Vodafone offering 2000Mbps

Padmund

Hey folks,

Wondering if anyone can help me - just had my BB upgraded from 1gig to 2gig from Vodafone but still only getting 1gig speeds via LAN.

My setup is:

The ethernet coming from the NBI box going into the SFP+ module in the Gigabox+ from Vodafone.

A CAT8 cable running from the 10gig lan port on the Gigabox+ into a 2.5gig usbc ethernet adapter on my computer.

I feel like it should be straight forward - I understand the other LANS would be capped at 1000mbs - but shouldn't the 10gig port on the Gigabox+ going into a 2.5gig port support me getting the near full speed on the computer?

(I did also try putting the NBI box ethernet into the 10gig wan/ lan port instead, and then my cat8 from the sfp to my computer but that seemed a no go also)

Many thanks,

Paddy

ItHurtsWhenIP

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121526478#Comment_121526478

Check the network adapter settings in Device Manager - is "Speed & Duplex" set to Auto Negotiation or 1.0 Gbps Full Duplex?

If the laptop adapter is Auto, then check the port on the 10 Gbps switch and see what it is set to.

If it is saying 10 Gbps ... then change the cable.

heavydawson

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121528195#Comment_121528195

Also update the drivers. 99% of the USBC-Ethernet 2.5G devices are powered by Realtek chips. Grab the latest driver relevant to your operating system here:

https://www.realtek.com/en/component/zoo/category/network-interface-controllers-10-100-1000m-gigabit-ethernet-usb-3-0-software

And make sure your adaptor is plugged into a USB 3.0+ port.

Padmund

Thanks guys I appreciate the reply.

The 10gig port is the one of the Vodafone supplied modem itself so I cant see a way to check if theres a way to see if its limiting speed. Only thing perhaps I can see is it referencing 'Physical Interface10G Ethernet SFP' (the device is SPF+ for 30meters)

I run the latest driver from above and checked the usbc's settings - these are plugged into a Mac Mini M2 (only few months old) which was USBC3 and above only port wise.

Cable wise its all Cat7 or Cat8 I've been testing it with.

I rang Vodafone and after 45 minutes they gave up and said they would send an engineer but the tech support sounded deflated and like they just wanted to go - so I hope I do actually get an engineer out - they said id get a call the next say but alas nothing yet (obvs its chrimbo so that might delay it but this was end of last week)

LAN aside, even with a wifi6 enabled device connected to the box (which is also wifi6) I'm only getting pretty much what I would have gotten on the old 1gig line also - so its making me think is it possibly something to do with the line / Gigabox+

Not sure how long I'll be waiting for an engineer - and I know this is totally first world problems 1gig is more than enough for anything currently - its moreso I'm a nerd, and the principle that I'm paying for something and should be getting that service etc

Cuddlesworth

I'm pretty sure that box only negotiates 1gig or 10gig which is not uncommon. So a 2.5gig adapter is only going to connect at 1gig.

Whats even worse is that tech support couldn't tell you that.

Padmund

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121560917#Comment_121560917

Hey thanks for this - so how would one go about getting the actual 2gig speed? Or might there be another workaround do you think.

I just had the engineer here (KN Group) and he replaced the box but exact same result, I think the poor lad knew less about the 2gig that I did - so he said get back onto vodafone again, have just done that so will see what happens now.

Such a shame - like I know it'll be grand I can happily live with the 1gig no problem - but moreso, why advertise the 2 gig and provide 2 gig hardware if it dont work out of the box like it should.

Again, even using wifi 6 device with the box I'm still only getting the same speed with as I was on the 1 gig line also -.

Can’t seem to avail of 2GB down my way even though it was initially launched in 2022… I’ve had SIRO since 2020.

surely doesn’t take that long to upgrade to 2GB?

Cuddlesworth

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121562119#Comment_121562119

Get a 10gig adaptor(think it has to be thunderbolt) or a switch with 2.5gig ports + a 10gig uplink to the vodafone box.

In reality, its a waste of money unless you have a specific use case or real need for that the other gig and most people don't. You would be better off downgrading the line and saving money if thats a option.

And they advertise the big number because people pay for for the big number. And it really doesn't cost them anything, more bandwidth doesn't usually result in high usage.

heavydawson

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121560917#Comment_121560917

I'm not sure there's a requirement for 10G on the client side

Source:

https://n.vodafone.ie/business/support/broadband.html

Cuddlesworth

To say Vodafone are lacking specifics on the Gigabox+ would be a understatement but I retract my earlier statement. I just checked on a macbook and switch here and if it shows 2500 base-t on the connection in OSX, then its successful connected at 2.5gigs. You can rule out the machine and its link to the router.

