Access Point vs Mesh clarification

[#1]

@padbit 

Use https://www.broadbandchecker.btwholesale.com/#/ADSL

You're looking for WBC FTTP in the left hand column. If it's there, what does it say to the right.

Below the results window there will be a narrative on the FTTP install. What does this say.

If FF isn't available, then it's probably SOGEA that's available (the old FTTC).

Brian

[#2]

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@bmc wrote:

Use https://www.broadbandchecker.btwholesale.com/#/ADSL

Doesn't look good, no WBC.

[#3]

@padbit 

Until the image is released from moderation I can't comment on it.

In a victory for the marketing people over common sense the old FTTC is now known as Fibre and FTTP is Full Fibre.

When your phone line goes you'll be moved onto a SOGEA connection which is no different to what you have now except there's no phone service.

You can check with OR to see if they have any plans for your area and with OFCOM to see if any alternative fibre providers are active.

https://www.openreach.com/

https://checker.ofcom.org.uk/

Brian

[#4]

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@bmc wrote:

@padbit 

Until the image is released from moderation I can't comment on it.

In a victory for the marketing people over common sense the old FTTC is now known as Fibre and FTTP is Full Fibre.

Brian

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should have been

adsl = exchange fibre

vdsl = cabinet fibre

fttp= property/premise fibre 

[#5]

@padbit 

To confirm you're not seeing a line starting 

?

[#6]

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@Dan_the_Van wrote:

To confirm not not seeing a line starting 

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The bottom of he web page says:

"FTTP is not available.

 The exchange is not in a current fibre priority programme

 As a WLR withdrawal exchange, product restrictions apply

 SOADSL is not restricted at the exchange"

I also checked the fibre on offer and it's "part fibre technology" and it only replaces copper with fibre between exchange and cabinet (quite surprised that as an end user I have to pay for transit network upgrades 😠).

So, seems that I'm stuck with last mile copper for now...

[#7]

Hmmm... given my options I think for now I'll go with @Dan_the_Van's suggestion and get a powerline booster for now just to get things up and running for now (hopefully).  I went for this option because the Argos near me have it in stock and I can pick it up tomorrow.  Hopefully I'll get everything setup without burning the house down... 😜

Thanks to everyone for sharing your knowledge & experience and also for your patience; very much appreciated.

I'll let you know how I get on in a few days.

Cheers!

[#8]

Heh, after unexpected delays have only just picked up the kit and might not have chance to setup today.

Currently unclear on hardware versions; WPA-4220 is "UK/5.0" and PA4010 is "UK/3.0" so I assume I have to use hardware version 3 for downloading stuff (instructions, software etc.) also not clear if I unify the networks after quick install (and then use WPS to overwrite custom SSID settings) or need to do that at some point earlier.

Spent some time faffing about on TPLink site but have to do real life stuff now.

Haven't forgotten, will let you know how I get on.

Cheers, padbit.

[#9]

@padbit 

For reference the device I use which a few years old now are 

WPA-4220 is "UK/5.0"

PA4010 is "UK/3.0"

There is a windows app tpPLC (I also have an Android version) to manage the devices or you can connect using a browser to the WPA-4220 IP Address

Ask if you have any further questions

[#10]

@Dan_the_Van 

Thanks for the reply, out of interest did you set up your booster with the same SSID as the router?

If so, can you remember how you did it as I'm not clear on the specifics.

Will download the windows app eventually.

Going offline now, will catch up later.

Cheers, and thanks again!

   Padbit

[#11]

I set my WPA4220 to have the same SSID as the router, it doesn't seem to be a problem. I have set the two devices to use different channels 1 and 11 which helps the devices find the stronger signal. The two are around 15 metres.

Hope this helps 

[#12]

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@Dan_the_Van wrote:

I set my WPA4220 to have the same SSID as the router, it doesn't seem to be a problem. I have set the two devices to use different channels 1 and 11 which helps the devices find the stronger signal. The two are around 15 metres.

Hope this helps 

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Sadly not really, getting somewhat cheesed off with this wretched kit.

After setting up with the default SSID I then used WPS to reassign to router SSID and the old SSID went away.

Downloaded (after multiple restarts and reconnects) the TP PLC utility for windows from the V3 link (no idea if that's the correct hardware version or not as detailed previously).

After a huge amount of flailing around I'm no closer to either being able to make sense of the utility - I can't find a manual, no devices are listed and I'll try adding them using the keys but I wish there were some useful instructions somewhere.  E.g. it says connect to your TPlink device... but *how*???  Cable? Wifi? Carrier pigeon???

Hub2 reports various MAC addresses but I can't seem to see the one printed on the 4010 anywhere.

The 4220 is there but disconnected and I can't access the ip address for it as a result.

Both devices have steady green lights and seem OK.

Further I have no clue on how to change the channels even if I can somehow gain access.

Can someone please point me towards the very basic first steps?

a) How do I get the devices visible to the windows utility (wifi+device key? cable of some sort? I have no clue).

b) Should the 4220 be "connected" to the hub2 (as a network provisioning device I'm not sure)?

c) What would a normal working setup look like?

I feel I'm missing something obvious, can't find any useful documentation.

Guess I'm being dim - but it shouldn't be this hard.

Any assistance gratefully received, happy to provide additional info.

[#13]

@padbit 

I usually have the device close to each other when setting up, for the Hub LAN1, 2 or 3 to the PA4010, the WPA4220 is located where you need the wireless access point

The pairing button on the WPA 4220 is underneath, not to be confused with the WPS button.

For the wifi pressing the WPS button is probably easiest to use.

Everything you need for the devices are here https://www.tp-link.com/uk/home-networking/powerline/tl-wpa4221-kit/ 

and https://www.tp-link.com/uk/support/download/tl-pa4010p-kit-v2.20/ (ignore they are the passthrough model)

For the tpPLC you may have more success if you use cable rather than wireless connected directly to either device

You need the powerline key to add each device (found on the reverse side) to the tpPLC using Add Device

It should be obvious what IP Address the WPA4220 is using by looking for it's MAC address (found on the reverse side) for connected wired devices on your Hub.

Where to check and change the wireless channel.

[#14]

@Dan_the_Van 

Many thanks for your reply, much appreciated.

Can't follow up right now (real life again 🙄) but will have a go later (probably tomorrow) and let you know how I get on.

Again, many thanks. 👍

[#15]

to make powerline work

one device has to be connected to a switch or router.