at least two other threads on that first page alone.

No its not scientific, but there are enough complaints that I would not spend money on it, and if i got one free i'd probably sell it to some poor sod on trademe for cheap. I like having things quality and reliable, and this doesn't fit into that category. Just one (or a few?) persons opinion.

I see. Thanks for the links.

I will lower my price and see if I get one to try. I'm used to unreliable internet. It's not like I have UFB 200/200. Only VDSL at the last house on the copper (ie one of the slowest). Of those spur of the moment complaints IME there is usually another explanation. There will be dud routers as Huawei is not a Merc S class of routers, hopefully I will avoid those.

Swype on iOS is detrimental to accurate typing. Apologies in advance.