HH5 replacement - TD-W8980 or TD-W9980

[dutchman]

Hi,

I'm thinking of replacing my HH5 with a TP-Link modem and/or router. I'm thinking of 2 options.

1. TD-W8980 connected to my Openreach modem (which is somewhere in a draw)

2. TD-W9980 which means I don't need the Openreach modem.

Both options have there pro's and con's. Has anyone any experience with either option and can provide me with some pointers for things to look out for.

Thanks,

Ronald

[licquorice]

I have never had a modem so have got the TD-W9980 and am very pleased with it, been rock solid. I believe the 8980 is virtually the same device but with only ADSL capability so in terms of router functionality should be identical to the 9980.

[dutchman · Accepted solution]

Got a cheap TD-W8980 from the well known auction site. All plugged in, set to use the 'wireless router mode', as i'm using the OR modem (in unlocked mode) with Infinity 2.

So far no issues, all working fine.

Do seem to remember someone mentioning that they changed the authentication type from auto_auth to chap, but can't find the post any more and why it was done.

Ronald

[licquorice]

Yeah, that was me on the 9980, it didn't seem to re-negotiate after a disconnection with auto but seem fine when set to just CHAP. If you are feeling brave, I think the 8980 can be crossflashed to 9980 and have VDSL capability. Not sure I would like to risk it personally though!!

[dutchman]

Haven't had any disconnections yet, but I'll keep an eye on that.

The cross flashing looks like it's going to take me out of my comfort zone, after reading through the instructions. I think I'll give that a miss.

Thanks,

[licquorice]

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@dutchman wrote:

Haven't had any disconnections yet, but I'll keep an eye on that.

It was after a manual disconnection.

The cross flashing looks like it's going to take me out of my comfort zone, after reading through the instructions. I think I'll give that a miss.

Yeah, thats what I thought too

Thanks,

---

[nujjer]

Doofus user error 

I ordered a TD-W8980 to replace my HH5.

What I now know I have is an ASDL2+ Modem router. Arggggh.

Which would be my best option;

1. Get an OR modem off of ebay (£10) and string them together.

2. Attempt to get my product replaced by amazon for the correct item (W8980 £38 vs W9980 £61)

Financially there isnt a whole lot in it. Is there a technical optimum either way?

[anthonyUK]

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@nujjer wrote:

Doofus user error 

I ordered a TD-W8980 to replace my HH5.

What I now know I have is an ASDL2+ Modem router. Arggggh.

Which would be my best option;

1. Get an OR modem off of ebay (£10) and string them together.

2. Attempt to get my product replaced by amazon for the correct item (W8980 £38 vs W9980 £61)

Financially there isnt a whole lot in it. Is there a technical optimum either way?

---

I would try and return it as Amazon are usually great CS wise.

If you are fairly technically competent, it is possible to crossflash the W8980 to a W9980 to gain VDSL functionality.

It will obviously void any warranties.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjSLGEkZd_E

What I find interesting is that TP-Link are charging almost twice the price for an item with identical hardware.

[nujjer]

Thanks anthonyUK. Problem is I installed the unit so AZ unlikely to be impressed. I like the flash idea...

[anthonyUK]

You can but ask as Amazon will resell it in their 'warehouse deals' section for a discount.

I buy quite a few items from there as often there are are only cosmetic damage to the packaging and discounts can be 10-60%. I bought an ASUS router in this way for £46 instead of £90.

There is a white N66 available currently for £44 instead of £100 and an AC66 for £62 rather than £128.

These all come with a warranty and can be returned for 30 days.

The reflashing is not so straightforward if you don't have the tools. You'll need to open the W8980 to connect a USB to TTL RS232 cable to the PCB which will probable require header pins soldering.