Don't have a modem/ethernet master wall socket, will an engineer install one?

[#1]

We haven't even done a first decorating so redecorating isn't a problem lol.

The 2nd wire goes to another of the same type of box in the next room across where the wire then stops.

I'm not worried about the level or tearing things up that needs to be done for the installation, just so long as it can actually be done by an engineer at time of installation.

[#2]

This is the only symbol on it which I can only assume stands for telephone at a guess.

@adtankard1 AFAIK that's a (very) old Openreach logo. The fact that there's a 2nd socket wired in is a possible problem, since that socket is not a filtered one, so the extension socket is going to be hard wired..

I suspect you're going to need Openreach to come and at least replace with the latest master socket. Whether the wiring is ok is an unknown...

[#3]

Well i've bitten the bullet and requested an engineer for installation so I'll just have to see what they find I guess.

[#4]

@adtankard1 

Given that redecoration isn't a problem them you have options to consider before the engineer arrives.

Both WiFi coverage and future arrival of Full Fibre (assuming it comes) should be in your mind.

As already suggested, the box needs to come off and the corner floor board lifted before the install. If the incoming cable goes all the way upstairs then it should simply be a case of replacing the MS. The first question is where?

If there's power available downstairs then it could go there. If Full Fibre arrvies from OR it'll probably come in the same way. With the router attached you have WiFi coverage downstairs. Running an ethernet cable upstairs then gives you a good starting point there.

I mentioned earlier about changing the upstairs socket to an ethernet one. With decoration to be done, if may be possible to fit a flush mounted one  as "hacking" holes in the plasterboard can easily be fixed later. Putting a socket downstairs might also be useful. With the ethernet cable in place you can use either a WiFi Access Ppoint (WAP) or any other piece of equipment you may wish to connect.

If you put the MS upstairs, then you can work in reverse.  Put an ethernet cable in place and you can add a WAP downstairs.

Note that the upstairs socket could be moved closer to the corner if so desired. the outgoing wire and the socket in the other room can be removed.

Replace the box with modern ducting - the clip on type so you always have access. Ensure it's large enough for two cables (with FF you could have the ONT and router upstairs which is one cable and then bring a second cable downstairs).

You must know what you want before the engineer arrives so you're in a position to talk it through with them and hope they're happy.

It might also be a good time to think about general internet coverage in the property. Running ethernet cable is better done before decorating rather than afterwards.

Brian

[#5]

The socket looks like an early version of LJU2 - same size as UK single electrical socket, with the original privatisation-era BT logo. They came in master, PBX and secondary versions, but based on the description of the wiring around it, it's probably a master socket.

(Secondary sockets are for extensions, PBX you won't have as they were for extensions run off businesses internal phone systems, essentially).

You're certainly going to need the master socket replaced with the current NTE5C. Depending on how long the property has been without a landline, and the demand for lines in the area, you might also get unlucky and end up with Openreach coming back and saying there are no spare pairs available to give you service.

There's absolutely no point leaving the extension socket connected, as there will be no PSTN service on any new line installed. If you have signed up for phone service, it will instead be delivered over the broadband line - any phones must be plugged into the voice port on the back of the router, not into the phone line.

[#6]

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@andrum99 wrote:

. If you have signed up for phone service, it will instead be delivered over the broadband line - any phones must be plugged into the voice port on the back of the router, not into the phone line.

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To avoid this causing confusion, Plusnet DO NOT offer a phone service and the socket on the Plusnet Hub 2 is not capable of being used for VoIP (Digital Phone) services.

[#7]

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@andrum99 wrote:

The socket looks like an early version of LJU2 - same size as UK single electrical socket, with the original privatisation-era BT logo. They came in master, PBX and secondary versions, but based on the description of the wiring around it, it's probably a master socket.

(Secondary sockets are for extensions, PBX you won't have as they were for extensions run off businesses internal phone systems, essentially).

You're certainly going to need the master socket replaced with the current NTE5C. Depending on how long the property has been without a landline, and the demand for lines in the area, you might also get unlucky and end up with Openreach coming back and saying there are no spare pairs available to give you service.

There's absolutely no point leaving the extension socket connected, as there will be no PSTN service on any new line installed. If you have signed up for phone service, it will instead be delivered over the broadband line - any phones must be plugged into the voice port on the back of the router, not into the phone line.

Indeed, same as I have got - very early privatised BT.

I'm on ADSL (not FTTC) and have never needed a new NTE5 - just a filter for analogue phones.  Indeed without phone it should just spit out 'the internet' from both master and slave socket shouldn't it - and the router will pick up on either quite happily ?

My router is on a secondary extension, not the master socket

If the second socket is in a more sensible location it may just be worth keeping.

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