NBN Discussion

One word of warning - the latest Telstra basic model (a Sagemcom 5355), whilst AC wireless compatible only has two 10/100 ports - if you run a home wired network this is unlikely to be suitable, and you'd really want to upgrade to the Gateway Max2

I run my wired network via a router-network switch - so all I need is one LAN port. This the most basic requirement for anyone wanting to run a LAN. Anyone not running a router between modem and network is inviting hackers. A good router provides NAT and basic firewall.

With NBN and higher speeds I intend to run a VPN router behind the modem, so my TVs and computers can universally bypass geoblocking without individually using software vpn setting on each unit. The VPN router geolocates your entire network virtually to say USA. Just got to get nbn first
 
As long as he's not using VOIP (i.e. a voice phone connection), then another modem will certainly work. There are good reasons for using something else too. Telstra have apparently inhibited changing the default DNS on their modems...many of us prefer other services
 
As long as he's not using VOIP (i.e. a voice phone connection), then another modem will certainly work. There are good reasons for using something else too. Telstra have apparently inhibited changing the default DNS on their modems...many of us prefer other services

Hmm sounds like the telstra supplied modem also operate as a router?. not good
Is there a way to change settings so its modem only?
 
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They will, but nothing to stop you putting your real router downstream of it. There's also a trick for using the Telstra modem downstream too, so that it does the VOIP, but nothing else.

But, any company that uses such low methods of locking you into its equipment is really worth avoiding anyway. The biggest plus to NBN is that it is giving us a lot more choices. Whilst many truly suck (Dodo, the entire TPG family), there are many that don't. A bit of research on Whirlpool can be pretty interesting.
 
As mentioned above for Telstra, Optus and TPG if you are wanting to use included VOIP then you need to use their device with an analogue phone plugged into the VOIP port - it is however possible to use this device behind your preferred modem/router (effectively just acting as an ATA (analogue adapter))

With regards to TPG and the supplied Huawei modem... 2 friends who have just switched over to NBN (HFC) both had horrific up/down issues. As soon as they ditched the supplied modem and went with something more robust, speeds maxed out. YMMV
 
I wonder if the TGateway is able to be operated in Bridged mode with NAT off and wifi off. This should in theory mean that a separate router will manage the NAT, firewall and connections and the Tgateway will connect router to the internet as a dumb modem. No experience with the TGateway so I have no idea.

Officially VPN is not supported by TGateway...:evil: or that ability has been crippled by Telstra



They will, but nothing to stop you putting your real router downstream of it. There's also a trick for using the Telstra modem downstream too, so that it does the VOIP, but nothing else.

But, any company that uses such low methods of locking you into its equipment is really worth avoiding anyway. The biggest plus to NBN is that it is giving us a lot more choices. Whilst many truly suck (Dodo, the entire TPG family), there are many that don't. A bit of research on Whirlpool can be pretty interesting.

Putting TGateway downstream of thirdparty router will likely mean outgoing calls will be ok but incoming calls wont get through
 
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One word of warning - the latest Telstra basic model (a Sagemcom 5355), whilst AC wireless compatible only has two 10/100 ports - if you run a home wired network this is unlikely to be suitable, and you'd really want to upgrade to the Gateway Max2

The one I got with signing (still in the box) is the 5355 model. The freebie I got in December (and using) is the larger TG800vac ... has 4 x LAN ports and 2 x phone port. I think it's also called the Max 2
 
I wonder if the TGateway is able to be operated in Bridged mode with NAT off and wifi off. This should in theory mean that a separate router will manage the NAT, firewall and connections and the Tgateway will connect router to the internet as a dumb modem. No experience with the TGateway so I have no idea.

Officially VPN is not supported by TGateway...:evil: or that ability has been crippled by Telstra

Yes. The gateway modem is a four port netgear with dumbed down Telstra software. You can run it in bridge mode to your existing router. You can also use the ports on the gateway max for things like security cameras and other things you may want isolated from your internal network, plus you can turn on, or off, the 5/2 wifi if you wish to create guest access isolated from your internal network. I plug my Arlo cameras wireless hub into the gateway max so if I go away I can turn off my own router to close down the internal network while leaving the cameras active and accessible.
 
