VDSL router(s)

[keymaster]

Hi Key thanks for the quick reply I would have thought they would state modem on the product some where lol

At the moment it is literally plug and play to test if it worked or back to computer mania. I willful through all tomorrow and post here once done.

Ah ok, no problem, I'm having trouble changing to VDSL and getting constant disconnections...

 

[almesallaty]

Ah ok, no problem, I'm having trouble changing to VDSL and getting constant disconnections...

changing to vdsl need to be done by your adsl line manager

 

[Charly]

Hi it is essentially a Modem router.

Btw, could you mind showing me how you manage to setup your VDSL? What is your Traffic type and what Mode are you on at the moment? And lastly what speed are you getting on speedtest?

Regards
Key

Modems and routers are not the same thing but these days they're used interchangeably. If my understanding is correct: router directs traffic on the network that needs to go to the internet to the modem and then the modem converts the computer's signals so that they can be sent over the communication media that your internet connection uses.

 

[steel_dog]

Hi Key thanks for the quick reply I would have thought they would state modem on the product some where lol

At the moment it is literally plug and play to test if it worked or back to computer mania. I willful through all tomorrow and post here once done.

@Key & Mbadach: Please post your experience with the modem here. I have a 8800NXL and the new Telkom VEVG2660. I've noted some peculiar problems with both. Wondering whether you all have seen the same.

Billion B8800NXL:
- DHCP is hit or miss on my Dell laptops. Very odd. Not sure whether this is Dell specific or router.
- The Quick start option appears to cause TWO signals to be broadcast. As odd as this sounds I have
a config demonstrating the issue. My recommendation is don't use Quick start. Rather do a manual setup.
- The device has a huge (3second) upload buffer, which will kill the download stream when there's
an upload occurring. Turning on QOS is a must.
- Latency to the router gateway (i.e.: ping to 192.168.1.254) is erratic out the box. Bounced from 1ms to
mid-100ms. Updating the Dell drivers stabilized this.
- WiFi signal isn't as strong as the Netgear. Isn't that stable either.
- Pure WiFi throughput is around 80Mbps to 100Mbps. This is about 20Mbps lower than the netgear.
Tested with iPerf. Neat tool. Google and get it You need two computers. A server and client to
perform the test.

Netgear VEVG2660:
- Crippled Has a custom Telkom firmware.
- 5Ghz is disabled (or perhaps removed from Hardware - checking this with Netgear)
- 3G dongles massively restricted. I think it's only the Telkom stocked ones.
Two of my Huawei dongles don't work. They both work on the Billion.
- QOS is basic - not as sophisticated as the Billion.
Missing the streaming applications like Netflix, Amazon,etc. Not sure how to set this up.
- Pretty bare bones compared to the Billion.
- Takes a LONG time to apply settings. Reboot required for most. It's slow.
On the contrary the Billion is very quick.
- Latency to the router gateway (i.e.: ping to 192.168.1.254) is erratic out the box. Bounced from 1ms to
mid-100ms. Updating the Dell drivers stabilized this. Exactly the same as the Billion.
- Netgear's WiFi signal strength is superior. Both is distance (albeit 10% or so) and stability (big diffs here).
- Pure WiFi throughput is around 100Mbps to 120Mbps. This is about 20Mbps higher than the Billion.

In terms of ...
- Configuration and options - Billion wins
- 3G failover device options - Billion wins
- WiFi signal - Netgear wins
- WiFi throughput - Netgear wins
- Support - Billion wins hands down. The 0860 number emblazoned on the Netgear box, and router itself doesn't exist . Netgear doesn't really have detailed knowledge as the router comes directly via the Telecoms provider channel overseas.

So I'm torn. The Netgear is a superior device where it counts, however the firmware cripples it and being R300 more than the Billion it poses a difficult prospect. Not sure it's worth it at the moment. If it had the stock firmware I think it's an unbeatable device. Without stock - not so cool.

 

[keymaster]

@Key & Mbadach: Please post your experience with the modem here. I have a 8800NXL and the new Telkom VEVG2660. I've noted some peculiar problems with both. Wondering whether you all have seen the same.

