Idiot's guide to bridge mode

[#1]

Good afternoon,

Is there an idiot's guide anywhere to using the Hub 2 in bridge mode i.e. VDSL to Hub 2 to existing router?  Is it as simple as connecting the Hub 2 to the phone line then LAN 1 on the Hub 2 to the WAN port on the existing router or are there any other hoops to jump through?  (e.g. do some sign-in credentials have to be entered?)

Thanks,

Stuart

[#2]

You will need to configure the WAN connection, on your existing router, as PPPoE with your Plusnet credentials. 

Username is <your account name>@plusdsl.net , password is the one you use to login to the member centre 

[#3]

@MisterW thank you.  I understand the Plusnet credentials bit but how do I configure my WAN as PPPoE?

[#4]

@Junkman what make/model is your existing router ?

[#5]

@MisterW it's a Billion 8800AXL R2.

[#6]

This page?

[#7]

@Junkman if you are already using on a PLusnet connection then you have a PPPoE connection on the DSL port.

You need similar settings but selecting the Ethernet/EWAN port, the exception being that you need to disable VLAN ID .

See page 97 onwards of the manual

This page?

The manual I'm looking at has an additional drop down at the top to allow selection of the WAN port

edit: look at page 110

[#8]

@MisterW really appreciate you taking the time to try to help me and I'm sorry to be dull, but which manual?  I am indeed already on Plusnet and they are sending me a Hub 2 which I want to use in bridge mode.  If I select the DSL page in my router interface then this is what I get.  I can't see an Ethernet/Ewan port or anywhere to toggle VLAN

[#9]

@Junkman I'm looking at the manual downloaded from here http://www.billion.uk.com/esupport/index.php?/Knowledgebase/Article/View/413/123/bipac-8800axl-r2-fu...

Are you sure yours is an 8800AXL ? If it is , then you don't need the Hub 2 at all.

[#10]

Thanks very much for guiding me to that.

So I think I need to add a WAN port on the WAN Service page using my Plusnet credentials and VLAN set to -1?

[#11]

Correct

Except as I said above, you don't actually need the Hub 2 at all. The 8800 DSL port can support VDSL2.

[#12]

So I don't need to change the VPI/VCI or Encapsulation mode or anything else?

I know I don't need the Hub 2, but I have a dropped sync speed problem (after 26 months of total stability) and Plusnet have more or less insisted that the only thing left to try is a more modern device than my 5 year old Billion.  Just trying to find the easiest way to do that rather than configuring the Hub 2 for my LAN static IPs, virtual servers and open ports (all of which I'll need to figure out how to do when I'm fairly familiar with the Billion interface).     

[#13]

Ok, lets step back a bit!.

I'd assumed you were upgrading from ADSL to Fibre, I'm guessing that was wrong.

What Plusnet product are you actually on ? and are you changing or is it just that PN think your router is causing the problem ?

[#14]

@MisterW  No I'm on FTTC.  A fair distance from the cabinet but my target SNR reset to 3 in early 2022, which gave me stable sync speeds 39-40 and a download speed c 38 on a quiet (rural) connection for more than 2 years. Then after 3 dropouts in 24hrs April 12/13, DLM reset the target SNR to 6 and my sync speed dropped to 32, where it stubbornly remains.  I've jumped all the usual Plusnet hoops including changing my router (for another Billion - an 8800NL - that I have). Plusnet then closed the ticket said the fault had been resolved. 

So I called them and sending me this Hub 2 is what they came up with 'cos my Router is 5 years old.

I'm happy to try anything if it makes sense, cos a 20% drop in speed matters when you are down as these speed levels.  But if I'm wasting my time with this Hub 2 the it can go in the cupboard when it arrives.....

[#15]

Ok, I understand now. TBH I don't think the problem is your router BUT lets humour them!

Back to Plan A , add a WAN connection, port Ethernet , Type PPPoE as on page 110. Then set the Hub 2 in bridge mode, connect a LAN port (any of 1-3) to the 8800 EWAN port 5. You dont need to change any of the 8800 DSL port setttings, they should remain.

I'd be amazed if it makes any difference to your speed, it WILL make it difficult to see the DSL stats e.g sync speeds , since they are now in the Hub 2. The only way you can see them will be to connect a PC directly to the Hub 2 (which will ONLY be able to access the Hub 2 GUI i.e no internet ).

I suspect support said they will be able to run remote diagnostics with the Hub 2, they won't! (its in bridge mode)