Possible workaround for Telstra NBN TGateway modem/routers retaining Telstra VOIP and third party VPN routers/VPN capability

Essentially the easiest is to drill into the settings of TGateway and port forward TCP/UDP ports 5060/5061??

How to get Telstra VOIP over NBN working | EtherTech


......Or dump Telstra


Yes. The gateway modem is a four port netgear with dumbed down Telstra software. You can run it in bridge mode to your existing router. You can also use the ports on the gateway max for things like security cameras and other things you may want isolated from your internal network, plus you can turn on, or off, the 5/2 wifi if you wish to create guest access isolated from your internal network. I plug my Arlo cameras wireless hub into the gateway max so if I go away I can turn off my own router to close down the internal network while leaving the cameras active and accessible.

That works but will not allow incoming Telstra Voip calls. Though I believe you can still call 000
 
Getting NBN rolled out in our suburb at the moment. Should be available in the next few weeks.

Thought I might get through unscathed. Not so...

Have lost internet for the past week or so.

Called ISP support, they are blaming NBN Co.

I personally think the NBN contractors have accidentally cut a cable somewhere, that they shouldn't have.
 
Parents moved from ADSL 12Mbps or so to NBN FTTN today. On the 25Mbps plan, training up at 28/6.6Mbps. Real world speeds of 24/4. Upgrade was painless, their modem was already VDSL2 compatible so no config changes required.
Only downside is their PSTN was disconnected and now 3-7 business days to port the number to a new VoIP service. Some people still like home phones.
This was with iinet.
 
Having nbn installed as I type. Had to change our plan to $10 per month more to keep same speed or pay the same for slower speed. Each blamed the other, got a new modem out of it.

Only impressive thing so far was told between 8 and 12 and he was here at 8.30.

My expectations are incredibly low.
 
FTTN? And which RSP?

Between bouts of swearing, hubby says he hasn't worked it out yet.

Looking behind the TV, with Playstation, sound system, DVD ect... Glad we have a 136 point power board (sarcasm) to plug in all this stuff and now a new box to plug in!
 
Probably not FTTN with an installer visit. Maybe HFC.
While the Internet might be more expensive, most people will save money by no longer paying line rental, or getting included bulk plans.
 
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My 84yr mother in law that doesnt have a smart phone let alone internet got the dreaded NBN letter in the mail. Now poor hubby has to explain it to her and why. There will be tears, most probably his.
 
just Wait 18 months before doing anything.
If anything it will just be a modem change.

A basic TPG plan no lock in contract up to 12 Mbps and 10GB and PAYG phone will cost $30/month

For most on FTTN/FTTB/FTTC it will be the same technology (DSL) just a higher frequency so only a modem change.
Can you imagine what the tears would have been if people like your elderly parents need to dig up their driveway for FTTP?.
 
......
Can you imagine what the tears would have been if people like your elderly parents need to dig up their driveway for FTTP?.

My mother must of been one of the first gen to get NBN, she also doesnt have a internet, computer, foxtel, smart phone ect. They phoned, visited, phoned, sent letters, phoned until she agreed to do it and then they installed a big, ugly box to the wall in the middle of a front bedroom, no where near a power point. So she had to pay an electrician to fix that.

Wonder if my mother in law will get a box similar to what we got last week (like a modem), which is ok, or something like what my mum got. Which is why I said to my husband to be at her place on installation day to question/explain to my mother in law.
 
It depends on the technology. Check her address on nbnco.

If FTTN/FTTC/FTTB then they just give you a modem to plug into existing phone socket. Easiest option is to do a self install and get your hubby to connect it - the nbn technicians only to do work at the FTTN Node.
The modem is white and the smallest one (Telstra gateway) will be the size of a book
If FW then roof antenna and internal Ethernet socket
If HFC then HFC cable into house and HFC socket (unless already done) with new modem
IF FTTP then outside network terminating device then ethernet socket inside house

Thogh the bigger problem (which no one is talking about) will be that calls in/out will depend on the house getting power. No electricity no phone - especially for those who depend on being able to call 000 especially if they do not have a mobile and elderly.
Here you will need a UPS.

Currently blackout in street = still make calls
NBN blackout in street = no calls
 
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