FTTC to FTTP Connection Details

[#1]

Hi,

I'm currently on the FTTC product but it looks like OR have recently completed the FTTP rollout to my area so have the potential to upgrade.

At the moment I run my own hardware (OpnSense) hosted away from my current modem in another room with the modem connection transmitted on an internal VLAN (over a trunk) so that PPOE can be performed from my router where then my network handles things like wireless aps.

It all works well and ever cautious of external changes impacting my connection I want to do some pre planning should I decide to make the switch so I have a few questions for the more technically minded members of the forum who have already made the switch.

- The ONT will replace my existing modem, can I just swap the cable from the modem to the ONT?

- Is PPOE still be used for FTTP and do the account details remain the same or have things switched to DHCP?  I am hoping it remains PPOE and the answer to my question above is yes so its just 1 cable swap at my end (fingers crossed)

- I have an existing static IP, and I understand that these are no longer being issued, but if I upgrade would I lose the current assignment with switching between technology types (I'm assuming they may be managed in different segments of PN's systems).  Do I need to request anything in the order to keep this in place.

Thanks in advance for any info

Minimos

[#2 · Accepted solution]

The ONT will replace my existing modem, can I just swap the cable from the modem to the ONT? - that is correct, to the best of my knowledge.

Is PPOE still be used for FTTP and do the account details remain the same or have things switched to DHCP?  I am hoping it remains PPOE and the answer to my question above is yes so its just 1 cable swap at my end (fingers crossed) - It is still PPOE

I have an existing static IP, and I understand that these are no longer being issued, but if I upgrade would I lose the current assignment with switching between technology types (I'm assuming they may be managed in different segments of PN's systems).  Do I need to request anything in the order to keep this in place. - If you merely upgrade to FTTP on the same account, you retain the static IP.

[#3]

Thank you for the quick respond @jab1 really appreciate it.

Looks like it might be a simple upgrade then as long as the install goes well

[#4]

No reason why it shouldn't @minimos . Sight of the results from either of these links :BT Broadband  or BT Broadband - Address  , hiding your personal details, but including the narrative at the bottom, would be useful.

[#5]

Sure.  Here's the details in the file.

Not sure what congested duct means, assume there must be not much room at some point in the underground infrastructure.

I know BRSK are currently also rolling out using the OR ducts but they are not live here yet (although they did start before OR), and up to last month I was still showing as a 2026 deployment for OR so I have a suspicion OR 'expedited' there deployment here based on this despite it saying not a priority area and actually beat BRSK to it.

[#6]

'congested duct' means it is 'a bit full' - or possibly has damage. The install is shown as 'KCI2 assure', which, if I recall correctly means that there would be a survey carried out prior to any attempted installation, and may slightly extend the work. BRSK would/will have the same problems if/when they get to you.

[#7]

Thanks @jab1.

Key for me is that they don't disconnect my current FTTC service with all my work being from home.

When I order I will see what they say, I recall OR opening up the cover to our street a few weeks back, were there a max of 20 mins and looked like they were doing some sort of cable work.

Will be interesting as there are only 8 houses served from that location on our cul de sac, so it might be a damaged conduit to my property or even they never had time inspect based on the length of time they were in the hole.

[#8]

@minimos They will disconnect your FTTC as part of the installation process, that is a given. However, as this is is a KCI2 Assure installation, they will not do anything until the duct problem is rectified.

That work was probably the installation of the required equipment in the chamber to enable the FTTP roll-out, it doesn't take that long.

[#9]

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@minimos wrote:

Key for me is that they don't disconnect my current FTTC service with all my work being from home.

Given that you're using OPNsense, as a precaution of avoiding any internet downtime, couldn't you connect (say) a 4G/5G mobile phone via a USB cable to your OPNsense box (as a second WAN), and then configure Multi-WAN failover, to automatically provide you with 'emergency' internet connectivity using mobile data, while the FTTC to FTTP work is in progress ?

.

[#10]

@minimos 

This is a picture of the Connectorized Block Terminal (BCT) serving my house. It serves 7 properties so is an 8 port unit.

You'll notice the blue draw ropes left in place. Where possible they checked the house ducts to see if they were clear and if they were, left a draw rope in place. They didn't waste time on every duct - it they couldn't gain access at the property end they simply left it for when an order for FTTP was placed.

Brian

[#11]

@bmc A KCI2 Assure installation should avoid problems, as a survey would be carried out prior to any attempt at installation.

[#12]

@jab1 

If I remember correctly the problem with 2 ducts was the screws on the property wall had rusted so they couldn't access the duct to check.

I did hear that with one of the properties that when FTTP was ordered someone was tasked with checking the duct prior to the house installer turning up.

Brian

[#13]

@bmc The narrative on the screenshot indicates a 'congested duct' - nothing to do with screws.

[#14]

In reply to @outcast 

Yes, that's certainly an option short term on the day, but my data plan is quite limited so would only really cover me for a day or 2.

My bigger concern is that they remove FTTC and then can't get the fibre connection working on the day and I'm left a week or so on data whist they work on it, but i think @jab1 has pretty much allayed my fears with regards the status code and a presurvey work needing doing pre any connection work

[#15]

@minimos When they do the installation, your downtime is around an hour, providing everything goes to plan.