Changing modem to Netgear D7800 - need some hand holding!

[HopeItsChips]

I'd really like to bin off the Sky router entirely, due to poor coverage / range and replace with one device that has a modem and high powered antennae with beam forming. I'm looking at the Netgear D7800 currently, but feel like I'm on the edge of my knowledge regarding specs and requirements. 

I have FTTC (I think!! - see stats below), so I believe I need a modem that supports VDSL2. 

Am I right so far? 

The Netgear D7800 seems to get the best reviews for range and coverage, which will help as my flat has very thick solid walls and by the time the signal gets to my office, it's been through two of them. Other places, it has to go through three. 

I've done things before with powerline systems and access points and I've looked at Mesh systems.
I just hate the mess of too many boxes and wires. I far prefer the idea of one box with enough power to blast through the whole flat. 

I also travel a lot and prefer the idea of being able to tell my wife "reboot the router", rather than getting her to walk about checking status lights on a bunch of different devices. 
On this note, however, I do worry that with Sky not supporting 3rd party routers, things might be problematic if I go away and rebooting the router doesn't sort everything. 

So basically my questions are: 

1. Is my understanding right, do I have FTTC and need VDSL2? 

2. is the Netgear D7800 a good choice? 

3. Does running your own router cause problems? 

Many thanks for reading this - I've not had coffee yet and tend to ramble... 🙂

[cookiemonsteruk]

@HopeItsChips 

The netgear d7800 does not appear to support skys dhcp option 61/sky mer authentication so won't work.

Furthermore it may be better to opt for a modem bridge such as the tp link td w9970

Instructions for setting up tp link td w9970 as modem bridge

select sky vdsl from isp list

https://www.tp-link.com/uk/support/faq/1332/

And a wifi 6 router to future proof your line for when full fibre fttp arrives such as

Asus rt ax56u

Asus rt ax58u

Asus rt ax68u

Asus rt ax86u

Asus rt ax88u

In that way when fttp arrives you can ditch the tp link vdsl modem (it just costs £35) and plug your chosen router directly into the ont (fibre optic modem)

[HopeItsChips]

Thanks so much for the info - I was just at the point of pulling the eBay trigger on a used one!

I'm still hoping for an all-in-one solution - and I just can't bear the idea of two boxes with antennae and all their attendant wires and power supplies, if there's any way to avoid it.

My last flat had a makeshift mesh with powerline boxes and an Apple AirPort Express in each room (got em cheap in a clearance auction).

it worked great, but was messy as hell.

Just while im checking assumptions: am I right that the Sky router will not work simply as a modem? I see a tickbox to turn off the WiFi and I think I recall a box to stop it acting as a DHCP server (or DNS server?) - again, I'm at the edge of my knowledge here...

if that's the case, what are the accepted best one-box replacement modem/router combo devices? 

thanks again for the help!

[cookiemonsteruk]

@HopeItsChips 

The one below tp link archer vr2100 and its bigger brother tp link archer vr2800 should both work with the vdsl connection and fttp

TP-Link AC2100 Wireless MU-MIMO VDSL/ADSL Modem Router, Dual-Band, Wi-Fi Speed Up To 2.1 Gbps, OneMeshTM, Versatile Connectivity, 4 x Gigabit Ports +1x 3.0 USB Port, Easy setup (Archer VR2100) https://amzn.eu/d/dst18nQ

[HopeItsChips]

Great.

Ordered a TP and will report back.

thanks again!

[HopeItsChips]

One more quick question: 

You say above the TP Link will work with FTTP. 

I'm pretty sure I'm FTTC. 

Can you confirm from my stats that's correct? (Also: I'm plugging into a DSL socket on the phone line wall-box and getting a max speedtest of 60Mbps, so can't be full fibre!)

Assuming it is correct, the router you reccomend is still the right way to go, yes? 

Forgive me - I'm not being pedantic, just want to avoid getting the wrong thing!

[cookiemonsteruk · Accepted solution]

@HopeItsChips 

It has a vdsl modem for superfast fttc which can by passed by putting it into wireless router mode for when fttp arrives. Just make sure you go for the vr2100 or vr2800. Then you'll be sure its a modem router and not just a router

[HopeItsChips]

Ok - just won an eBay auction for a tplink at £25.50!

should be with me tomorrow.

what could possibly go wrong? 🤣

[Mike+hogan]

Hi,

I've just managed to get my Netgear X4S D7800 working with my Sky Broadband.  It took some messing around with the settings but it working perfectly now.

The main 3 things I had to change was:

1. Enable VLAN ID = 101

2. (removed)

3. Use the MAC address of my Sky Modem/Router

4. Client Identifier String (option 61) =(removed)

When you set the require a login option to 'No', you will then see the Client Identifier String (option 61) settings at the bottom.

I hope this information saves you some time.

(removed images)

Moderator comments: removed links and photos containing personal details