Vodafone gigabit fiber: Own router configuration

PJtharsaile

Following up after 48+ hours Vodafone now say "there is an issue" and it will take another "3 to 5 working days to resolve it".

donogh5

Final edit: forgot the Orbi has its own speedtest feature (Ookla): 1801.46Mbps / 202.88Mbps. Happy with that !

Edit 3: Wifi caps out at 750Mbps / 202Mbps. LAN is hitting 930Mbps / 203Mbps. Will update again when I have better networking hardware. Very curious to see if Vodafone is actually supplying this "2Gbps" service.

Edit 2: I got it working with my Orbi RBK853. I used E<serial>@vfieftth.ie as the username and broadband as the password (PPPoE), as well as enabling VLAN ID 10 under VLAN / Bridge Settings. For good measure, I copied the Gigabox's MAC address.

No need for 30 minute waits, etc.; it worked as soon as the settings were correct.

For me, I think the difference is I have a Huawei OptiXstar EN8010Ts-20 on the wall, which is clearly acting as the modem (rather than the Nokia device). Of course, the RBK853 still doesn't have 2.5Gbps LAN ports, but at least the full 2Gbps is feeding into the wifi (Wifi 6 AX6000 on this device).

Edit: I read the thread again. Is the conclusion that it's impossible to use a replacement for the Gigabox?

Thanks for all the details re using own router. I am definitely going to try it.

I signed up for 2Gbps broadband with Vodafone and it was delivered with this "Gigabox" last week.

However, I just figured out that the LAN ports on the Gigabox max out at 1Gbps.

So there is literally no way to utilise a 2Gbps service without your own router. Why do they even sell it when their own hardware doesn't support it?!

I'm thinking about ordering a TP-Link Deco BE-95 from amazon.com (not available in Europe yet): https://www.tp-link.com/us/deco-mesh-wifi/product-family/deco-be95/ It seems to support VLAN tagging and it has 2x 10Gbps WAN/LAN ports and 2x 2.5Gbps.

Had already bought some QNAP 10Gbps/2.5Gbps switches [https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0974XNGJL] but they're completely useless because of the crappy LAN ports on the "Gigabox".

kaahooters

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120862012#Comment_120862012

might seem like a dumb question, but, do you have anything that can use the 2Gb line?

PJtharsaile

On 13 July Vodafone indicated that they needed 3-5 days to resolve their failure to provide a working static IP with an NBI gigabit connection. As it happened I was away the following week and then decided to leave things another week or so before following up further.

I've now been in touch with Vodafone technical support yesterday and again today, again using Vodafone's router (Gigabox) not my own router. Vodafone remains unable to provide a working static IP. Each time I get told it's been done. Each time it simply isn't done, and yes I switched off the router for an hour each time before I tried to pick up a new address. Long story short, I have now been credited €10 for the inconvenience -- this has been going on for a month -- and I have been promised a phone call by a 2nd level escalation team which, surprise, is backlogged to the tune of 24 hours or more.

I find it hard to believe that I'm the only residential user with a requirement for a fixed IP and am disappointed and fed up that Vodafone offered a service they seem unable to implement.

I have, however, managed to get confirmation that the router's mac address is used for IP address reservation. I spoofed this with my pfsense box so it ought to have worked no differently from Vodafone's router. Meanwhile, Vodafone's router is back in bridge mode, and apart from the lack of a static IP the link is working OK.

PJtharsaile

A week later and I stll don't have a static IP from Vodafone.

The call from 2nd level support never came so I called again yesterday.

Technical staff indicate that everything needed has been done to activate the address (and now that it doesn't depend on a mac address) and suggest that the problem is with sales staff responsible for the order. The link was activated on 4 July with the static IP pre-ordered. Sales staff have activated two different IPs, last on 1st of August, and suggest the problem is with technical staff. First and second level support simply blamed my using my own router until I stopped doing so. I spent a long time on the phone yesterday, resetting the router and the NBI box on the wall and hearing "it's still showing the same session". And "there seems to be an issue". There was an issue last week too.

Meanwhile, Vodafone's router is back in bridge mode, and apart from the lack of a static IP the link is working OK, just without a static IP I ordered and am paying for.

Nik

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120811535#Comment_120811535

I have been using Asus router for about 6 years now , I have fiber conection with vodafone , vlan id = 10 username : broadband pasword :( router s/n)

Thor

I have been using my vodafone SIRO since install without their modem. Straight from ONT to my opnsense firewall.

Now trying to find method to get Vodafone TV working within this setup. Currently have ONT to switch with my own firewall and Vodafone Modem going at the same time, just so TV can work, but would rather not have that connected at all.

