Migration from FTTC to FTTP - tp-link Deco set up.

[#1]

I'm about to have Openreach round to make the change from FTTC to FTTP. I'm using tp-link Deco X50 units to connect directly. Seems like a few minor changes to the settings which will hopefully be automatically picked up when I restart the units.

Anybody else got experience e with this changeover and the Deco units?

Also hoping to arrange A&A for VOIP transferring old landline number - eek, scary tech!

[#2]

Moderators Note

This topic has been moved from Full Fibre to My Router

[#3]

@jagey 

Anybody else got experience e with this changeover and the Deco units?

This depends on how the Deco router is configured, if it currently connected to a modem using PPPoE credentials then all you need to do is move the internet connection from the modem and connect it the ONT which is effectively a fibre modem.

Does the above describe your current configuration?

[#4]

Thanks, Dan - it does sound like my set-up so I'm hopeful.

I've noted some other comments elsewhere regarding changing PPoE to Dynamic IP and changing IPTV/VLAN from Enabled to Off. I'm going to wait and see if these auto-update when I restart the main Deco.

Should happen Wednesday so I'll report back then.

[#5]

What is your current modem device?

If the main Deco is connected to the ONT is using a Dynamic IP setting it will no longer work, you need to maintain the PPPoE connection using your current broadband username and password. Nothing needs to be reset on the Deco on the switch over day just a reboot is all required.

[#6]

Current device is a Deco X50-DSL connected to the traditional Openreach telephone/modem box.
The less adjustment required the better so I will definitely ‘wait and see’ before anything else!

[#7]

Current device is a Deco X50-DSL

Ah! that version of the Deco has a built-in DSL modem. You will need to change it from DSL modem/router mode to Wifi Router mode ( see page 9 of the manual ) and then connect the correct ethernet port to the ONT. Having to change the mode will probably mean you will need to setup the Deco again, I'm afraid. If you are given any option for VLAN Id then either diable it or set it to 0

[#8]

Useful information, MisterW - I was hoping to avoid a full reset as I've two other plain X50s linked by ethernet as a mesh wifi. I can foresee a cascading series of events happening here!!!

[#9]

@jagey  On a FTTP connection when not using the Plusnet router there is no connection to the Plusnet management platform so don't expect anything to be updated automatically because it won't happen. As has already been stated your existing Deco configuration should work. PPPoE and IPTV/VLAN Off off are the correct settings, the VLAN tagging is removed by the Openreach ONT so does not reach the router.

Edit: @jagey Are you currently connecting the Deco by ethernet cable to an Openreach VDSL2 modem, Not sure what you mean by  ..."traditional Openreach telephone/modem box." If you are connecting to the phone master socket you will need to follow the advice from @MisterW  in msg#7

[#10]

@jagey Well you will certainly have to change the mode, whether that will trigger a full reset I don't know since I've never used one. My guess from other routers I've used is that it will. I'm afraid there's only one way to find out...

[#11]

Yes - we only learn by trying…

My concern at this point becomes that the Deco settings are almost entirely accessed via the App and that seems to require internet access to communicate with the unit. The LAN webpage is almost totally devoid of functionality - I've had a longstanding thread running on the TP-link site that has attracted hundreds of outraged comments bemoaning this limitation 😕

We shall see…

[#12]

My concern at this point becomes that the Deco settings are almost entirely accessed via the App and that seems to require internet access to communicate with the unit.

@jagey you must have been able to do the basic PPPoE configuration, without an internet connection, previously when setting it up in modem/router mode ?

Setting it up in router mode should be posssible in the same manner

Personally I hate these routers that can only be setup using apps! Give me a web gui configuration every time.

[#13]

Thanks, RealAleMadrid - yes, 'traditional Openreach telephone/modem socket' was just my blither to describe the copper wire splitter box with telephone and VDSL sockets. The main Deco unit has a DSL modem within it that becomes redundant when the ONT gets installed.

All the comments given in this thread have been helpful, not necessarily reassuring, but thanks for the input, gratefully received!

[#14]

The Deco should be more configurable when connecting to it directly via a PC browser rather than usingthe tethering app. A browser on a smart device may not work as expected.
When connected you need to use Advanced Settings. This is the case with a VR400 I used to use and the Archer AX53 I currently use
When using the tethering app you need to ensure the smart device being used is connected via WiFi and not mobile data which requires the Deco to be registered.

[#15]

Thanks Dan,

The Deco system seems otherwise. There's very little configurable in the web gui interface and most admin is handled through the app.

A curious aspect is when trying to set the Internet Connection type in the app. There is an accessible menu for 'Internet Connection' but this is non-configurable - in order to change the connection type, password, username requires a 'Search for a feature' entry, which brings up a nearly identical but configurable set of options!

Bizarre!

The app, of course, can be used 'off site' but this implies that it doesn't connect directly or by LAN IP address to the units.