Billion B8800NXL:
- DHCP is hit or miss on my Dell laptops. Very odd. Not sure whether this is Dell specific or router.
- The Quick start option appears to cause TWO signals to be broadcast. As odd as this sounds I have
a config demonstrating the issue. My recommendation is don't use Quick start. Rather do a manual setup.
- The device has a huge (3second) upload buffer, which will kill the download stream when there's
an upload occurring. Turning on QOS is a must.
- Latency to the router gateway (i.e.: ping to 192.168.1.254) is erratic out the box. Bounced from 1ms to
mid-100ms. Updating the Dell drivers stabilized this.
- WiFi signal isn't as strong as the Netgear. Isn't that stable either.
- Pure WiFi throughput is around 80Mbps to 100Mbps. This is about 20Mbps lower than the netgear.
Tested with iPerf. Neat tool. Google and get it You need two computers. A server and client to
perform the test.

Netgear VEVG2660:
- Crippled Has a custom Telkom firmware.
- 5Ghz is disabled (or perhaps removed from Hardware - checking this with Netgear)
- 3G dongles massively restricted. I think it's only the Telkom stocked ones.
Two of my Huawei dongles don't work. They both work on the Billion.
- QOS is basic - not as sophisticated as the Billion.
Missing the streaming applications like Netflix, Amazon,etc. Not sure how to set this up.
- Pretty bare bones compared to the Billion.
- Takes a LONG time to apply settings. Reboot required for most. It's slow.
On the contrary the Billion is very quick.
- Latency to the router gateway (i.e.: ping to 192.168.1.254) is erratic out the box. Bounced from 1ms to
mid-100ms. Updating the Dell drivers stabilized this. Exactly the same as the Billion.
- Netgear's WiFi signal strength is superior. Both is distance (albeit 10% or so) and stability (big diffs here).
- Pure WiFi throughput is around 100Mbps to 120Mbps. This is about 20Mbps higher than the Billion.

In terms of ...
- Configuration and options - Billion wins
- 3G failover device options - Billion wins
- WiFi signal - Netgear wins
- WiFi throughput - Netgear wins
- Support - Billion wins hands down. The 0860 number emblazoned on the Netgear box, and router itself doesn't exist . Netgear doesn't really have detailed knowledge as the router comes directly via the Telecoms provider channel overseas.

So I'm torn. The Netgear is a superior device where it counts, however the firmware cripples it and being R300 more than the Billion it poses a difficult prospect. Not sure it's worth it at the moment. If it had the stock firmware I think it's an unbeatable device. Without stock - not so cool.

Hi steel_dog

Your findings with the billion is too in depth, also I lack those knowledge so I can't really have a say.

But I can say is for the past few days, I've been trying to figure out how to connect to VDSL 20mps and not ADSL2+ 20mbps.
I contacted my ISP for testing, they say they could only see a sub-profile and I'm syncing at 20mbps on their side....but the thing is, for the past days of frustration, my line SNR fluctuates like crazy, whether its Quick Start setup or manual setups, my line sync speed changes almost every disconnect and reconnect. it jumps between 20mbps and 16mbps syncing speed.
Only once in a while I get to get a stable connection but...no longer than 4 hours and it will definitely disconnect.

Funny thing is, speed test show me the ADSL2+ 20mbps sync speed of 17mbps down and 0.8up. And when I used Telkoms ADSL Checker on their website, it shows I am still on the 10Mbps line??? like WTF is going on? I asked my ISP they can't see anything, only that I'm on the 20Mbps...and they can't even tell me whether I'm on VDSL profile for ADSL2+...

Because I tried setting up for VDSL mode with PTM interface...no connection, even putting 802.1P Priority: 0, and 802.1Q VLAN ID: 835...no luck at all.

So Monday afternoon, I went to Telkom and ask them what Line speed I'm on and the profile....and guess what, they say Telkom is still busy in the upgrading process, so currently I'm still on 10mbps. But why am I getting 20mbps speed at home? They are not quite sure...I guess this is the reason why my line is soooo unstable, disconnections every minute or two...sometimes within few seconds of each DC.

But this morning, after it disconnect and reconnect, I see that my router was able to pick up VDSL and PTM interface!

Mode VDSL2
Traffic Type PTM
Status Up
Link Power State L0
Downstream Upstream
Line Coding (Trellis) On On
SNR Margin (dB) 15.1 23.0
Attenuation (dB) 11.5 0.0
Output Power (dBm) 11.8 1.8
Attainable Rate (Kbps) 37356 17295
Rate (Kbps) 20476 2048

If you take a look at my stats....SNR seems stable...for now.
Attenuation Downstream seems good...but upstream is 0?
Also, Attainable rate...my up can get 17Mbps??!!!

So for now I'm not even sure if telkom has completed the upgrade or not, because it still shows I'm on 10Mbps with their ADSL Checker.

This is just my experience during for the router and VDSL....Just wish everything is stable now.