"My setup is:

The ethernet coming from the NBI box going into the SFP+ module in the Gigabox+ from Vodafone.

A CAT8 cable running from the 10gig lan port on the Gigabox+ into a 2.5gig usbc ethernet adapter on my computer."

So its NBI box <-- Ethernet cable --> SFP+ module --> Gigabox+ ? Are they beside each other? Forgive my ignorance but I havn't seen this setup in person and all it would take is one device to link at 1gig to cause this problem.

Usually depending on vendor, the link lights will give you a indication of the negotiated speed if the Vodafone box doesn't. You would want to confirm that link is not just 1gig. At that point, its on vodafone.

heavydawson

What's interesting above is that Vodafone are recommending matching speeds between the SFP module and the client device, which seems to suggest that the LAN should be using the SFP, and not the dedicated 10Gbe port elsewhere on the Gigabox+

They mentioned this elsewhere on their site:

In order to be able to get 2GB speeds on a wired connection, you will need to purchase a Small Form Factor Pluggable (SFP) from here for €75. The SFP will be shipped to your address where you can plug it in and receive 2GB speed. Without the SFP, you will not receive 2GB speeds. Customers who use a wired connection and want to achieve speeds above 1,000Mbps on our Gigabit 2000 Fibre Broadband product, must have a small form-factor pluggable transceiver (SFP). This is required for wired connections only, if using WiFi connection, you can receive speeds up to 1.6GB and do not need to purchase an SFP.

Might be worth connecting the NBI box to the 10Gbe WAN/LAN port, and connecting your laptop to the SFP port to see what happens.

Another thing worth testing is connecting your laptop directly to the NBI ethernet port. Even if the internet doesn't work (without configuring the VLAN on your laptop), you should at least be able to see what speed is auto-negotiated with the NBI box. It should be 2.5 Gbps (NBI will auto-negotiate up to 10gbe). If your laptop cannot connect to the NBI box at 2.5gbe speeds, then it suggests there might be an issue with the NBI ONT itself.

Padmund

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121567420#Comment_121567420

Heya yes thats correct, they are all right beside each other with 1m or so Cat7 / Cat8 cable (which i've swapped out to rule out also). And yea my thoughts too were moreso the speed coming in only maxing at 1gig for some reason.

Padmund

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121568901#Comment_121568901

Thanks for this.

Yes I tested the NBI -> SFP+ and also NBI -> 10GIG WAN/LAN port and the results were the same, and wifi wise as they mentioned should be able to get upto 1.6 but still only maxing at about 600 on a wifi 6 device which is similar to before upgrading.

I have no however checked your suggestion of connect the NBI ethernet connection directly through to the computer - I'll give that a go over the weekend to see what the craic is.

Overall very disappointed with Vodafones care, now almost 2 weeks since issue logged with them. Interestingly the last person in tech support on Tuesday who I spoke with said that this was a known issue to him, and the only step they had was to escalate to their tier 2 tech support.

Ah-Watch

I'm not sure if you're within cooling off but could you try another provider who has 2GB? I think Blacknight do it but not sure who else. Vodafone care are polite but trying to get anything resolved or meaningful support is like pulling teeth with them.

heavydawson

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121575587#Comment_121575587

Actually, I don't know how I didn't cop this before, but you mentioned you had an NBI ONT right?

Vodafone don't offer 2gbps packages on NBI, only on Siro (and possibly via OpenEir - that I'm aware). Their NBI packages are 500/1000 on NBI.

https://n.vodafone.ie/shop/broadband/nbi-broadband.html

Glaceon

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121575572#Comment_121575572

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7pW2Pz2h10

Since you're using Cat 8 I thought I'd share this, it suggests that some Cat 8 is fake so the cabling could be an issue.

RobbieV

These internet companies are acting like a cartel with their pricing models. (CPI +3%)

Lads I’m thinking about switching to BlackKnight 2gb. I think I need to sort out my own router though.

Any suggestions? Cheers

heavydawson

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121585959#Comment_121585959

Ideally you want a router with 2 x 2.5+gbps ports (WAN + LAN). If you have more than 1 device in your home with a 2.5gbps+ port, then buy a small 4/8-port 2.5gbps switch.

If money is no object......get a wifi 7 mesh.

Do you really need 2gbps?

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121586218#Comment_121586218

Thanks I’ll take a check around see what I can find.

Yes I do.

Padmund

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121581413#Comment_121581413

Heya yes thats what was available originally however just before Christmas they started offering 2gig on the NBI lines also - its very new, even the technical that came out had said he'd only seen a handful of them so far himself...