Would be nice if they would actually offer 2GB service. I know Blacknight will do it if you supply your own modem since. Head of SIRO said everywhere can get 2GB but ISP's dont offer it just do lack of modems with 2GB LAN. Pretty sure the ONTs are 1GB only as well.

skstretch

Got this working with a TP Link Deco Xe75 Pro wanted the WiFi 6E.

ONT straight to Deco Xe75 Pro

Got it working once I used the serial number with a small e then serial number @vfieftth.ie. Put Vlan to 10 with priority as 1.

Dunno if priority 1 was best option though.

Getting over 900mb over the 6e WiFi to phone.

Other items getting 500mb in other rooms.

Do people know what the Vlan priority should be???

gg3390

Did you manage to get sorted with your static ip and Vodafone NBI? - I’m going through the same ringer with them at the minute.

got fiber last Friday. Let them put their gigabox modem in first, then over weekend swooped it out and directly into pfsense from ont. all great until yesterday, when all just stopped dead. Actually kinda stopped - was missing Microsoft, HP and some others, but could get fine to most Irish sites. Rebooted pfsense wan connection and ever since then nothing.

Vodafone are blaming the modem, but even after swooping back to their modem direct still no sync.

never had these issues with Eir, or indeed until Friday my Vodafone adsl.

would be interested to hear how you ended up pjtharsaile

paddyman

Hi all,

Similar to the OP i have Vodafone Fiber (i believe its via Open EIR) and a Ubiquiti router.

I managed to remove the VF Gigabox and go directly from the ONT to my UDM PRO SE as suggested in this thread. The only settings i had to change was:

VLAN ID: 10

WAN/link type: PPPOE

username: vodafone@vodafone.ie

password: broadband

Everything is working except one thing. I cant watch live TV with the Vodafone STB. I contacted their support and I am pasting what they advised.

1. "Nice you now have PPPoE IP. VLAN 10 is required also for the IPTV IP." - (i done this)
2. " the IGMP (IPTV option) should be enabled in the interface that has the DHCP client running". - (there is a checkbox on the GUI i selected for this)

————————————————————

3. " For the STB to work you also need to configure in the same physical interface a DHCP client to receive a second IP in the WAN which will provide the connectivity to the STB (as well as voice service if this is the case).

The way is implemented in the Gigabox, is via two virtual interfaces that are attached to the physical interface.

One virtual interface has the PPPoE client and the other one has a DHCP client.

When the second IP is up, the TV service should work".

———————————————————This part 3 i cant see how to do via the gui. Have any Ubiquiti users any instructions you can share to do this?.Thanks,Paddy

JDxtra

Note, for Eir fibre customers (not Vodafone) - own routers such as Ubiquiti devices work without any additional configuration. Same with Eir TV - works as long as it detects it's on an Eir broadband connection (regardless of router of WiFi devices used).

wassie

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122305434#Comment_122305434

Sorry I cant offer any suggestions other than to say your lucky VF are giving you support given you are not using their hardware. I had issues a few years back setting up VFs IPTV with my own hardware, but support weren't interested (understandably) in anything other than their Gigabox.

Since then, I wont rely on any RSP/ISP for IPTV services (or any other services for that matter) other than provision of straight broadband access as it allows me to switch easily if Im not happy with them or get better pricing elsewhere.

alex.krycek

I am also interested in getting the VFTV to work with unifi equipment. I have a Cloud Gateway Ultra and Fiber to the cabinet so still need to use the VF modem(I have a huawei hg659 not the gigabox) as I'm using the rj11 phone socket and don't have an ONT.

To be honest I'm struggling to even get the internet to work using PPPoE, not sure I have put the huawei into bridge mode properly..

Will follow this thread and hopefully there is a solution. I have googled this for a while but to no avail. I did see this being mentioned, its a script you run through SSH, far beyond my capabilities currently. Might help you: https://github.com/fabianishere/udm-iptv

paddyman

Hi Alex, thanks for the Github link. Thats also a little bit advanced for me….but i will look into it.

First step for yourself is obviously to get the internet working. Putting the VF modem into bridge mode and entering in the PPPoE settings should get your internet working with the Unfi router as a first step. Try that and let us know how you get on.

That may put you into the same position i am with multicast not working for live TV. However pausing the TV channel for a few seconds and pressing play is a work around.

