Using own ADSL modem/router to replace Orcon Genius black

Forums › 2degrees (including Slingshot, Orcon, Flip, Stuff Fibre, MyRepublic, 2talk and Vocus) › Using own ADSL modem/router to replace Orcon Genius black

pgs2050

281 posts

Ultimate Geek

#204780 17-Oct-2016 16:30

My ADSL line has not been syncing since Sunday morning (internet has been noticeably slow, voice calls very poor quality for previous two weeks). On Sunday, I called Orcon and ran through the testing for the second time in two weeks - modem given the OK, problem likely with the line so a Chorus tech inspection was arranged (originally scheduled for Tuesday the 18th but was actually done a day earlier).

Chorus tech comes straight to the house (since this was not his usual neighbourhood, he had no idea where the exchange was, apparently in earlier testing on his part he was able to hear some strange/unusual noises on the line which led him to suspect the modem), plugs in his test device which synced instantly. He was not able to connect to my computer but did call somebody to test the line and get a speed test done. Speed tested at about 5 Mb/s according to him and that's considered normal. So problem now diagnosed as faulty modem/router. Tech suggested I could use another modem even though not Genius or VOIP enabled.

I tried 3 different ADSL2 modems (telecom, dynalink beige and another newer model (netgear?) (dynalink and newer model were previously used on same account about 4 years ago at another address - pre-Genius account days). None of these sync.

Question - is the Genius Modem really the problem if the others don't sync? I know that I will need an account name and password but should any modem sync before trying to authorise the adsl account? Tried these with and without a new splitter (just because I found one in the box - normally don't need the splitter).

Will know a bit more when the replacement modem from Orcon shows up - hopefully in a few days at most. So far Orcon's response (answering the phone, arranging Chorus tech) has been a lot better than the internet connection.

Spyware

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#1652403 17-Oct-2016 16:35

5 Mbps isn't normal for any urban area.

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pgs2050

281 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1652405 17-Oct-2016 16:39

Spyware:

5 Mbps isn't normal for any urban area.

That's what I think too, but how do you convince the ISP or Chorus who think that you should be grateful for that in the first place since you chose to live so far from the exchange!

michaelmurfy

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#1652407 17-Oct-2016 16:42

pgs2050:
Spyware:
5 Mbps isn't normal for any urban area.
That's what I think too, but how do you convince the ISP or Chorus who think that you should be grateful for that in the first place since you chose to live so far from the exchange!

Sounds like to me you need to look at getting a master filter installed.

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pgs2050

281 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1652412 17-Oct-2016 17:03

michaelmurfy:

Sounds like to me you need to look at getting a master filter installed.

Is a master filter useful if I only use the Orcon Genius modem and have a VOIP number (my own simple phone that plugs into the modem, not the wall socket)?

If this is something to be done privately, who can I get to install it? Would you recommend someone here on Geekzone in the Auckland area - I have noted the services that CoffeeBaron offers but those always seemed to be overkill for my installation (until now possibly).

I have noted that PB Tech sell one for $20 but there's far too many wires for me to figure out - or am I looking at some completely different thing.

Sideface

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#1652417 17-Oct-2016 17:15

pgs2050:

michaelmurfy:

Sounds like to me you need to look at getting a master filter installed.

Is a master filter useful if I only use the Orcon Genius modem and have a VOIP number (my own simple phone that plugs into the modem, not the wall socket)?

If this is something to be done privately, who can I get to install it? Would you recommend someone here on Geekzone in the Auckland area - I have noted the services that CoffeeBaron offers but those always seemed to be overkill for my installation (until now possibly).

I have noted that PB Tech sell one for $20 but there's far too many wires for me to figure out - or am I looking at some completely different thing.

A master filter is never overkill - should be standard issue (it was once)

Sideface

darylblake

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#1652460 17-Oct-2016 18:53

if your not gonna get UFB for ages then yes get a master filter. Did the tech's modem sync? Strange that none of the others didn't.

RunningMan

8953 posts

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#1652463 17-Oct-2016 19:01

If the tech is getting sync at the ETP yet you can't get it inside with several different modems, then the issue must be your internal wiring. If you're not confident doing this yourself, you really need to get someone like @coffeebaron to sort it.

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pgs2050

281 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1652583 17-Oct-2016 23:10

The only thing the tech did was replace the Orcon Genius Black modem with his derelict looking device using his power cable and the same phone cable from my modem. His device synced immediately. He called someone to run a line test and said everything is OK with the line so the problem is the with the modem.