.... Now... that of course is assuming Vodafone isn't miss-selling / misadvising !

Padmund

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121576296#Comment_121576296

My cooling off period was the day that the engineer came - I'm confident enough though that as I logged the fault the day the router arrived that I could complain and wrangle my way out of it or at least just go back to the 1 gig plan if the 2 isn't available.

I might check with blacknight out of curiosity to see what thry say about available NBI speeds here

heavydawson

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121588046#Comment_121588046

Interesting! If you don't mind me asking, what were they charging for the 2gbps?

Padmund

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121589262#Comment_121589262

yea its 70e a month for the 2 gig compared to the 45e a month for the 1 gig but I just searched the eircode here again and its bringing up some offers at the moment too:

Padmund

Further update from vodafone is that they say my line isn't available for 2 gig.

I've asked them why the eircodes in this area are showing 2 gig available and why their sales team told me I could upgrade to it - but its like talking to a brick wall.

I'm going to log a formal complaint at this stage as I logged the issue on day 1 of getting the hardware within the cooling off period, and then see if I can go to blacknight or ANYONE other than vodafone at this stage.

heavydawson

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121597471#Comment_121597471

What products does your Eircode say are available on their NBI page:

https://n.vodafone.ie/shop/broadband/nbi.html

?

Ah-Watch

If 1Gbps is the max the line will actually take and they let you out of contract I'd look at Digiweb. Their customer service is excellent, technical support is excellent and in my mind the Fritzbox is better than the Vodafone Gigabox (1Gbps) kit, I haven't used the 2Gbps VF modem so don't know how good that is. I would immediately ask for a manager and request they release you from contract and then follow up with a complaint

heavydawson

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121599764#Comment_121599764

The line will go up to 10gbps as all NBI ONTs support it technically.

I think there may be some confusion on the the sales teams side though. I check my Eircode and while I can only get a 1gbps personal package, I can also get a business package up to 2gbps.

So if you really want the 2gbps and you don't mind paying extra, ask them if you can open a business account instead?

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121599797#Comment_121599797

honestly you’d be better off just staying with a consumer plan or trying someone else.

Padmund

UPDATE!

So, I finally managed to get a manager callback today - and it turns out, the exact thing I highlighted to the on my very first call to them - was in fact correct and what has been causing the issue. When I initially spoke with Tech Support I asked them is it possible that a setting on their side was limiting the speed coming through to me - and they said no, I was on the correct 2gig package and all should work. I pushed them further asking though if theres a further way for them to limit speed on a connection like there is on copper wire etc. Anyway they said no again that once I was on the right plan thats all that was needed.

Today - the manager rings me and low and behold, he explains that I was correct all along, in addition to changing the plan there is another portal internally that is specifically for NBI that has 3 tiers of speed and that my speed tier within the NBI portal had not been updated from the premium (1 gig) to the Elite (ie 2000mbs ) package on NBI's side and this is what was causing the issue. He updated it there and then for me instantly.

So I give you ... my 2gig NBI connection !!

NEVER GIVE UP lol

And these are the base offerings from NBI currently:

lotas

I like the sound of High Speed Broadband Business Enterprise... Im on a business link with Blacknight (2Gb/s, 200Mb) but getting an extra 200Mb/s up would be nice... Anyone know of any providers doing that speed?

Padmund

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121605189#Comment_121605189

I know Vodafone are anyhow! https://n.vodafone.ie/business/products-and-solutions/fixed-communications/single-line.html

lotas

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121634197#Comment_121634197

When i put in my EirCode, it shows me speeds upto 2Gb down, but no mention of up... So, it might be that 400Mb is only available on SIRO? OpenEir might not have that enabled...

Padmund

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121640327#Comment_121640327

Heya no the table above is specifically NBI only, if its an enterprise plan offering 2gig down it should then be the 400up - they've had that business plan around for a good bit longer than the consumer / residential plan so all should be hunky dory - the speed banding are set by NBI themselves

NIMAN

Genuine question, if you just a standard enough household, maybe 5 people, are you really going to notice any difference at all going from 500meg to 1gb or 2gb?

heavydawson

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121646617#Comment_121646617

For a standard house, no.

The highest quality video stream from any of the streamers is about 40mbps (Apple), so you'd need 12 people streaming 4k videos from Apple TV+ to saturate the 500meg package.

The only time you'd all benefit from the higher speeds is if you were all avid gamers and were all trying to download massive games at the same time, and even then, the savings would be in the order of minutes, not hours, and that would only be for the once-off install.

Padmund

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121646617#Comment_121646617

very fair - and probably not right now - but I moreso see it as future proofing for the coming years for myself, whilst I do some work with large files the one gig probably would have been more than enough - right now its more a novelty of being able to stream 8K without any lag, given that prior to NBI our speed was 12mb on a good day via satellite type connection which was constantly dropping.