Paddy

alex.krycek

Hi Paddy, that's the plan for this weekend I only get a small window of being allowed have the internet off by messing with settings :D

I read that the reason you get the channel playing initially and then it goes is due to the first few seconds being unicast traffic and then it switches to multicast. If there is a setting for IGMP i think this needs to be on as far as I can understand.

wiliammbr

Hi guys,
By combining the discussion here and from

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058014493/vodafone-gigabox-to-asus-rt-ac68u-need-help

, I managed to get it working on my ASUS RT-AC86U:
Here is what I did:

• Upgraded the firmware to the latest.
• Connected my Asus WAN port directly from the Fiber device Ethernet port.
• Connection Type: PPPoE
• WAN
  • Internet Connection
    • Basic config:
      WAN Connection Type: PPPoE
    • Account Settings:
      Username: Vodafone Modem Serial number@vfieftth.ie (ex. E1234AB5678901@vfieftth.ie)
      Password: broadband
• LAN
  • IPTV
    • LAN Port:
      Select ISP Profile: Manual Setting
      Internet: VID = 10 ; PRIO = 0
    • Special Applications:
      Use DHCP routes: Disable

Hope that works for you!

theluke79

This discussion is excellent!

I myself have a ASUS ZenWifi 9, with EIR 1GB Fiber, 2 nodes.

The principle is the same, but the configuration is harder to set up in the Asus b/c it kept freezing when trying to properly setup PPPoE.

That being said, it's been rock solid for 12 months after the initial pains (a few hours).

Full gigabit speeds.

theluke79

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122305434#Comment_122305434

Any luck with that Paddy?

I am going to help a friend tomo with Netgear RS700s and Voda TVBox, I am worried about the TV not going to work

paddyman

Sorry but never got it figured out. I just live with the fact i have to press pause for a few seconds. We are not big TV watchers anyways so its rarely an issue.

swa kildare

Hi all, I decided to post my Q. here rather than bumping an old thread.

I need some help to avoid making another mistake.

Got NBI with Vodafone installed on the 12-Sep.
From lots of reading I thought I had it all figured out.

Nokia ONT -> Netgear switch GS105 -> 2 lines to Gigabox & Asus router.

My mistake is with the ASUS AX4200 as it doesn't have VLAN Tagging on the WAN port.
I know SFA but have managed in the past to daisy chain routers... basic stuff.

So the setup is supplying internet to two different buildings "A & B" while hoping to avoid double NAT issues.The plan was to use the vf crap in bridge mode to my sisters place "B" and the Asus for mine "A".
The landline is also on the vf router.

At the moment there is very little connected at "A" just 2 PC's, PS5 dual/triple streaming and the 80y/o mammy is a light user on mobile.
However at "B" they have more gadgets but not heavy users, my disabled niece lives on her PC watching YT and will restrict her speed via her 10/100 base router just as a precaution lol.

No TV streaming services or mesh systems planned.

A & B 37a.png

So the question is, if I go with ASUS RT-AX88U Pro (AX6000) will that be all I need or do I need a Managed switch as well?
Or is there a cheaper road I can go down?
I just wanna keep it simple but durable.

Edit: Just logged into the gigabox and there's no options for configuration.
So options are???
1. Hope I find someone nice in Vodafone support that will turn on Bridge Mode for me.
2. Bypass the gigabox completely, and in that case I need more help.

Regards Steve.

heavydawson

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122637625#Comment_122637625

So you've got a switch connecting two routers (Gigabox and Asus). If by VLAN tagging you mean the ability to VLAN ID for the WAN port to 10, then you should be able to find that in the "LAN"→"IPTV" settings section of the Asus router. I've a GT-AX-6000, so it will look slightly different for you, but the setting should be there.

You can do one of two things here:

1. Configure the Asus to be an Access Point device only (use the "Quick Internet Setup" menu option) , and let the Gigabox act as the DHCP server. Plug the ONT into the Gigabox WAN port, then connect any Gigabox LAN port into the WAN port of the Asus in your sisters place (I'm assuming you have a cable run between the buildings)
2. Alternatively you could buy a second Asus router and set up a wired-backhaul mesh (which is how I have my house configured - One GT-AX6000 master and 2 AX-87U slaves), but I would try (1) first

I cannot think of a reason you would need a managed switch (or any switch) for the setup you have. The gigabox has all the switching capability you need. I know you ideally want to use the Asus for yourself, but it sounds like the ONT is in your building, so in order for you to use the Asus in your place, you'd need to have two cable runs between the buildings IMHO:

1. ONT→Gigabox WAN port in your sisters place
2. Gigabox LAN Port → Asus Router in your place

Not sure if you fancy two cables, but it simplifies the configuration on the software side.

