Technicolor 582n

[#1]

I've just signed up for Fibre, and in a foolish hurry paid postage for a the above mentioned "router".
Reading reviews, it appears to be a poor device, with poor wifi range and very poor speed, and the web ui being rather restrictive.
Is there a full online manual of this device I can skim through to see if it's up to scratch? Is there anywhere that specifies full specs (i.e. I read that the wired ethernet ports are only 10/100)
If it isn't suitable for my needs (which again, I am assuming not), what do I need to look out for to buy a replacement? Are any users using a third party device that does the following at minimum:
DHCP Server, with assignment of static IP addresses
QOS
Port forwarding that will allow a web server to be hosted (I occasionally develop web sites and use it as a test bed)
True VPN

Also, I previously paid for a static IP address. Will this change? Will I still have a static IP?

[#2]

Your static IP should remain as it currently is.
You can find the info about the 582n here: http://community.plus.net/library/hardware/tg582n-information-and-specifications/
The fibre specs are partway down the page.

[#3]

Oh great. Looks like I've wasted money on getting this shipped to me. To start with, a 10/100 net port in 2013? I will not mention the endless bad reviews out there and no real documentation to be found.
Looks like another job for wiii-cycle man.
So. Can I use my existing adsl modem instead of this? Obviously I would connect the openreach box to an ethernet port and... well, I don't know.
What do I need to look for to get a proper specced router that'll work with the openreach box, rather than the micky mouse wind up toy I've ended up with. Would a standard cable router work?

[#4]

The Thompson router can't be opted out of in the FTTC purchase journey, so not a mistake on your part. You don't have to use it, though.
Plenty of threads on the forums about alternative routers - use the Search Force, Luke...

[#5]

Quote from: Chinners

So. Can I use my existing adsl modem instead of this? Obviously I would connect the openreach box to an ethernet port and... well, I don't know.

Unless it has a specific WAN port that can establish a PPPoE session using your PN credentials - no.
Cable routers may be OK.

[#6]

Quote from: Jaggies

Plenty of threads on the forums about alternative routers - use the Search Force, Luke...

I've just started on this journey... and have only found page after page of bad news. On other non-related forums, I have only heard 1 good comment - "it works, but I don't do anything other than surf the web".
Now I have half an idea what I have to look for, and now the initial feeling of "being fooled" has passed, I will commence my search.

Quote from: jelv

Unless it has a specific WAN port that can establish a PPPoE session using your PN credentials - no. Cable routers may be OK.

Bum. Looks like my current gadget is destined for e-bay then. I can put the pennies earned towards a proper better real router, one that does not involve yoghurt pots and string.

[#7]

Quote

So. Can I use my existing adsl modem instead of this? Obviously I would connect the openreach box to an ethernet port and... well, I don't know.

What make/model is your existing router ?

Quote

True VPN

Do you mean VPN endpoint support or just VPN passthrough ?

[#8]

Quote from: Chinners

Looks like my current gadget is destined for e-bay then.

Don't! Having a spare router provided by your ISP is a good idea in the event of you having a fault as it can be used to eliminate the router from an investigation.

[#9]

Quote from: MisterW

Quote So. Can I use my existing adsl modem instead of this? Obviously I would connect the openreach box to an ethernet port and... well, I don't know. What make/model is your existing router ? Quote True VPN Do you mean VPN endpoint support or just VPN passthrough ?

Currently using a cheapish Netgear thingy - Model number escapes me (I'm at work at the mo) It is VPN Passthrough that is essential.

Quote from: jelv

Quote from: Chinners Looks like my current gadget is destined for e-bay then. Don't! Having a spare router provided by your ISP is a good idea in the event of you having a fault as it can be used to eliminate the router from an investigation.

No, I wouldn't dream of selling the one supplied by plusnet. As you say, it'll be useful as a backup, or keeping the room warm. I meant flogging off my Netgear.

[#10]

Quote

Currently using a cheapish Netgear thingy - Model number escapes me (I'm at work at the mo) It is VPN Passthrough that is essential.

Almost certainly a DG834 of some variant I would guess, in which case definitely doesn't have a WAN port. All routers should be capable of VPN passthrough.

[#11]

This thread interests me as i have an alternative router provided by Sky:
i would like to change out my Thomson TG582n with Sky's SR101-z ?
I tried setting it up, but while it sees all Local Connections, it doesn't register internet connectivity. Obviously something more i've got to do in the settings.
Don't want to hi-jack your thread with set-up details, but would like to know is this worth pursuing and do-able?
Many thanks

[#12]

Quote

Sky's SR101-z ?

Most SKy routers are 'locked' to Sky I'm afraid

[#13]

Quote from: WonderWabbit

This thread interests me as i have an alternative router provided by Sky: i would like to change out my Thomson TG582n with Sky's SR101-z ? I tried setting it up, but while it sees all Local Connections, it doesn't register internet connectivity. Obviously something more i've got to do in the settings. Don't want to hi-jack your thread with set-up details, but would like to know is this worth pursuing and do-able? Many thanks

Feel free to use the thread.
I think we are both in the position where we don't want to use the plusnet "approved" jokebox, and I am sure I may need help configuring my replacement anyway.
To me, it seems odd that for plusnet's flagship product, they give you this pooter.
It's like buying a BMW M-class, but having to sit on a bar-stool to drive it.

[#14]

Quote from: MisterW

Quote Currently using a cheapish Netgear thingy - Model number escapes me (I'm at work at the mo) It is VPN Passthrough that is essential. Almost certainly a DG834 of some variant I would guess, in which case definitely doesn't have a WAN port. All routers should be capable of VPN passthrough.

Its an old, dusty but capable DGN2200...

[#15]

As far as I can see, the DGN2200 doesn't have an Ethernet WAN capability either I'm afraid.