bt engineer access

bikeman · 20-02-2011, 11:38

Hi

Just ordered BT Infinity and before my install I need to ask what access the bt engineer requires to the bt boxes. I have two bt outlets, one in the bedroom (where I want the router) and another in the lounge. The lounge one is pretty much inacessible because of an aquarium in front of it. You can just about insert a phone jack but cannot unscrew the cover.

Can anyone tell me what access the installation engineer will require as it's a lot of work to move the aquarium.

Thanks

qasdfdsaq · 20-02-2011, 11:44

The main access he'll need is to the cabinet on your street, in your home it's pretty much plug the modem into the (available) outlet and done. There won't need to be any unscrewing, it's just a filter gets plugged in to every socket that's used.

For optimum performance if you're not using the socket behind the aquarium it may be best to disconnect it entirely at the main socket. However, it depends which of the two actually *is* the main socket - as the modem would need to be plugged in there.

bikeman · 20-02-2011, 12:02

I suspect that as the lounge one is the only downstairs socket that it must be the main one. I would still like to use it for a phone you just cant get at it to remove the cover. Is iot not possible for the modem and router to be on the upstairs extension?

MadGamer · 20-02-2011, 14:03

The Engineer will need access to your Master BT Socket (the first socket where the telephone line enters your property), this will have a new faceplate fitted, and filters are not required as the master faceplate will already have one built into it, and because of the way Infinity works, no DSL filters are required on extension sockets either.

dragon · 20-02-2011, 19:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by qasdfdsaq

The main access he'll need is to the cabinet on your street, in your home it's pretty much plug the modem into the (available) outlet and done. There won't need to be any unscrewing, it's just a filter gets plugged in to every socket that's used.

For optimum performance if you're not using the socket behind the aquarium it may be best to disconnect it entirely at the main socket. However, it depends which of the two actually *is* the main socket - as the modem would need to be plugged in there.

For the FTTC they need to install it at the main socket and will replace the socket/faceplate as needed.

VDSL2 is much more sensitive to wiring than ADSL so they don't want the VDSL signal going through all of your internal wiring as it will quickly degrade the signal

qasdfdsaq · 20-02-2011, 21:38

Sorry, I didn't know - I stand corrected. Must have been a trial thing, as a couple people I know around here didn't get a replacement master socket/faceplate.

dragon · 20-02-2011, 21:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by qasdfdsaq

Sorry, I didn't know - I stand corrected. Must have been a trial thing, as a couple people I know around here didn't get a replacement master socket/faceplate.

That's interesting, would love to see some pictures of their setup if possible and what kind of speeds they get.

It might indeed to be a Trial to see if plug-in type filters would be suitable, perhaps to pave the way for a Self-install option. Although I would have throught if that was the case it would have been reported on somewhere?

In the early days of ADSL it used to be the case that you had to have an engineer install it for you but as it became more widely available they started offering self install options.

Wonder if they'll eventually ease back on the restriction that requires you to use their VDSL2 modem.

bikeman · 21-02-2011, 11:08

Thanks for the replies - sounds like I am going to have to move my aquarium.

Next question - can I ask the engineer to use my existing SSID and key? If not will I be able to access BTs router and change these myself?

Thanks

dragon · 21-02-2011, 11:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by bikeman

Thanks for the replies - sounds like I am going to have to move my aquarium.

Next question - can I ask the engineer to use my existing SSID and key? If not can I change these myself?

You can change them, you should be able to access the Homehub 2/ Homehub 3 they give you, it's the separate VDSL modem that you won't have access to.

Sonna · 21-02-2011, 22:04

See here for more info on BT Infinity FTTC and the type of socket and modem which will be installed. No need for filters around the house. You might even get a Home Hub 3.
http://www.trefor.net/2010/03/18/ftt...exactly-is-it/

TBH an Openreach engineer probably won't change your SSID/wireless key as they're not trained. Sounds daft but thats how it is.

Ignitionnet · 22-02-2011, 12:21

I'll go beyond probably and into won't - the Openreach guy is strictly installing the VDSL and isn't responsible for anything else, nor can he be due to the demarcation between his division of BT and the division supplying you your service, BT Retail.

If Openreach guys did a router install for BT Infinity they would be required to do the same for all ISPs.

dragon · 27-02-2011, 19:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ignitionnet

I'll go beyond probably and into won't - the Openreach guy is strictly installing the VDSL and isn't responsible for anything else, nor can he be due to the demarcation between his division of BT and the division supplying you your service, BT Retail.

If Openreach guys did a router install for BT Infinity they would be required to do the same for all ISPs.

It's not impossible that they could.

There is now a customer equipment module that ISP's can order when booking an SFI2 visit, it actually worries me somewhat as Openreach engineers are not IT engineers and the thought of them poking around with someones computer/router is rather unnerving.