I tried the same (replacing Orcon modem) with 3 other modems. Also tested with a new line filter attachment. None of them synced.

I hope that it's due to the difference between Orcon Genius and a standard ADSL modem. Then I'll just need to sort out a master filter installation so that the Internet speed can be improved.

June 2019 is a long, long way off when looking from this end.

darylblake

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#1652626 18-Oct-2016 07:35

Are you sure that its sync we are talking about and not internet access itself?

When those tech plug in their modem's they generally just check to see that the DSL sync occurs. Rarely do they ever authenticate. The ISP need to sort this out. If your modem doesn't sync, then they generally need to send you another one, but it sounds like you have other replacements anyway. If the tech leaves the job and says its your modem, this needs to get communicated back to the ISP. If its not your modem then its the tech's job to fix it.

pgs2050

281 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1652692 18-Oct-2016 09:30

darylblake:

Are you sure that its sync we are talking about and not internet access itself?

When those tech plug in their modem's they generally just check to see that the DSL sync occurs. Rarely do they ever authenticate. The ISP need to sort this out. If your modem doesn't sync, then they generally need to send you another one, but it sounds like you have other replacements anyway. If the tech leaves the job and says its your modem, this needs to get communicated back to the ISP. If its not your modem then its the tech's job to fix it.

On the Genius modem, first the ADSL sync light turns blue and then the Internet light turns blue a minute or two later. I understood this to indicate that an ADSL connection is first established, then my internet account is authorised (using the account details stored in the modem). My problem is that the ADSL is not syncing so I don't think we're getting to the stage where my internet username/password is required for authentication.

The techs modem was able to sync on the first attempt. I think this means that the ADSL line starting with the cable from the modem all the way to the exchange and beyond is working. The tested speed was around 5Mb so perhaps it is not working as well as it should - I hope that an eventual master filter installation will improve this. I understand that the further away from the exchange, the lower the ADSL connection speed - that's why they say "up to 10 Mb/s".

The tech was not able to connect my PC to his modem because he did not have my account details - so a valid internet connection via my Orcon account was not tested. I am hoping that the replacement modem that should be on its way will be able to sort this issue out. So I've got to be patient until the replacement modem arrives.

The thing that causes a concern for me at this time in the process is that 3 other (non-Genius) modems have also failed to sync. My expectation is that any working modem should sync the ADSL line, and fail the account authentification (if my account details are not provided). Two of the 3 modems tested were modems that I used on the same Orcon account before I changed to the Orcon Genius plan.

xpd

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#1652719 18-Oct-2016 10:01

Spyware:

5 Mbps isn't normal for any urban area.

IIRC, anything above 3Mbps was considered broadband/"hi speed" by Telecom back in the day, if theyve changed that who knows... so Chorus saying 5Mbps is fine dosent surprise me.

Gavin / xpd / FastRaccoon / Geek of Coastguard New Zealand

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dt

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#1652732 18-Oct-2016 10:28

xpd:

Spyware:

5 Mbps isn't normal for any urban area.

IIRC, anything above 3Mbps was considered broadband/"hi speed" by Telecom back in the day, if theyve changed that who knows... so Chorus saying 5Mbps is fine dosent surprise me.

Cousin lives in Hillsborough opposite Hillsborough primary, annoys the hell out of him that the other side of the road has Fibre and he's stuck on his crummy ADSL connection connected at 5Mbps..

I've had 100mb fibre for the last 6 years and just recently upgraded to Gig.. using the internet at his house is a horrible experience! If we ever moved I think fibre would be a prerequisite of our new home, hah!

pgs2050

281 posts

Ultimate Geek

#1653331 19-Oct-2016 09:39

I received a text and email from Orcon stating that my replacement modem is on its way, and a tracking number was also provided.

Just after 6 last night, I noticed that the existing Orcon modem which was diagnosed as faulty/required replacement was synced and the internet was connected. A connection was established sometime between 5:20 and 6:10. Since the tech left on Monday, all cables and devices were left connected exactly as they had been connected in the past. So it appears that the modem may not be as faulty as diagnosed.

Speed of connection is still an issue. Speed test result at fast.com (1.2 Mbps) and speedtest.net (1.3 Mbps).

Hoping that the replacement modem will make a difference before the master filter installation.