topic Re: Replacement VDSL modem in My Router

Replacement VDSL modem

keeka — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 16:50:20 GMT

What is the situation if you need a new FTTC/VDSL modem? I am on FTTC and have the Eci B-focus modem which is now over 10 years old. If this fails, do Openreach or Plusnet provide a new one?

AIUI I could also use the even older Huawei HG612. Both seem hard to come by now. I would prefer not to have to run some VDSL modem/router combo in bridge mode. What other compatible modems are out there?

Thanks.

Re: Replacement VDSL modem

bmc — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 16:59:31 GMT

@keeka

If you phone the PlusNet Customer Options Team on 0800 013 2632 you may well get a Hub2 for p&p.

If you want something with more features then you can but your own. Have a look for a FritzBox 7530 on CEX. A highly recommended router. I got one for £35 though you could go for the pricier AX version which has better WiFi.

Brian

Re: Replacement VDSL modem

keeka — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 18:28:49 GMT

@bmc Thanks for the suggestions. I'd prefer a modem only device but it looks increasingly likely that the only option is ebay. The openreach ECI modem has been extremely reliable. I want a device or a plan in place for if/when it fails. I will have to check out the options on hub2 for bridge mode. I don't want to introduce another router/network for my existing setup to traverse and I want to keep that side of things as they are.

Re: Replacement VDSL modem

MisterW — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 18:50:24 GMT

The Hub 2 does have a bridge mode option

Re: Replacement VDSL modem

dvorak — Fri, 04 Jul 2025 19:23:39 GMT

Moderators Note

This topic has been moved from Full Fibre to My Router

Re: Replacement VDSL modem

markhawkin — Sat, 05 Jul 2025 19:45:17 GMT

@keeka

With luck Openreach will have got to you in the full fibre roll out before the modem dies.

If they don’t and you don’t fancy the Plusnet Hub 2 in bridge mode, Draytek make a device for this application, the Vigor 167.

https://www.broadbandbuyer.com/products/45898-draytek-v167-k/

Re: Replacement VDSL modem

RealAleMadrid — Sat, 05 Jul 2025 20:08:32 GMT

@markhawkin I wouldn't touch the Draytek Vigor 167, never been keen on the Draytek stuff, the stats are all muddled up with near end and far end nonsense and they don't perform that well.

@keeka You can't go wrong with the Huawei HG612 3B, I know they are old but I have had no problems using one for 10 years or more on ADSL and VDSL2 with unlocked firmware, giving you full stats and config options.

Re: Replacement VDSL modem

keeka — Sun, 06 Jul 2025 17:04:55 GMT

Thanks all for the recommendations. I had a vigor 120 towards the end of my time on ADSL. It failed within days though I was sent a replacement. I will look for a secondhand Huawei or another ECI on ebay I think. If they prove overpriced (which they seem to be at the moment), I will get a hub2.

I can get full fibre now but I'm sticking with FTTC for the time being.

Cheers.

Re: Replacement VDSL modem

bmc — Sun, 06 Jul 2025 17:49:54 GMT

@keeka

Depending on what you're using now, you may not need a modem with Full Fibre. If your equipment can handle a PPPoE connection then it can be plugged directly into the ONT.

Brian

Re: Replacement VDSL modem

RealAleMadrid — Sun, 06 Jul 2025 18:05:40 GMT

@bmc Nobody needs a modem with Full Fibre. A WAN connection from the router to the ONT does the job.

Re: Replacement VDSL modem

keeka — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 08:44:30 GMT

I do need a modem. When I switch to FTTP, I will connect my existing router directly to the ONT, but that won't be for some time. I am happy with FTTC for time being. I also need to decide on a cabling solution before I get fibre to the house. I may be moving all my gear in to what is currently the small bedroom.