TP-Link Next-Gen Wi-Fi 6 AX3000 connection help - modem mode etc

[mrgdizzle]

Hi,

I have the below router I am trying to connect, I have IPPPoe details from vodafone but am struggling to connect.

I can see there is no modem mode available on the vodafone router, I have tried plugging my new router into the WAN port and inputting the correct settings.

Is this wrong? can I use the vodafone router as a connection point or should I do away with it and buy a modem to plug the new router into?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09TPKT929?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

Thanks,

Alex

[Jayach]

First question, Are you on FTTP or FTTC?

[mrgdizzle]

How do I find that out?

Thanks 

[mrgdizzle]

Pretty sure it's FTTC

[Jayach]

If you connect into an ONT it's FTTP (Fibre to the premises) if into a Telephone socket it's FTTC (Fibre to the cabinet)

As you are asking about modem mode, yes you are probably FTTC.

If you want to run that router from the THG3000, you would connect to a LAN socket. The WAN socket is for connecting to a ONT on FTTP.

If you do that you will be running double NAT, some people are happy to do that, but sometimes it can cause problems.

The other option is to use the TP-Link in access point mode, but that means you will only be using the Wi-Fi capabilities of the router and not any of it's other features.

So yes, getting a 3rd party modem is really the best option.

[mrgdizzle]

Thanks man I will get a router, any you would advise to get?

[mrgdizzle]

Modem*

[Jayach]

I think I shall have to let someone else advise you on that, I'm happy using the Vodafone THG3000 and haven't experimented with a separate modem.

[CrimsonLiar]

What you need to go for in a modem will depend on what you are doing! 

You've the old BT/Huawei HG612v3b - ideally flashed with the generic firmware - see http://forum.kitz.co.uk.  These used to be cheap, but they are getting increasingly expensive at the same time as all the units you'll find out there are old and modems don't last forever.

You've the Draytek Vigor 130/166/167 modems that you can buy new - absolutely make sure you get the UK version though.  At their simplest, with the correct settings in the router these are plug and play, though you can squeeze a tad more performance with some minor tweaks.

Finally, you've the wildcard option of getting a dirt cheap modem/router that can be put into VDSL2 modem-only mode usually off eBay.  These can be the hardest to set up and can kill online gaming as they'll often add a secondary buffer into your internet pipeline (only a problem if you are gaming).

If you go down any of these routes, I'd definitely spend at least a little time on the kitz forums!