General : Virgin testing 2.2 Gbps

[rtho782]

Yes, it works in modem mode. I think *only* in modem mode, but it's not 802.3ad, it's just round robin, so won't work with Roughbeast's Asus router.

You need a proper router like a mikrotik not a consumer grade one for RR support.

[vm_tech]

Originally Posted by ChuckVader

I remember looking at the time and there were 2.5Gbps Arris ones available from Germany. However, given the lead time on rebranding them and ordering process etc plus additional cost then LG probably wouldn't have bothered.

I am still half tempted to try and import one, but confirming that cloning the MAC would work as well as T&Cs is still prohibitive.

Same they don't do a business version that consumer could upgrade to which as you say could include SFP+ and solve all the problems easily for those that would pay a little bit more on a one off cost.

Just cloning the MAC wouldn’t work, as the CMTS knows to only accept the correct type of modem, it’s not done at MAC level. It also quite often sends a software/firmware update down to the modem. I imagine there would be a lot of cost involved in supporting every cable modem on the market, for not much uptake. 99.9% of consumers want minimal fuss on their part.

[rtho782]

Originally Posted by vm_tech

Just cloning the MAC wouldn’t work, as the CMTS knows to only accept the correct type of modem, it’s not done at MAC level. It also quite often sends a software/firmware update down to the modem. I imagine there would be a lot of cost involved in supporting every cable modem on the market, for not much uptake. 99.9% of consumers want minimal fuss on their part.

I mean, US cable companies manage it. I assume they leave it up to customers to do updates. They do authorise modems by MAC.

Your logic is the same as ADSL/VDSL ISPs used to use to say people couldn't be trusted to use their own modem or router - think of the support effort!

[ChuckVader]

Unfortunately it doesn’t appear to support 802.3ad link aggregation

[BenMcr]

Originally Posted by rtho782

I mean, US cable companies manage it. I assume they leave it up to customers to do updates. They do authorise modems by MAC.

That's only because the FCC legislation has forced them to. And it's not as straightforward over there anyway

https://uk.pcmag.com/networking/1338...-from-your-isp

In addition, some ISPs may not even let you buy your own modem. If you have DSL or fiber, you can't use a cable modem; each uses special equipment that you'll have to rent or purchase from your ISP. In addition, if you bundle your home phone service with your internet plan, you'll need a modem that has a phone port. Telephony modems aren't widely available for sale—a quick search yields expensive products with outdated technology—so you're most likely better off renting from your ISP.

And even where they do, they will still have require certain specs for the 3rd party kit.

In the UK there isn't the same legislation or cable modem market.

[rtho782]

The US has allowed people to use their own modem for as long as I can remember, certainly back before VM even released the SH1.

There was a new law in 2020 that forbid them for charging modem rental fees on a modem you own ( https://www.engadget.com/tvpa-bans-i...213955005.html ) but prior to this people were still able to use their own.

Back in 2012 the replies here were discussing it: https://superuser.com/questions/4444...ernet-provider

It's not something that's only appeared over there since the TVPA act came in.

[BenMcr]

I didn't say it was a new thing. But it's forced by US regulation that doesn't exist here and was originally aimed for cable TV:

https://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-id...11201&rgn=div8

§76.1201 Rights of subscribers to use or attach navigation devices.
No multichannel video programming distributor shall prevent the connection or use of navigation devices to or with its multichannel video programming system, except in those circumstances where electronic or physical harm would be caused by the attachment or operation of such devices or such devices may be used to assist or are intended or designed to assist in the unauthorized receipt of service.

[Daveoc64]

The situation in the US is quite different. Cable companies have much larger subscriber bases there, and they frequently add on lots of extra charges and fees, as well as complicated tax rules making the final bill very opaque.

Virgin Media has never charged a monthly fee for a specific piece of equipment, so I don't think there is as much need for regulation here.

[Carth]

Would a phone line be classed as a specific piece of equipment?

[ChuckVader]

Originally Posted by Carth

Would a phone line be classed as a specific piece of equipment?

Not sure how it would that’s used to provide a service. If they provided a phone as well then that would be equipment.

All the models I have seen so far don’t have a VoIP port anyway so phone line would no longer work

Originally Posted by Daveoc64

The situation in the US is quite different. Cable companies have much larger subscriber bases there, and they frequently add on lots of extra charges and fees, as well as complicated tax rules making the final bill very opaque.

Virgin Media has never charged a monthly fee for a specific piece of equipment, so I don't think there is as much need for regulation here.

Definitely!

My brother-in-law lives in Connecticut (and has for 10 years), and has just bought a place in Hampshire (he’s retiring next year, and coming home), and he’s paying VM half of what he pays his US Telco/Cable company.

[Itshim]

Originally Posted by Hugh

Definitely!

My brother-in-law lives in Connecticut (and has for 10 years), and has just bought a place in Hampshire (he’s retiring next year, and coming home), and he’s paying VM half of what he pays his US Telco/Cable company.

But will get a lot less I suspect

You would suspect wrongly - he gets faster broadband, and he doesn't subscribe to Films in either country, and he says the channel choice is fine by him (he says a lot of the choice in the USA is just re-runs).

[Itshim]

Originally Posted by Hugh

You would suspect wrongly - he gets faster broadband, and he doesn't subscribe to Films in either country, and he says the channel choice is fine by him (he says a lot of the choice in the USA is just re-runs).

Didn't say it wouldn't work for him . I am on 100 meg was very happy with 50 . And reruns was surprised how many l hadn't seen before ! Let's face it virgin etc also have no end of channels showing reruns . But great that he as am l happy with the choice

Originally Posted by Hugh

(he says a lot of the choice in the USA is just re-runs).

Much like the UK then.