Looking to Upgrade to full fibre- Worried about digging

[#1]

The civils team have now done the work and left the cable coming up outside the garage. That was done a week or so ago. My install is listed for 30th May. I had assumed this would now be brought forward as the outside work has been done (though there is no ONT as expected). Are PlusNet likely to bring the second stage forward. Surprised to have to wait another month but no real issues as my old BB is OK.

[#2]

Re the last post, I meant there is no CSP not ONT. I thought this would have been done at phase 1.

[#3]

No, leaving the 'external' grade fibre sticking out of the ground is correct.

Only the final stage (or 1-stage for those only 1-stage) 'internal work' folks have the splicer kit and the CSP hardware.

I would suggest ensuring that the date is now a confirmed OR appointment via PlusNet - where you are is where I was stuck at for months.

My issue was OR not recognising that the dig had been completed, so would not book the installer.  PN were powerless to unblock this as the OR 'work schedule' kept saying 'NO - Still work to do' - when there wasn't.  It just had not been ticked off correctly.

[#4]

"No, leaving the 'external' grade fibre sticking out of the ground is correct.

Only the final stage (or 1-stage for those only 1-stage) 'internal work' folks have the splicer kit and the CSP hardware."

Unless I am misunderstanding something, that was not my experience. The first people who came put the CSP on the outside wall and, using flexible plastic ducting, connected it by fibre through the ground a very short distance to the BT duct/chamber.

On a later occasion another person ran fibre from the CSP into the property to the ONT on an inside wall. (I then, much later, needed a third visit to actually commission it! But that's another story)

[#5]

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@pvmb wrote:

"No, leaving the 'external' grade fibre sticking out of the ground is correct.

Only the final stage (or 1-stage for those only 1-stage) 'internal work' folks have the splicer kit and the CSP hardware."

Unless I am misunderstanding something, that was not my experience. The first people who came put the CSP on the outside wall and, using flexible plastic ducting, connected it by fibre through the ground a very short distance to the BT duct/chamber.

On a later occasion another person ran fibre from the CSP into the property to the ONT on an inside wall. (I then, much later, needed a third visit to actually commission it! But that's another story)

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Always good o hear how others were connected.   I refer to the results of having a 'diggers' visit - the OP and both local properties (mine +1) that had a 'dig first' were left as described.

Yours did not need a dig - but then why make it two visits ?

Were you '1-stage' or 'KCI2' ?

[#6]

@Grother  The delay to your installation seems excessive, have a look at my msg #6 in this thread, contacting the Openreach CEO worked for me.

https://community.plus.net/t5/Plusnet-Feedback/Think-about-going-with-an-upgrade/m-p/2044195#M90489 

[#7]

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@mwwagain wrote:

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Always good o hear how others were connected.   I refer to the results of having a 'diggers' visit - the OP and both local properties (mine +1) that had a 'dig first' were left as described.

Yours did not need a dig - but then why make it two visits ?

Were you '1-stage' or 'KCI2' ?

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KCI2 - probably because I had texted a reply to the original Openreach text message indicating "Possible issues" - related to my original thinking of how it might be installed. I believe the second person to turn up (there was no appointment) was likely just having a look to see the external situation. When he did, with the CBT already on the external wall, he simply knocked on my door and installed the ONT on the spot. But as it was not an install appointment he was then unable to commission the ONT. This happened via an appointment some weeks later. So, three visits in all.

The BT characterisation of where I live is:

"Our records show the following FTTP network service information for these premises:- Single Dwelling Residential UG Pre built to curtilage Hard"

[#8]

@Grother 

Was the digging and re-instatement done to your satisfaction?

With no CSP installed you still have a say in where it goes (depending on the amount of cable left exposed). You might get it inside the garage if that's your preference.

Brian

[#9]

@bmc yes I am happy with the 1st part of the install. Part 2 is due at the end of the month. I’ll let you know how I get on

[#10]

Well, I finally got my Fiber install. Thanks for all your help. The phase 2 install was neat and, as suggested, I asked if everything could go inside the garage which the engineer was happy to do. Only hiccup was that I did not go live until after several hours and a call to PlusNet and my previous provider seemed to have disconnected earlier. I thought it would have been a smoother transition but I was left without internet for a few hours. 

The signal is not great around the house with the router being in the garage but is manageable for now. I will try to get someone to extend things to my first-floor study. I know I need to order Cat 6 cable. Was there a mention of Faceplates too? Was there a model number?

Thanks again.

[#11]

@Grother you can get complete kits on ebay , either external or internal grade cable

Example https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/301747621819

Get a network tester as well though , something like https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/321593589436

[#12]

@Grother 

Getting there slowly!!!

If you'e getting someone in to run the cable you don't need to supply anything - they should have what they need. Just make sure you specify external grade ethernet cable. Electricians, TV aerial installers or local computer companies could possibly do the job.

In the garage there's no problem. A straight forward ethernet plug will do to connect to the ONT. In your study you do have a choice. You could simply bring the cable in, ensure you have enough to reach your desire router location and then terminate it with a plug.

Or you could get a ethernet wall socket fitted. Allows flexibility on the length of ethernet cable if you wish to change things around later. Now I have recommended wall sockets in the past but others have stated this is a bit more complicated if fitting socket flush with the wall (like power sockets). The other option is a surface mounted box. You can also get ethernet cables with angled connectors to they point down and not out (neater).

Lastly, if you can run ducting from the garage to your study you could get an ONT relocation kit. See

https://www.premitel.uk/consultancy/expert-advice/how-to-relocate-the-ont-fibre-termination-point/

Brian

[#13]

I did this myself, example parts from Screwfix were:

2 x Socket ........................................................................719KM

2 x 25mm Back box (I had some anyway).......................9474D 

(or 10030 is cheaper now as a single socket with back box, but is straight entry)

Cat5e 25m........................................................................361CL

Some '2.5mm' cable clips ............................................... 519VT

Network plugs.................................................................. 12840

Similar available from CEF and so on, or you might have various DIY leftovers.

As a cheapskate, and it is FTTP74, so I only went for Cat5e

A network tools kit from eBay, not what I'd call 'professional' but good enough and has a tester.  It comes with a few plugs so maybe no need to buy them !

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/168042786090

That gave me a wall socket each end, and it was easier to feed the bare cable through gaps & small holes in the floor/wall/ceiling than a made up lead. 

I used a smaller wire as a leader then pulled through.

Setup attached

This ONT variant clips to a plate on the wall, so appears 'screwless', but did mean a separate fibre inlet, not simply covered by the backbox

[#14]

Thanks . I was looking to possibly get a family friend to do it so would get the kit ready. Would it need to be external grade cable if only in an integral garage?Interesting re the ONT relocation option, I had not considered that. I wonder if that is preferable in terms of any possible speed loss in comparison to Ethernet cable

[#15]

@Grother 

I recalled your old copper cable went enternal up to your study. After reading your original post again it appears it stays indoors so no, external grade cable isn't required.

The difference between Cat5e and Cat6 cable is capacity, not speed. On that score they are both rated the same. Cat5e is more flexibile but Cat6 have greater capacity so future proofs things (though there's nothing to stop you upgrading the cable later if you go Cat5e now). Cat5e is cheaper but which ever you choose if you go this route make sure it's good quality and not the cheapest on the market. The tool kit referenced looks fine for the job.

All I would say about the relocation kit is the fibre optic cable needs protecting if possible. It's not like copper cable where you can bash it with no real consequence. Damage the fibre optic and that's the cable kaput. You also need holes large enough to fit the connector through as the kit comes pre-connected.

Brian