(Canada) Evaluating Videotron's Helix Fi 2
(Canada) Evaluating Videotron's Helix Fi 2
I have some concerns about the new Giga internet setup. 1. The person I spoke to at Videotron mentioned you could purchase one online and skip the monthly fee. I see many options on Marketplace. What should I watch out for when buying from someone else? How can I verify they have a legitimate serial number? 2. My plan is 400 with a Legacy modem. Why would a Helix be needed for 1GB? Coax supports that speed, and the Legacy modem does too, right? 3. The Helix is used only as a modem since I already have my own routing setup. Is it better or worse compared to the Legacy Technicolor modem? Remember, I won’t be using it for WiFi but will utilize all Ethernet ports.
A couple of things. Im not in Canada but in the US. I do have experience with Coax based Internet however. Does the ISP sell equipment to users? The reason I ask is because most ISP's in the US only rent equipment and therefore anyone selling ISP supplied equipment has effective stolen it. BUT some ISP's in the US also might allow you to buy their equipment. Unfortunately outside of asking for the serial number and calling up the ISP before you buy it, there's nothing you can do. Another option is to check if they allow retail modems on their network. Also if they do check to see if they offer a supported device list. It might be a standards thing. Docsis 3.0 modems are still common and speeds will be dictated by how many Downstream and Upstream channels the modem has access to. For example the SB6141 has 8 downstream and 4 upstream. While a Docsis 3.0 32 downstream by 8 upstream can do Gig speeds technically, that would mean running up to the max of what the Docsis 3.0 standard can do. Most cable providers dont have the ability to run up to the max of what the standard can do. Docsis 3.1 modems have 32 channels down and 8 up can support much faster speeds, which might be what you provider requires. I know all the US cable companies require 3.1 modems to Gigabit and faster. Oh and another thing with Gigabit Ethernet you will be limited to about 940 Mbps down due to overhead. Anything faster will require a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port. The Helix is a Docsis 3.1 modem/router combo. Looks like it supports Multi Gig as it seems to have a 2.5 Gbps Ethernet port that can be used for WAN or LAN. They claim a 1 Gbps Coax port but I think that just bad marketing, Docsis 3.1 can supply multi gig services thru coax. Honestly It looks a lot like the devices supplied by Cable providers here in the US, my guess is they go to the same supplier. Comcast my provider has stuff that looks exactly like it, just with different branding on it . Id say if you use it in bridge mode it should be fine.
Videotron in Canada offers the product on a monthly basis. Once paid off, you own it completely at any time. I find it puzzling since Coax can support up to 1gbps internet speed, yet they seem to require a different device. It feels like they’re pushing a solution that simplifies smart home and digital TV setups for their audience, while I’m not interested in those features.
They’d likely respond with a sense of frustration, questioning why sharing such personal details is necessary.
The coaxial connection isn't responsible for speed; it's the standard the modem follows that determines performance. Docsis 3.0 devices won't support those higher speeds. It's probable your current setup is a 3.0 model and they're suggesting an upgrade to 3.1. Moving ahead, coax-based ISPs are expected to shift toward 3.1 until Docsis 4.0 launches. As mentioned earlier: the chart illustrates how Docsis uses channel bonding to achieve faster connections. 3.0 offers various options, but achievable speeds depend on the cable provider's signal quality. For instance, with an 8x4 modem, you might only get around 260 Mbps. Docsis 3.1 incorporates OFDMA channels, enabling Gigabit and beyond. To reach gigabit speeds, a 3.1 modem is necessary.
I should also include this in the discussion. Even if your present modem supports the speeds you're requesting—like a DOCSIS 3.0 device that can reach "Up to 1.2Gbps"—most ISPs won't set up higher tiers such as Gigabit on that equipment. Many DOCSIS providers stick to a guideline of not exceeding 50% of the modem's maximum speed, which is a standard for network management. This prevents your device from overwhelming the channels your modem uses for others, ensuring you get the promised speed. If your modem becomes a bottleneck, it can trigger channel hopping to less busy channels, leading to significant slowdowns and service disruptions for nearby users. With DOCSIS 3.1, OFDM technology is added, opening up much more bandwidth. Depending on the quality of your cabling and how the provider set up the system (modulation methods, bandwidth distribution), this can boost downstream capacity by several gigabits. Many providers now offer Gigabit service at or just above 1Gbps, so to access the full tier you need DOCSIS 3.1.
Hey, thanks a lot! I really picked up a lot from both of you. It seems like I need to think about whether purchasing a used unit is acceptable. There are countless sellers on the Marketplace. If you're not familiar with the local market, Videotron is a media company/ISP/mobile provider that's only available in Quebec but works across North America. Their approach with the Helix 2 is to offer it through two-year installments, after which it becomes yours. They believe customers prefer renting over owning because they worry about outdated equipment when new models arrive and devices are returned. This reflects broader trends in rental services and modern condos here. Increasingly, rental properties provide WiFi throughout entire buildings. People often move between apartments or buy units, then use the same service. That’s why sellers are targeting those who sign up with Videotron in Montreal for reliable high-speed internet. Now I just need to find a decent used model on the marketplace.