Regards
Key

 

[ajv]

@Key & Mbadach: Please post your experience with the modem here. I have a 8800NXL and the new Telkom VEVG2660. I've noted some peculiar problems with both. Wondering whether you all have seen the same.

Billion B8800NXL:
- DHCP is hit or miss on my Dell laptops. Very odd. Not sure whether this is Dell specific or router.
- The Quick start option appears to cause TWO signals to be broadcast. As odd as this sounds I have
a config demonstrating the issue. My recommendation is don't use Quick start. Rather do a manual setup.
- The device has a huge (3second) upload buffer, which will kill the download stream when there's
an upload occurring. Turning on QOS is a must.
- Latency to the router gateway (i.e.: ping to 192.168.1.254) is erratic out the box. Bounced from 1ms to
mid-100ms. Updating the Dell drivers stabilized this.
- WiFi signal isn't as strong as the Netgear. Isn't that stable either.
- Pure WiFi throughput is around 80Mbps to 100Mbps. This is about 20Mbps lower than the netgear.
Tested with iPerf. Neat tool. Google and get it You need two computers. A server and client to
perform the test.

Netgear VEVG2660:
- Crippled Has a custom Telkom firmware.
- 5Ghz is disabled (or perhaps removed from Hardware - checking this with Netgear)
- 3G dongles massively restricted. I think it's only the Telkom stocked ones.
Two of my Huawei dongles don't work. They both work on the Billion.
- QOS is basic - not as sophisticated as the Billion.
Missing the streaming applications like Netflix, Amazon,etc. Not sure how to set this up.
- Pretty bare bones compared to the Billion.
- Takes a LONG time to apply settings. Reboot required for most. It's slow.
On the contrary the Billion is very quick.
- Latency to the router gateway (i.e.: ping to 192.168.1.254) is erratic out the box. Bounced from 1ms to
mid-100ms. Updating the Dell drivers stabilized this. Exactly the same as the Billion.
- Netgear's WiFi signal strength is superior. Both is distance (albeit 10% or so) and stability (big diffs here).
- Pure WiFi throughput is around 100Mbps to 120Mbps. This is about 20Mbps higher than the Billion.

In terms of ...
- Configuration and options - Billion wins
- 3G failover device options - Billion wins
- WiFi signal - Netgear wins
- WiFi throughput - Netgear wins
- Support - Billion wins hands down. The 0860 number emblazoned on the Netgear box, and router itself doesn't exist . Netgear doesn't really have detailed knowledge as the router comes directly via the Telecoms provider channel overseas.

So I'm torn. The Netgear is a superior device where it counts, however the firmware cripples it and being R300 more than the Billion it poses a difficult prospect. Not sure it's worth it at the moment. If it had the stock firmware I think it's an unbeatable device. Without stock - not so cool.

Thanks for the detailed feedback !

 

[Luke7777]

Downstream Upstream
SNR Margin (dB) 15.1 23.0
Attenuation (dB) 11.5 0.0
Output Power (dBm) 11.8 1.8
Attainable Rate (Kbps) 37356 17295
Rate (Kbps) 20476 2048

If you take a look at my stats....SNR seems stable...for now.
Attenuation Downstream seems good...but upstream is 0?
Also, Attainable rate...my up can get 17Mbps??!!!

So for now I'm not even sure if telkom has completed the upgrade or not, because it still shows I'm on 10Mbps with their ADSL Checker.

This is just my experience during for the router and VDSL....Just wish everything is stable now.

Regards
Key

Mine on the same router. Attenuation is 0, up and down Do not be concerned with the ADSL checker. I was on 40mb VDSL and they were still showing me as 4mb
Downstream Upstream
Line Coding (Trellis) On On
SNR Margin (dB) 12.3 29.0
Attenuation (dB) 0.0 0.0
Output Power (dBm) 14.0 6.7
Attainable Rate (Kbps) 60052 14464
Rate (Kbps) 40956 3072

 

[keymaster]

Mine on the same router. Attenuation is 0, up and down Do not be concerned with the ADSL checker. I was on 40mb VDSL and they were still showing me as 4mb
Downstream Upstream
Line Coding (Trellis) On On
SNR Margin (dB) 12.3 29.0
Attenuation (dB) 0.0 0.0
Output Power (dBm) 14.0 6.7
Attainable Rate (Kbps) 60052 14464
Rate (Kbps) 40956 3072

Nice!
I contacted TelkomZA, he sorted my line out.
He changed my line to VDSL Modulation, and now I can finally run on PTM and VDSL settings this morning.
So far everything is quite stable on my side, no disconnection for the past 4 hours...and SNR downstream values aren't moving at all.

