Plusnets Fibre Router and Modem - opinions

[#1]

Well i've found out FTTC is coming to our area next year.  Just a question what are peoples opinion of the Netgear fibre wireless router and the modem supplied by Plusnet.

[#2]

Believe the modem is supplied by Openreach

[#3]

The modem is supplied by BT Openreach, not PlusNet, it is part of the BT Wholesale package for all ISPs using BTW FTTC.
The router is OK, not fantastic, there are many better wireless routers available (and many less good too), it's a fairly basic wireless N unit offering 'up to 150' wireless speeds but it operates a 'good neighbour policy' to reduce interference with other local networks which can reduce wireless speeds.
If you have equipment cpable of using 'N300' rather than 'N150' or dual band then you might get better performance from a 'better' router, just make sure you look for one with Ethernet WAN and PPPoE support.
There are a couple of (expensive) routers available that have VDSL2 modems built in, not sure how BT view these but they would theoretically replace both the modem and router with a single unit, at least these allow you to see the VDSL line stats without having to unlock the modem as the BT supplied unit is 'locked down' as supplied: http://forums.thinkbroadband.com/fibre/f/4040711-more-fttc-line-stats.html?vc=1

[#4]

My thoughts are that it would have been nice if the new router had arrived before or even on the same day that the installation was carried out 

[#5]

@Spile
Sorry about that, this isn't typical of our usual delivery lead times, there has been a stock issue at the warehouse which caused a few delays this week.

[#6]

There was a fair bit of talk about the BT OpenReach modems overheating (and failing).  Not sure if the current version has the same fault - the one I got ran quite warm, but I replaced it with a DrayTek 2750Vn modem/router combo after only a few days.  This was mainly because the supplied Netgear router didn't have the features I needed and for some reason neither did any standalone routers as far as I could find.
For anybody just using normal internet access, the provided router and modem should be sufficient.  If you want VOIP, multiple public IPs, IPv6, or advanced VPN configurations you'll need to look elsewhere.

[#7]

The router Plusnet sent me, September 2011,  was a ZyXel NBG4604:  http://www.zyxel.com/uk/en/products_services/nbg4604.shtml
It's fine for my use.

[#8]

I was sent a Netgear WNR1000 v3
Plus:: Lovely UI after the cruddy Thomson one.
Minus:: No external antennna and Wifi coverage defintely down on the Thomson.

[#9]

Any opinions regarding the WNR1000 v3 router? We've been running FTTC for a while now, and it's pretty good, but suspect wireless perfromance of Netgear isn't up to much? Suggestions for a good replacement welcomed. Thanks.

[#10]

Quote from: jasonhunt

Any opinions regarding the WNR1000 v3 router? We've been running FTTC for a while now, and it's pretty good, but suspect wireless perfromance of Netgear isn't up to much? Suggestions for a good replacement welcomed. Thanks.

Have had FTTC for 2 weeks now using WNR1000 v3 . Have not noticed any perceptible wireless performance difference from the 2Wire 2700HGV using previously. Our house does not have 2 foot thick stone interior walls though

[#11]

Plusnet supplied me with a Netgear WRN 1000  v3 which does have a wireless antenna and works fine in my house (modern with no thick walls).  It's wireless coverage is far better than the router I was given when I was with Sky.  Are there two versions, with and without antenna?

[#12]

Can anyone suggest a Ethernet WAN modem only. I want to present the public IP to a firewall. I have tried to configure PPPoE on the firewall but not had much luck.  The Router supplied by Plusnet unfortunately does not have this feature.

[#13]

Quote from: bobmaclean

Plusnet supplied me with a Netgear WRN 1000  v3 which does have a wireless antenna and works fine in my house (modern with no thick walls).  It's wireless coverage is far better than the router I was given when I was with Sky.  Are there two versions, with and without antenna?

Are you sure you do not mean the WRN1000v3?
If so it does not have an external antenna. See http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/netgear-wnr1000-wireless-router-03781591-pdt.html

[#14]

Quote from: roost78

Can anyone suggest a Ethernet WAN modem only. I want to present the public IP to a firewall. I have tried to configure PPPoE on the firewall but not had much luck.  The Router supplied by Plusnet unfortunately does not have this feature.

You need to clarify what you are trying to do as the Ethernet modem (VDSL) is supplied by BT and  PN supply the router. If you are using an additional hardware Firewall this should be connected to the BT modem and then you can connect to the firewall the PN supplied router turning off its firewall.

[#15]

Quote from: Spile

Quote from: bobmaclean Plusnet supplied me with a Netgear WRN 1000  v3 which does have a wireless antenna and works fine in my house (modern with no thick walls).  It's wireless coverage is far better than the router I was given when I was with Sky.  Are there two versions, with and without antenna? Are you sure you do not mean the WRN1000v3? If so it does not have an external antenna. See http://www.pcworld.co.uk/gbuk/netgear-wnr1000-wireless-router-03781591-pdt.html

Just to back up the original poster my WNR1000v3 also (supplied from plusnet) has an external antenna so it would appear there are different versions of the v3 if there are some without.
If anyone is interested I can dig it out and find any additional part/model numbers and maybe post a photo.