Vodafone gigabit fiber: Own router configuration

I am curious why you are doing it. I have my own networking setup behind the modem as well, but still using as the virgin modem as a router. Disabled WiFi and DHCP on it though, and have some (very few) port forwarding rules defined.

Surely using as a router provides another layer of protection.

Will you be using Vodafone's phone or TV services? If not you don't even need to bridge, if your own router supports VLAN tagging you can plug it directly into the ONT and eliminate the Vodafone Gigabox altogether.

@dam099 regarding replacing the Vodafone's Gigabox entirely: is it something you did for yourself?

Our house is being connected to fiber via NBI and I'm considering Vodafone as one of the providers. Talked to three of their sales reps, one said it should be possible (though it sounded like he head no idea what I asked) and the other said I must use Gigabox.

Glaceon said here with NBI I don't need it, so it sounds promising:

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120107233/#Comment_120107233

Got a Vodafone Gigabox for a new gigabit FTTH connection (copper from outside house to fibre on pole, so FTTC strictly speaking).

Currently using pfsense on a generic 4 port mini PC w WAN port designated igc0 on a DSL link. Tried to switch to fibre link with

WAN/link type: PPPOE

username: vodafone@vodafone.ie

password: broadband

VLAN ID: 10 (on WAN port igc0)

Result: no data connection

What have I missed?

Thanks. Will try that. FYI I tried asking ChatGPT, not expecting anything very useful. The response, appended, was light years better than Vodafone tech support (someone in India who thought a VLAN ID was a cable and said "can't help you w 3rd party equipment, we aren't trained").

When I originally set this up on my DSL link years ago I was able to check something with Vodafone tech support staff in Ireland who would have known what a VLAN ID is. My using my own modem and router has saved Vodafone money. I have lost 3 modems (I've used Netgear DG834 routers in bridge mode; $15 on DoneDeal) and one router to lightning or power surges over the years.

QUOTE

To connect a third-party router to Vodafone's gigabit network in Ireland, you will need the following information and parameters:

1. Vodafone Broadband Credentials: Ensure you have the correct Vodafone broadband credentials, including your username and password. These are typically provided by Vodafone when you sign up for their service.
2. Vodafone Network Settings: Obtain the network settings required to connect to Vodafone's network. This information usually includes the following:
   • Internet Connection Type: Vodafone commonly uses PPPoE (Point-to-Point Protocol over Ethernet) for broadband connections. Confirm with Vodafone if PPPoE is the correct connection type.
   • Vodafone Broadband VLAN Tag: Vodafone may require a VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) tag to identify your broadband connection. Confirm the VLAN tag with Vodafone.
3. Router Configuration: Access your third-party router's web interface or configuration page by entering the router's IP address in a web browser. This address is usually printed on the router or provided in the router's documentation.
4. WAN (Wide Area Network) Setup: Locate the WAN setup section in your router's configuration page. Configure the WAN settings using the information obtained from Vodafone:
   • Connection Type: Select PPPoE as the connection type.
   • Username and Password: Enter your Vodafone broadband username and password in the appropriate fields.
   • VLAN Tagging: If required, enable VLAN tagging and enter the VLAN tag provided by Vodafone.
5. Save and Apply Settings: After entering all the necessary parameters, save the configuration settings on your third-party router.
6. Test the Connection: Reboot your router or apply the settings, and wait for it to establish a connection to Vodafone's network. Once the connection is established, test your internet connectivity by accessing websites or performing a speed test.

It's worth noting that specific router models might have slightly different configuration interfaces and terminologies. Consult your router's documentation or the manufacturer's support resources for detailed instructions tailored to your device. Additionally, if you encounter any difficulties during the setup process, contacting Vodafone's support team can provide you with further assistance and specific guidance for your network setup.

UNQUOTE

I don’t think that’s necessary, I’ve never needed it, but worth a go if things aren’t working.

Nothing else worked for me. FTTH from a recent NBI connection.

This help? I see the link won't post so copy paste below, not sure if there is anything in it

If the Vodafone router worked right after trying the Nighthawk then the 10 minute wait wasn't long enough. The network typically checks for new routers every 30 minutes. Next time give it at least the full 30 minutes before giving up on Nighthawk.

