Hi Ozb,
I'm about to move to a new apartment, it has an FTTB infrastructure and I'm trying to setup a smart home network via a Google Mesh system.
I'll likely choose a 100/40 plan, as we are also a heavy user household.
Based in my research I've heard that the Modem provided by ISPs generally suck. Ozb techies got any recommendations?
I've been looking at some newer models with docsis 3.0 technology, but not sure if this is necessary if FTTB may have alrdy give some bottle necks.
FTTB = VDSL2 modem.
Nah cable modems are only used on HFC and NBN give you one during installation.
VDSL2 modems from your ISP are perfectly good to use on FTTB since Google wifi is doing all the heavy lifting.
If you can bridge the modem (preferably) to avoid double NAT
I just used the standard modem from belong and bridged it to a unifi dream machine
If your supplied modem can't be bridged:
https://www.officeworks.com.au/shop/officeworks/p/tp-link-30…
What I dislike about the TP-Link TDW9970 VDSL2 modem is the 100Mbps WAN port and you can lose around 10-14Mbps download because of it. To get the max download out of FTTB you want a Gigabit WAN port on the VDSL2 modem.
The UDM on the other hand 👌
Oh wow, I didn't even realise. I just think that everything is gigabit now.
Most new VDSL2 modems are Gigabit. There is still the odd new VDSL2 modem that is 100Mbps.
My “best” solution:
- Use the Draytek Vigor130 as your modem, rock solid device.
- Ubiquit EdgeRouter-X as your router.
- Any TP-link unmanaged switch to suit your size/needs (5, 8 or 16 port; with or without PoE)
FTTP, FTTC, HFC, FW, Skymuster — nbn supplies you with a "modem" which belongs to nbn, you supply a router.
FTTB, FTTN — you supply a VDSL2 modem, which is usually in the form of a combo modem/wireless/router device.
You will be wasting your money buying a DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem. It cannot be used for your FTTB nbn connection. And nbn HFC has moved on to DOCSIS 3.1.
Hey guys, quick question on NBN HFC. If my suburb has existing cable network (eg foxtel) and I want to connect to NBN, do I need the NBN technician to come and install anything? Or can I just buy a NBN connection box like the one here -> https://www.commander.com.au/sites/default/files/2018-12/nbn… and use a coaxial cable to connect to the existing cable network?
Sign up with a retail service provider (RSP). The RSP will enquire on your behalf about the need for an installation visit by an nbn tech and make the appointment for you.
The link that you quoted is incomplete, we can't see what you are referring to. Here is nbn's customer info on HFC.
The black nbn connection box that you see on the above page belongs to nbn and is not supposed to leave the house. You most likely will not need a visit if the nbn connection box is present and connected. You can then follow the video and simply connect your router to the connection box.
If the RSP says no visit is necessary but you cannot find the nbn connection box (the previous tenant took it away), then you must tell your RSP so that nbn can send you a replacement. You do not buy your own HFC connection box and substitute it for nbn's. I think it might even be illegal under ACMA rules to replace nbn's box with your own.
The Foxtel cable network does not connect to nbn's HFC network. The purpose of the nbn installation visit is for the tech to manually switch (or duplex) the coax cable that goes into your house from Foxtel to nbn.
Thanks for the information. What if I want to use another coaxial wall socket (without having to rerun lan cable) to connect to the same nbn subscription? Would I be able to buy another nbn connection box as a modem ?
@bestbarginever: You won't like the answer: you need to contact your RSP and tell them you wish to use another coax wall socket, and your RSP will book an nbn tech and charge you accordingly. Or you must employ a registered cabler to do it. https://www.nbnco.com.au/develop-or-plan-with-the-nbn/indust…
There will only ever be 1 coax socket connected to nbn per HFC connection. Any extra ones that may be in the house are not connected to nbn unless you purchase two or more services (installation and equipment for additional services will be charged at full commercial rate). You are not allowed to disconnect the nbn coax cable from the socket, or move it, or connect your own equipment to it. Even undoing the screws on a wall plate to take a peek at the cable is illegal.
A registered cabler will have standing authorisation to work between the network boundary and the work boundary. (Page 71) This allows a registered cabler to relocate HFC cable and socket on your behalf. (Page 69)
I cannot emphasise enough that you are not allowed to alter cabling on nbn's side of the network. You are liable to compensate nbn for damages to its equipment due to unauthorised alternations. Everything upstream of the data port on the nbn HFC NTD ("modem") belongs to nbn. The only thing you are authorised to do is to connect nbn's NTD (not your own NTD) to the wall socket using an approved fly lead.
This Guideline deals with the need to undertake cabling work on the customer side of the Network Boundary in premises serviced by the nbn™. The following Table provides the details of where the Network Boundary is located for each of the access technologies used by nbn™:
| Access technology | Network Boundary |
|---|---|
| FTTP | The data (UNI-D) and telephone (UNI-V) port on the Fibre NTD |
| FTTN | Customer side of MDF or Copper NTD or First TO (UNI-DSL) |
| FTTB | Customer side of the MDF (UNI-DSL) |
| FTTC | Customer side MDF or Copper NTD or First TO (UNI-DSL) |
| HFC | The data (UNI-D) port on the HFC NTD |
Cabling can only be performed on the customer side of the Fibre, HFC and Copper NTD, MDF and/or First TO, unless otherwise authorised by an ‘Authority to Alter’ issued by the relevant Carrier(s).
Unless otherwise authorised — meaning ask nbn first.
@bestbarginever: Nah you get 1 free HFC connection box installed by NBN. Don't purchase another 2nd hand HFC connection box from anywhere online as it won't connect to the NBN.
Install 1 or more wireless access points or mesh system if all your after is better wifi.
If you have FTTB I don't think you need a modem. Just a router. If your ISP uses VLAN tagging (TPG group for instance) you will need a router that supports it. The TP Link Mesh systems support VLAN tagging. Amazon Eero doesn't.