Need new modem, will this be suitable?

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jevvv

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Topic # 192058 25-Feb-2016 16:46

Just checked when my previous networking question was and it's now about 5 years ago and been working wonderfully except replacing the router last year.

I've ended up replacing the original TP-Link TL WR1043ND white box router with the newer TP-Link TL WR1043ND blue spaceship router about a year ago. We have Gargoyle installed on it so I can set up filters and quotas for our students.

Our modem lives two floors down and is half-bridged to the router. The current modem is the TP-Link TD 8840 and seems to be dying- it cuts out then sometimes kicks in again, but sometimes I need to restart it.

Additionally I've found out that we have VDSL available (well, our immediate neighbour has it) so I was thinking of getting the TP-Link TD-W9980 N600 which is ADSL2+/VDSL, which should mean we can upgrade to VDSL in the future. TP-Link-TD-W9980-N600

Is this correct? Would I be able to use the W9980 in half-bridge as replacement ADSL2+ modem? Do you use the same sort of setup with VDSL connecting to the router with Gargoyle on it?

HELP?

Ragnor?

Anyone else?

Thanks in advance!!!

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Hammered
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Reply # 1499265 25-Feb-2016 17:17

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Will your internet provider supply you with a modem when you upgrade to VDSL? Might be an option.

Keep calm, and carry on posting.

nakedmolerat

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Reply # 1499354 25-Feb-2016 19:14

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As above - if you're getting vdsl (new contract obviously) - you'll get a modem anyway unless you're with Bigpipe.

darylblake

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Reply # 1499459 25-Feb-2016 22:41

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you want a modem that can go into bridge mode.

I think the hg659s do this and some isps are sending them out.

I have a Dreytek DV130 in bridge mode and its a solid unit i pretty much never get it to drop out and my VDSL line is not super fast either (im on the border of being able to get it). You can pick them up for about $100~$130 i got mine off trademe for $100.

There is a Zyxel model out there aswell which is supposedly pretty good.

jevvv

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Reply # 1499769 26-Feb-2016 12:28

Ah the complications of life: I'd like to go with BigPipe. But that means switching to VoIP for home phones. Yet another thing to look into before I can make a decision.

I'm trying to avoid going to Spark, because Spark

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Ragnor

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Reply # 1502183 1-Mar-2016 15:43

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Yeah the Draytek Vigor 130 is a good VDSL2 modem to replace the TP Link TD 8840.

VDSL2 is actually easier to bridge than ADSL2+ because ISP's are using PPPoE authentication so you can use almost any VDSL modem it's just a matter of configuration. Full bridge PPPoE is fairly standard unlike half bridge PPPoA.

BigPipe has a guide for setting up the Draytek

http://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumId=158&topicId=191409

As far as I know there's still no all in one (modem + router + wifi) that works for VDSL2 with 3rd party firmware like Gargoyle so separate VDSL2 modem bridged to your Gargoyle device is the way to go.

Linuxluver

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Reply # 1502188 1-Mar-2016 15:46

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jevvv:

Ah the complications of life: I'd like to go with BigPipe. But that means switching to VoIP for home phones. Yet another thing to look into before I can make a decision.

I'm trying to avoid going to Spark, because Spark

I used to avoid Telecom / Spark until I finally worked out - in desperation - everyone else I had used was.....worse.

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I'm on a high fibre diet.

Ragnor

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Reply # 1502209 1-Mar-2016 15:52

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I used to avoid Telecom / Spark until I finally worked out - in desperation - everyone else I had used was.....worse.

No major problems on Spark in recent years, most of the issues were in the Telecom era... go large, initial implementation of their caching proxy etc.

I guess if you use xtra email that's probably a pain in the arse but friends don't let friends use isp email when there's gmail or outlook.com

jevvv

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Reply # 1502267 1-Mar-2016 17:05

Regarding ISP and VDSL: every conversation I've heard anyone have about getting a modem from shifting to an ISP has always said ISP supplied modems aren't worth the hassle ;) BUDGET BUDGET BUDGET ;)

At this stage we're still going to be on ADSL so being able to get a modem that can do either means I can make a better ISP decision rather than rushing. Which we all know doesn't give good results.

Thank you for all the advice so far.

Thank you also to Ragnor for adding very valuable recommendations - ALWAYS appreciated.

Will update when I've done the deed.

jevvv

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Reply # 1505928 4-Mar-2016 12:45

It arrived! The DrayTek Vigor130 VDSL2/ADSL2+ modem

So we are still going with ADSL at the moment... saves on regretting bad decisions later ;)

Which means I need to half-bridge to the router right?

The previous link (and the links from that) are all about setting up for VDSL.

Is there any Secret Squirrel stuff I need to know? Is this basically the same as when I set up the TP-Link originally? I think this was it

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DarkShadow

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Reply # 1505937 4-Mar-2016 13:04

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jevvv:

It arrived! The DrayTek Vigor130 VDSL2/ADSL2+ modem

So we are still going with ADSL at the moment... saves on regretting bad decisions later ;)

Which means I need to half-bridge to the router right?

You run PPPoA to PPPoE passthrough on the modem like so, then you run PPPoE on your router.

darylblake

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Reply # 1505939 4-Mar-2016 13:06

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Update the firmware before you start.

jevvv

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Reply # 1505944 4-Mar-2016 13:16

So after finally opening the box I find a NZ specific Quick Start guide, which has at the bottom of the 2nd page an "Advanced Users: PPPoA passthrough mode" section... is this what I'm looking for regarding using it with my TP-Link router which has Gargoyle on it?
Link for your perusal

As always- thanks team!

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Ragnor

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Reply # 1507410 7-Mar-2016 12:37

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Yep for ADSL2+ enable PPPoA passthrough on the Draytek, then change the WAN in Gargoyle to PPPoE (instead of DHCP/obtain automatically) and enter your isp login details there

The advanced section of the pdf is basically saying the same as the link DarkShadow posted

http://www.draytek.net.nz/draytek/support/passthrough/

jevvv

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Reply # 1507523 7-Mar-2016 15:22

Once again: thank you EVERYBODY!!!

The GeekZone advice comes through :)

I am using the DrayTek modem and the TP-Link with Gargoyle router, and posting this as confirmation! :)

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jevvv

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Reply # 1507525 7-Mar-2016 15:24

This gives me breathing space about shifting to VDSL and possibly VoIP - so glad I don't have to make that decision immediately

<- don't ask me where I am - I haven't a clue: its a tech thing ;)
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And don't take me too seriously.

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