Perhaps you want to properly partition the network for the two buildings, but honestly, is it strictly necessary? If you need a lot of control over the network configuration, then go route (2) (A second Asus router)

swa kildare

Thanks @heavydawson

Control is not needed.
I have installed cat6 exterior linking A & B buildings to the location of the ONT in the hall of A.
I bought two ASUS ax4200's to make life easier for troubleshooting in the future if any issues should arise.
The ax4200 can't access the internet when connected to the switch because it doesn't have vlan on the wan port.
I have decided to return one of the 4200's to Amazon as unused. (I can return both if needed)

As passwords & SSID are the only settings that can be changed on the gigabox, I'm happy to eliminate it.
I know this means buying a router with voip capabilities.
I I am aware that VF don't support third party routers, I might get lucky as I'm still within the 14 day cooling off period.

I wanted to do what is describe in these threads #7 https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058265202/connect-vodafone-nbi-fiber-directly-to-pfsense-as-pppoe-connection-vfieftth-ie

And in theory this should work as well #4, #14 & #27 by tsue921i8wljb3

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058028983/eir-ftth-bridge-mode-with-voip

example 1.png

pizzahead77

Firstly, if you intend on using the VF landline, you'll have to use the Vodafone router as they will not give out the settings for their VoIP service.

Also that Asus router should have the ability for VLAN tagging (should be similar to the pst by heavydawson above) which would need to be set as well as the VF username and password to connect

swa kildare

EDIT: I feel like a dope! "Solved"

Don't ask me how I missed the "Internet" on the left.
I looked at heavydawson's pic and seen the 10 in the first box and kind'a ignored the the VID because I thought it meant something else.

I did configure the wan page and just didn't see anything on the LAN that matched other peoples screenshots nor what was on the Asus site.

I knew I was out of my depth due to lack of knowledge, but that never stops me from trying things I know nothing about.

Apologies for not seeing the answer when it was staring me in the face.

Thanks to both of you @heavydawson & @pizzahead77 for your help, I'm not just saying it, I really appreciated your help in getting me up and running.

LAN AX4200..png

WAN AX4200.png

reaction238

Hi guys,

I've been with Vodafone FTTH 1Gig via OpenEir for over 2 years and have been using my own router without any issue (Asus GT-AX1100), until today. My speeds have dropped down to 90mbps. I normally get 1.1gb.

I've tried switching the ONT off and on, no difference. Next I switched out my router for the Vodafone gigabit router and all was ok. 750mbps, not great but a lot better.

I thought maybe there was some sort of phone home it needed to do and that was it fixed, but unfortunately switching back to my own router and I'm back down to 90mbps.

I'm guessing something has changed on their end, maybe my router is no longer recognised and I am on the default 90mbps.

Has anyone had this issue and can you advise what I can do about it. Please don't say call Vodafone!!

knobtasticus

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122878483#Comment_122878483

Nothing to do with Vodafone. That’s an obvious issue with pin-to-pin contact with the Asus. I’ve experienced this myself. Try forcing something thin into the tiny gap between the top of the RJ45 connector of your ONT → Asus cable and the ethernet receiver (on the Asus end). You’re experiencing loss of contact between one or more twisted pairs so the connection to your ONT is only able to negotiate at 100mbit.

You can also try a different cable altogether. The slightly different size/tolerance of another cable might be enough to fix the problem.

reaction238

Ah ok, thank you. I will try this out.

I forgot to mention, I am using the same cables to connect to the gigabox.

So perhaps it's the rj45 socket on the router? I do have another router I can try.

knobtasticus

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122878751#Comment_122878751

I only suggested trying a different cable because the slight variation between size/alignment from one cable to the next might be enough to solve the problem. For clarity - this is a physical issue, not a software one. And the physical issue is with the contact pins inside the RJ45 socket on your Asus router.

reaction238

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122879319#Comment_122879319

You were spot on. I actually had 2 dodgy ports. I downloaded the Asus router app on my phone and it has a port indicator. It detected 2 ports were not operating at full capacity. One was the WAN port to the ONT as you guessed.

Are there any good brand cables you would recommend? I'm going to see if a decent cable can resolve the issue before buying a new router. I'm temporarily using another cable and I am getting 1.1gb speeds again, so a good cable might save me from needing a new router.

Thank you so much for your help! I am keeping this forum permanently bookmarked.

newirishman

There's no such thing as a good brand cable to be honest. There's only cables that work, and some that don't (as long as they meet the general requirements)

Exlspecially for patch cables just buy pre-crimped of an appropriate length.

In your case the issue seems to be with the device being particularly picky on tolerances..