Connection via DSL High-speed internet access through broadband line
Connection via DSL High-speed internet access through broadband line
Hi everyone, I’m experiencing some issues with my internet setup. At home, I have a VDSL connection from my ISP. To connect, I use the RJ11 telephone cable from the DSL filter and plug it into the router—either an ISP-provided or third-party model. In the router settings, I switch to VDSL mode and enter the ISP’s email and password. The connection works, but I’m worried my router might be outdated or not compatible with newer setups.
I recently bought a new router, but it doesn’t support VDSL directly. It uses a WAN port for internet access, so I can’t connect the DSL cable to it. I’m unsure if I should get a separate modem to provide an Ethernet connection for the new router. I saw some Huawei VDSL/Fibre modems on eBay that seem to work in bridge mode without a web interface. Could they be compatible with my router? If so, what exactly do they do—do they just convert DSL into Ethernet?
What you possess was likely a VDSL modem and router combined in one device. You probably need either a standalone modem or a bundled modem/router unit. Available choices include the Huawei HG612, which was commonly used by BT. It’s unclear where you found it without a web interface or settings, but I do have one. I manage it via its web portal. Generally, most setups work out of the box, though if your ISP demands particular VLAN tags, you can configure it through the web. For connection, the modem typically handles signal conversion and sends it to the router’s WAN port. The router then manages the link with the ISP. Since you have an ISP username and password, you’re likely on a PPPoE setup, so you’d need to configure the router accordingly.
I wasn't certain they didn't offer a web interface. I reached out to a seller on eBay, and they confirmed that information. It seemed unusual, but nothing came up in my Google searches. This was precisely the solution I needed. The modem would transform the DSL signal into an Ethernet connection, and I set up my router to connect via PPPoE using the ISP's credentials. Just to clarify, what is the modem actually doing? Since it only provides a DSL output and an Ethernet port, does it perform any additional tasks beyond switching the cable type? I appreciate you understanding if this sounds simple, but I'm genuinely interested in understanding its function. And how would it behave with a fiber connection instead?
Generally, you simply connect the router and configure it as a gateway for the network. In my experience, the modem operates correctly out of the box and all connection details are managed via the router. The term 'modem' refers to a device that both sends and receives signals. Ethernet connections send information in digital form, whereas traditional phone lines—still used in some FTTC setups—carry signals in analog formats. The modem switches between these two modes. It functions more like a basic converter, handling the conversion without much additional processing. Full fibre installations use direct fibre cables to the building, keeping the signal digital throughout. Consequently, no modems are needed in pure fibre setups since no conversion is necessary. However, at the property entrance, a media converter may be present, transforming fibre signals into standard copper Ethernet formats (like SFP). From there, the signal can pass through an Ethernet router. This video demonstrates the process of FTTP connections and the equipment involved. Regrettably, FTTP isn't available in my location, so I haven't had the chance to test it directly.
Prior to relocating, I had a high-speed fiber connection, and everything worked smoothly without any setup needed. The process was straightforward, and I appreciate the explanation in the video. Thank you for the clear and thorough response—it really helped me understand better.