Netgear Orbi set up questionnaires

[butters786]

Hi, new vodafone broadband customer,  FTTC (I think). We have a vodafone power hub. 

Our house is very big and years of WiFi coverage issues means we're trying netgear orbi. It's overkill for 40mb connection but getting it more for range and stability reviews. 

My question is about set up. I've read that the power hub cannot work on modem only mode. My current plan is to install the Orbi and have the power hub turn off its wifi/ssid to minimise conflict or interference. 

If that doesn't work I think from what I've read on these forums I'll need a standalone modem. If I do that we no longer have a landline as it works through the power hub (something new as we used to have separate Internet and landline with sky).

Would I need to find a modem that allows a phone to be plugged in, or am I dependent on the vodafone power hub to continue to have a 'landline'?

[CrimsonLiar]

You'll need to use the Orbi system in AP mode (with your VF router WiFi turned off), the instructions for Orbi can be found at https://kb.netgear.com/31218/How-do-I-configure-my-Orbi-router-to-act-as-an-access-point 
In that configuration, you can continue to plug your phone into the VF router.  If you were to get a separate modem, then you'd need an adapter, and then search these forums for the links on what to do to get it working.

[Jayach]

As you only want the ORBI for it's Wi-Fi capabilities, it will be best to use it in Access Point mode, as @CrimsonLiar says.

Take a look at this Netgear article to understand the difference.

What is the difference between router mode and AP mode? - NETGEAR Support

[butters786]

Thanks both, will give access point mode a try and report back 👍 

On the other aspect,  am I right that Digital Voice aka our 'landlin'e will only ever work when connected to the vodafone power hub? 

[Jayach]

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@butters786 wrote:
On the other aspect,  am I right that Digital Voice aka our 'landlin'e will only ever work when connected to the vodafone power hub? 

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Whilst it is possible to use a 3rd party ATA (Analogue Telephone Adapter) with the Vodafone VoIP service, it's not a "plug & play" solution, so yes, best to assume you need to use the Vodafone hub for the landline service.

[CrimsonLiar]

There are threads on these boards on using 3rd party phone adapters about using third-party equipment and tips on how to squeeze the required information from support.
*pulling a variety of sources together it seems the UK government has become concerned about the closed/restricted nature of many ISP VoIP offerings.