This topic

Gfast modem.

Dave781 — Mon, 22 May 2023 19:53:52 GMT

Hi guys. I have Gfast and have purchased an Asus dsl ac88u. The modem router is setup and working but after 3 weeks of usage I am having WiFi dropouts. Disconnecting from ps5 randomly. I've read that users on here aren't impressed with the router and firmwares aren't really upto date. So my question is - can i use a draytek modem and run a different router from it or will the openreach modem be OK with a router? This is all new to me and want to get the best possible solution. Apologise if this is in the wrong place. My 1st post and any advice will be appreciated. Thanks.

Re: Gfast modem.

Crimliar — Mon, 22 May 2023 20:10:44 GMT

I'm one of those users who a few years back had a DSL-AC88u for about 3 days. xDSL connection speeds were no better than previously, but no matter what I did I couldn't get the actual 5GHz WiFi speeds above about 100Mbps, no matter what the sync rate was. At that time a search online showed that it seemed to be a common problem with the xDSL version of the router.

*I'd bought mine from Curry's and they even tested the WiFi in-store and had exactly the same problem!

Sorry but as far as I'm aware there was at one time at least either a component or configuration problem with that particular router.

Re: Gfast modem.

licquorice — Mon, 22 May 2023 20:21:36 GMT

Openreach modems aren't G.Fast capable, your options are to either use the supplied BT Smart Hub2 standalone, a Draytek 166 modem and your choice of router or Zyxel XMG 3927 standalone or in bridge mode with your choice of router.

Re: Gfast modem.

Dave781 — Mon, 22 May 2023 20:44:51 GMT

Thank you for the reply. Perhaps this is why Asus don't seem to be to interested in this product.

I am able to return the router. The search continues.

Re: Gfast modem.

Dave781 — Mon, 22 May 2023 20:45:39 GMT

Thanks mate. 👍🏻

Re: Gfast modem.

licquorice — Mon, 22 May 2023 20:46:35 GMT

G.Fast is a very niche market and is no longer being rolled out, hence very limited options.

Re: Gfast modem.

Dave781 — Mon, 22 May 2023 20:57:30 GMT

Fttp build isn't taking place in my area for a while. I have 4 kids in the house so you can imagine why I need the best I can get lol.

Re: Gfast modem.

Crimliar — Mon, 22 May 2023 23:27:50 GMT

If you are in a G.Fast area, you should have been supplied with a G.Fast modem when you were set up. Using the WAN port on the DSL-AC88u and with a couple of simple tweaks in the WAN menu you should be able to use your new router with the supplied BT modem. I suspect that if you do this you are still going to have issues with the DSL-AC88u and its WiFi.

Re: Gfast modem.

licquorice — Tue, 23 May 2023 06:53:12 GMT

@Crimliar The op would have been supplied with a Smart Hub2 which is a G.Fast capable modem/ router.

Re: Gfast modem.

Dave781 — Tue, 23 May 2023 07:22:19 GMT

Yes this is correct. Sorry I should've stated that. It seems to me like G fast is a double edged sword.

I see you can pick up the zylex secondhand pretty cheap. Seeing mixed reviews on both the zylex and draytek tbh. But looking at it I don't have a lot of options as you've pointed out.

Do you guys have any experience with either of the above?

Re: Gfast modem.

licquorice — Tue, 23 May 2023 07:25:59 GMT

Afraid not. Have a look over on Kitz, https://forum.kitz.co.uk/

Re: Gfast modem.

Crimliar — Tue, 23 May 2023 17:58:24 GMT

I had a Draytek Vigor 130 for about 6 years until it started to die. Replaced with a Vigor 166 from the BT.shop about a year ago as even being a Vodafone customer at the time it was significantly cheaper than anywhere else. On VDSL2 the Vigor166 k (v2 or v3 I've sold it now) was pretty reliable. Has to be noted that having no landline phone and using an RJ11 to Phone plug cable direct to the master socket did improve speeds!

If you do try the Vigor modem make sure you get the UK (k) version! *I only sold mine on eBay last Saturday!!!

I think some time in the past BT used to supply the Huawei MT992 G.Fast modem - I assume this was before the SH2!

Re: Gfast modem.

Dave781 — Fri, 26 May 2023 12:36:48 GMT

Hi guys.

Have you set up the Draytek before to work as a modem with a router of your choice. I can get the draytek connected , however I cannot get Internet access. This may be a silly question but can I use any router to connect to the draytek. I am on gfast

Thanks

Re: Gfast modem.

licquorice — Fri, 26 May 2023 13:52:20 GMT

Yes, if the Draytek is in modem mode you can use any router.

You need to set the vlan id to 101 on the Draytek and the PPPoE credentials to username bthomehub@btbroadband.com and password BT on the router.

Re: Gfast modem.

Crimliar — Fri, 26 May 2023 16:19:53 GMT

If the Draytek modem is the UK model, and new, then it'll come in modem mode and preset for OpenReach, so all you'd need to change are the UN & Pass as has been previously mentioned. If you want to be able to see the line stats, you'll need a little more work, but the important thing is to get it up and running first!

*Little tip: If you take an ISP router such as the SH2 and run a cable from the router WAN to one of the inputs on the modem it'll just work - that way at least you know the hardware is good.

Which router are you trying to use!

Re: Gfast modem.

Dave781 — Fri, 26 May 2023 18:00:01 GMT

Thank you both.

I have an asus rt-ax82u that I am trying to use as a router. I can't get the wan to sync with the draytek.
I have put the details also into the asus , selected pppoe etc.
There are 4 lights on top of the draytek. Dsl light is solid. I connect the lan to the wan and the pt1 light does t light up , if I take the same cable plugged into pt1 and connect it to the laptop the light start blinking , obviously there's a connection. Plug the lan back into the wan and it goes dead.

Re: Gfast modem.

Dave781 — Fri, 26 May 2023 18:01:11 GMT

Thanks mate. I've just replied below. Any guidance would be great help.

Re: Gfast modem.

Crimliar — Fri, 26 May 2023 18:32:47 GMT

So it's probably best that you add in some settings so you can see into the modem configs & reports.

On WAN> Internet connection: WAN IP

If you add in those settings you can get into the modem menus by going to 192.168.2.1 and get a better idea what's going on!

Re: Gfast modem.

licquorice — Fri, 26 May 2023 18:53:13 GMT

......as long as you configure your laptop manually to the same subnet.

Re: Gfast modem.

Crimliar — Fri, 26 May 2023 19:04:35 GMT

The modem and the router each need their own subnet. So commonly that is 192.168.1.0/24 for the router, but the default on modern Asus routers is 192.168.50.0/24. And then the modem will manage a 192.168.2.0/24 range. Setting up the WAN IP this way creates a secondary or back channel to the modem. Some routers do this completely automatically, others (inc Asus) don't! Anything connected to the router can use DHCP to get its own settings automatically while still having access to the modem's subnet.

*And another little tip: On the router "Network Map" page, if you click on the globe next where it says "internet status" it'll open up a subpage where you can see some of your WAN details/status!