NBI has honestly been such a godsend for rural areas, its unreal to think in the backarse of a field in rural Sligo we can have 2gig connection. Next plan is to get the wiring & switch throughout the house upgraded so all the rooms can have their own ethernet - the thick concrete walls don't play nicely with the wifi - so currently using mesh system.

anyhow - sure sitting running speedtests is my new favourite past time lol

lotas

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121646617#Comment_121646617

for standard house, probably not... Xbox games will come down in around half the time going from 500mb/s to 1Gb, but 2Gb wont make a difference given the Xbox only has a 1Gb port. Same with PS and PC Games (unless your PC has a 2.5gb link...). streaming wont make much of a difference either. Uploads are going to double though, so backups or uploads to Dropbox/One Drive, etc, will be faster. For me, I backup a LOT of stuff to different locations, plus Video editing and backups of 8K Video footage, along with RAW Photos, etc... uploads are more important than down. If a provider gave 1Gb symmetrical, i would swap my 2Gb down link to 1Gb symmetrical any day! But, again, that is me...

Glaceon

The improved upload speed would be of more use to me. I'd have no real issue with 500Mb down, but 50 up is a bit too low for me. I used to have SIRO at 1000/200 in my old place but only have 1000/100 now.

KubaKLucan

have any of you that recently signed up to 2gb actually been issued a gigabox+ modem? i signed up about a month ago and they gave me a regular gigabox. now sure i use my own router (udm pro) so i dont care about the wifi 6 on the gigabox+ only really to use it as a modem to offload all the pppoe stuff to the vf modem. as far as i can tell they removed everything about the gigabox+ from their website other than a support page.

Ciferos

Yes, I got a Gigabox plus - the technician ran to the van and was excited to deploy it, I only get 950down and 225up, though.

(I pre ordered this on NBI ages ago now they won’t sell the 2GB line anymore !)

heavydawson

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121907879#Comment_121907879

Did you do that test via an ethernet connection directly to one of the Gigabox+ 10Gbe ports, and was your client also using a 2.5gbe+ port?

Ciferos

yes, tested with an Ethernet cable on my laptop directly connected to the Gigabox plus, don’t think my laptop has a 2.5gbe plus port, but the speed should surpass 1gb on WiFi.
having a separate issue though at the moment, they didn’t bury the cable properly so the speed issues will be addressed later.

Strange that the upload is at 225, though.

Glaceon

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121953016#Comment_121953016

NBI overprovision the connection so you can get a bit higher than the rated speed.

lotas

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121953016#Comment_121953016

Very few devices are going to get you full Gig (or more) over Wifi… Wifi 6E or 7 might do it, but looks like the Gigabox is 6, not 6E (limited to 5Gz, not the 6e required 6Gz bands).

Ciferos

As I am using an Orbi Mesh system, it looks like that was the problem, re speeds and other disconnection issues.

Just connected (wireless) to the Gigabox Plus and the speeds have improved!

Very happy!

Robertr

Actually was just chatting to Vodafone, as our estate are going live with FTTH in a few weeks. They mentioned that for a wired connection over 1GBs you need to buy a small form-factor pluggable transceiver (SFP) for €75. WiFi is fine, this is just for wired. Does that make sense?

Ciferos

yes, I have read that as well, but only using WiFi so never saw a need for it.

pizzahead77

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121996036#Comment_121996036

According to the user guide https://n.vodafone.ie/content/dam/gowingmyself/pdfs/GigaboxPlus-Quick-Start-Guide.pdf you need the SFP transceiver if you want to free up the 10GB Ethernet port to be used for the LAN rather than WAN. If you don't use it, then any Ethernet LAN connections will be limited to the 4 1GB ports

BLissIRL

VF since Feb i have applied for 2GB in Glanmire cork. The contract has been cacnelled 7-8 times, the order has been placed 11 times, to date they show i have been upgraded to 2GB on the VF app - but still i get 1GB cap, i have had multiple support sessions , and VF trying to tell me my 10GB and 2.5GB products will not see faster than 1 GB per device.

I am VF on open Eir not Siro, my conenction is on Xpon not Gpon. I am at my wits end with VF and I am now proceeding towards comreg for non delivery of service - hopefully go to an ISP that has a clue of what it is they are selling .

(Durng one of the support sessions - on the expert mode of the system status page - i can see the speedtest they ran from the gigabox+ and it is also limited to 1GB down with around 100Mbps up.)

Sick to death of delaing with India, the constant lies and bullshit they spout.