TP-Link VR2800 fibre setup issues

[Frel]

I'm having issues getting the above modem router to connect to my fibre unlimited. 

All lights are white and solid (power, DSL, wireless) except for internet which is orange (internat service is available but not connected).

It claims to support Sky and within the setup there is a specific Sky (MER) VDSL option which I believe applies, however the connection fails every time.  Further, various discussions mention a username and password (generic, but still) that needs to be I put but I'm struggling to find anywhere to do this in the VR2800.

Any assistance specific to this router would be greatly appreciated as I feel as though im missing something frustratingly obvious.

[TimmyBGood]

@Frel 

One post online suggests:

Once in, the TP-Link setup wizard will start:

• Input your location and time zone. Click Next.
• Select Sky(MER)_VDSL from the ISP list. Make sure it’s this one, as this is Sky fibre. The other Sky option in the list is for Sky Broadband and will not work for fibre connections.
• In the username field, enter abcdefgh@skydsl
• In the password field, enter 1234567890abcdef

[Frel]

Thanks for your response, I've read that guide but the issue is that it never asks for the username and password; once I've chosen Sky (MER) VDSL everything is populated automatically (with no way to alter it) and with no mention of username or password (ie it neither inputs them itself, nor asks me for them or even has any boxes indicating them).

[Chrisee]

@Frel the manual makes mention on p14 of a menu page in Advanced/Network/Internet page where you can edit the connection settings. 

[Frel]

The following screenshots represent the only settings I can find following initial setup.  I must admit it's mostly meaningless to me but I see nowhere to input a username or password.

•  

[TimmyBGood]

@Frel 

In some router families, once you've started down a 'wizard' or 'guided' setup route there's no way of getting to advanced settings and manually enter data.  You may need to do a factory reset, start again and opt for an entirely manual configuration.

[Frel]

Doesn't look like they attached, the only things I can change within the internet section are:

Default gateway

DNS address

Use cloned MAC address

There are also LAN settings, interface groupings and DSL settings

[Frel]

Just tried to reset, choose 'other' and setup that way, the only way to enter usernames etc. Is to choose PPPOE, if I choose dynamic IP I stell get no options.  Trying PPPOE let's me enter the details but still fails to connect...

[TimmyBGood]

@Frel 

PPPoE won't work for a Sky connection in the UK (although apparently it does in Eire).  Maybe just check your router is running its most current firmware release?

[Frel]

I'm sure this is an unbelievably stupid question, but if I can't connect the router to the internet how would I update the firmware...

[TimmyBGood]

@Frel 

Presumably you have a Sky Hub too?

[Frel]

That's correct, so I need to replace the hub and connect the router to the network then.  I'm sure I'll be back!

[Frel]

The only upgrade was for a minor vulnerability but I'm now up to date regardless, with no change in the issue I'm facing.  Your help has been appreciated regardless.

[TimmyBGood]

@Frel 

I'd still suggest a factory reset, start configuration again and avoid any wizard or guided options.  Maybe see page 14 in the manual, choose 'other' for ISP, and then look for MER (or something like  'DHCP Option 61' )in the Connection Type dropdown.

[Frel · Accepted solution]

Should anyone else run into this issue, I've solved it and it was frankly ridiculous.

The username and password input fields only exist if you log into the router via an actual computer, logging in via your phone's browser or the dedicated tether app will not show the appropriate fields (nor even reference their existence).

Hopefully my troubles will save others the same irritation in the future.