PlusNet + Ubiquity Dream Machine + Openreach Modem = All Good and Fast

[#1]

Hi All, just because I had to search around finding information in a few different places, and I know more and more people are moving to prosumer/SOHO equipment in the search for more features and control.

I've been using the PlustNet supplied (BT Hub 5) for a while, with Ubiquity Access Points dotted around. 

Upgraded to UDM - Ubiquity Dream Machine - which allows VPNs, and VLANs etc. for local network. BUT was sat behind the Plustnet Router in a double NAT situation.

Anyway, setup is like this, hope that it helps someone.

Equipment List

Connection/Service - PlustNet with Static IP - the best FTTC with static ip.

Modem - Huawei HG612 Model 3B (also known as BT Openreach Huawei EchoLife HG612)  VDSL2 Modem (a true modem) - ebay £14

Router - Ubiquity Dream Machine (UDM 1.10.0.3686) - lets not mention the cost of these %)

Setup Modem - Custom/Unlocked firmware loaded on modem (read here https://kitz.co.uk/routers/hg612unlock.htm, and download from from https://mega.nz/folder/LdJFDIJL#e_E1twsIg2kTet8mPjrb4w - you want the bcm96368MVWG_fs_kernel_HG612V100R001C01B030SP08_webgu). Basically plug it in while holding the reset button for a long time, upload firmware, visit 192.168.1.1 when plugged into LAN2 <- notice the 2 here, admin admin. you're all done.

Setup Router - Visit the 'wan' network page, change from DHCP to PPPoE and give it your plustnet username and password.

Connect Router WAN port to LAN1 on Modem.

Done, worked right away

- side note, my VPN didn't like the change, disconnect it and re-connect it, all good now -

Speed test results

I didn't change setup to increase speed, but

Plustnet Router / double nat

was always under 40Mbps download, 39Mbps was nice to see, usually around 37Mbps.

New Setup

42 Mbps download

16.6 Mbps upload

Hope this helps someone

[#2]

Moderators Note

This topic has been moved from ADSL Broadband to My Router

[#3]

Thanks for the detail.

Why do you need to flash custom firmware on the BT Openreach / HG612 modem?

I already have Netgear Orbi plugging directly into the HG612 which works fine. I'm looking to just swap out the Orbi for the UDM. 

Thanks

[#4]

@daggers  The updated firmware, although not essential, does ensure the HG612 will have G.Inp available if the line uses it and you can also access all the modem line stats which are extremely useful if there are any problems with the connection.

[#5]

Thanks for the reply. I'll see how I get on with the UDM on my existing setup and flash if I need to then. Thanks again

[#6]

Deleted. Information already included in earlier post.