Regards,
Key

 

[Huuuezy]

the billion i picked up yesterday only lets me connect via ATM and not PTM, this means that i am on ADSL2+ and not VDSL right?

 

[steel_dog]

the billion i picked up yesterday only lets me connect via ATM and not PTM, this means that i am on ADSL2+ and not VDSL right?

Yup. If you look at the line stats [Status-->Statistics-->xDSL] mode is likely ADSL2+ and not VDSL.
That means that they haven't switched your line modulation to VDSL.
Call whomever is managing your line and ask.

For now your router should be showing PTM as 'Unconfigured'.
As soon as your line modulation changes, PTM will connect and ATM will show 'Unconfigured'.
Was confusing - eventually figured it out.

Rgds,
SD

 

[MagicDude4Eva]

I bought the ASUS DSL-N66U for R2600 (http://www.bidorbuy.co.za/item/185023974/ASUS_DSL_N66U_wireless_router_DSL_N66U.html). Configured it last night and am quite impressed with the number of options in the configuration. This replaced my Netgear DGND3700 (which is a solid ADSL modem-router btw) as I am moving to VDSL.

I really wanted Gigabit, but could care less about AC-wireless. I was pleasantly surprised by the option that it also has a 3G-USB-dongle failover (didn't see this anywhere else, other during the WAN configuration). Setup was initially a bit more painful, as the Asus has more options than the Netgear and I wanted to go through all the settings. The one thing I miss (or have not found) is email alerting, but I see the Asus as Syslog support, so I will just need to configure this.

Too early to say how solid the device is and if it can live up to the Netgear (which I never had to reboot).

 

[ripclaw]

Okay, I need some help (possibly for my sanity as well!) urgently please.

I've got the UK version of the Netgear D6400 VDSL modem/router. I'm struggling with getting it to work. The DSL LED on the front panel of the modem keeps on flashing on and off. If someone has a Netgear D6100, I'm almost sure that their settings would be the right ones.

In the Netgear Genie app, my settings are as follows:

Country = Other
ISP = Other
Transfer Mode = ATM
DSL Mode = Auto
WAN1 is enabled, i.e. the tickbox is checked
Multiplexing Method = LLC-Based
VPI=8
VCI=35
Use VLANID is checked
VLANID=835
Priority (802.1p) = 0
Does your Internet connection require a login = Yes
Encapsulation = PPPoA
Login = my ISP user name
Password = my ISP password
Connection Mode = Always On
Internet IP Address = Get dynamically from my ISP
Domain Name Server (DNS) Address = Get automatically from my ISP
NAT (Network Address Translation = Enable
Router MAC Address = Use Default Address

 

[MrDraytek]

Encapsulation = PPPoA

While this isn't one of our routers, so I can't comment on the flashing light (which usually indicates a loss of DSL sync with Telkom), I recommend changing the above to PPPoE encapsulation as a start

 

[ripclaw]

While this isn't one of our routers, so I can't comment on the flashing light (which usually indicates a loss of DSL sync with Telkom), I recommend changing the above to PPPoE encapsulation as a start

Thanks, but still no joy.

 

[gcb]

Transfer Mode = ATM

ATM is ADSL, use PTM for VDSL and PPPoE as MrDraytek mentioned.

 

[ripclaw]

Thanks again, @MrDraytek and @gcb. Afrihost (who are responsible for my line) did some investigation and logged a no-service fault with Telkom as my line wasn't syncing.

Now I'll just have to wait.

 

[steel_dog]

@ripclaw.
How much did the D6400 cost you?
I'm swapping out my Billion for that.
Rgds,
SD

 

[ripclaw]

@ripclaw.
How much did the D6400 cost you?
I'm swapping out my Billion for that.
Rgds,
SD

It cost me 150 GBP, from Amazon UK, excluding shipping. Had it shipped to a mate of mine who forwarded it on to me.

 

[ripclaw]

So, my line has managed to synch with my Netgear D6400, i.e. the DSL LED stops flashing and is now a solid green.

However, now I can't connect to the Internet (the Internet LED is solid amber instead of solid green). I've checked my ISP login details and they're correct.

Since I flashed the latest firmware last night, I'm now considering resetting the D6400 to its default settings and using the Netgear Genie wizard to help set up my Internet connection.

 

[steel_dog]

It cost me 150 GBP, from Amazon UK, excluding shipping. Had it shipped to a mate of mine who forwarded it on to me.

Cool. Thanks for that. Quite steep tho . Guess I'm gonna have to dig deep. SA price is going to be scary.