• Remove Vodafone router
• Wait 30 minutes
• Connect the Ethernet cable from the Netgear Nighthawk router yellow Internet port directly to the NBN FTTC NCD
• Type http://www.routerlogin.net in your web browser
• Username = admin
• Check underneath the router for the password or it might be password
• Settings
• Setup
• Internet Setup
• Where it says Does your Internet connection require a login? click no
• Where it says Internet IP Address and Domain Name Server (DNS) click on Get Automatically from ISP
• Click apply
• Click the Test button or open a random web page eg. google.com.au
• Change your Netgear router admin password and wireless network name and password if you want
• Logout of the Netgear router

sorry i guessed you wouldnt be using the same modem, its more the advice around disconnecting the vodafone one and leaving for a full 30 min before trying the new,

Mine is FTTH so a different set up but havent had an issue connecting my unifi device directly to the ONT.

Some progress:

I spoke to someone in Vodafone technical support in Egypt who was friendly, helpful, patient, spoke excellent English. (Not uncommon at all in my experience dealing with staff in Egypt)

He confirmed that the PPPoE credentials are

username: E(serial nr)@vfieftth.ie (note typo in this above)

password: broadband (all lower case)

then we had some back and forth over FTTH and FTTC.

My understanding is that FTTH is fibre to the home and FTTC is fibre to the curb. The Nokia box on the wall has a copper cable from the fibre on the pole outside the house so I assumed it was FTTC (no VLAN tag needed). I've seen photos of the "same" Nokia device with fibre going into it and believed it is an XS-101X-Q ONT (where ONT = optical network termination). However, I was assured I had an FTTH connection despite copper connection and, more importantly, that the box on the wall was not a modem and that the Gigabox was a router and a modem (which I knew).

Oh dear. I assumed that the Nokia was a modem and that people who referred to not using the Gigabox dispensed with it (the Gigabox) entirely.

I used the credentials above with and without a VLAN tag of 10 but (no surprise) didn't get a link (using Nokia and my pfsense router).

He tried getting senior technical help but the advice was, in effect, to go away if not using Vodafone equipment. Curiously, he couldn't see an active link even when the Gigabox was online and working (may have been a delayed update to whatever console he's using).

Advice: try another router (my pfsense working fine with PPPoE on Vodafone DSL) and in the meantime use (Gigabox in) bridge mode.

So.. I'll end up running the Nokia and the Gigabox. I could have done this from the start if I'd known WTF the box on the wall was and about which I received no information at all, literally nothing (an empty box with serial numbers on it was all the installer left).

In better news dept my speed test results

DSL link: 4Mb

Gigabit link: 139Mbps, 239Mbps, and 449Mbps on consecutive days since installation (just one test a day at random times).

Update: FINALLY

Home network incl Unifi Access points switched over to new broadband link.

All I had to do was use the Gigabox in bridge mode and disable wi-fi on it (used button on top) and use the correct credentials, VLAN tag of 10 on WAN port and PPPoE.

I'm not getting the static IP I'm supposed to be getting. Will deal with that next. Wonder if it was tied to the Gigabox MAC address; hope not.

Latest broadband speed test: 512 Mbps.

Not sure what the difference between your connection and mine is but I connect my unifi dream machine directly to the ONT no requirement for any Vodafone hardware.

Can you elaborate?

The PPPoE credential are [router serial nr]@vfieftth.ie / broadband;

Your router can't function as a router unless bridge mode is disabled. Are you saying it's impossible to enable it? If you can enable it then you can use any DNS you like.

May not be a complete hijack.

I've been trying to get the static IP I'm supposed to get with my Giabit Vodafone link without success. My pfsense router is assigned a random address on reboot. Vodafone's advice begins and ends with "use the router provided to you" and I couldn't get a simple yes or no answer to "is the router's MAC address used to identify the device?"

My Gigabox MAC address is on it and I successfully configured pfsense to use that address. This didn't resolve issue, suggesting that the device's IPv6 address, which I don't know, may be used instead. The device is in bridge mode and I don't know if I want to bother faffing any further (half-expecting that even if successfully assigned the IPv6 address to my WAN interface that that still won't be enough). It may be easier to just give up and use DDNS.

In short, Vodafone can recognise their own equipment but if you can get a valid serial number you may be able to login with another router provided you have a modem / router in bridge mode (see earlier messages in this thread).

Update:

I've had a look at another Gigabox router offline. It's not obvious that it supports IPv6 so don't know how it's being recognised.

Update 2:

Tried that router online. Gets a random IP. Have since found this

which seems relevant. First step is get things working with Vodafone router then swap.