Replacing a 15-year-old 3BB ADSL Modem/Router

[Tapster]

Hi all,

I have inherited a 3BB ADSL service in our new house.

The ADSL phone line plugs directly into a Huawei HG 521c modem/router.

The router's log shows that it's 15 years old (!) and so (although I'm generally happy with the speed and stability) I would like to replace it with a Linksys E3000 Wireless-N router to increase the wireless coverage and network security. I already have the new router.

My issues/queries are as follows:

1. Is it a better idea to replace the old modem/router or will I get equally good results by connecting the new router to the Ethernet port of the old one and creating a second, more powerful and secure wireless network?
   
2. If I go for replacement, rather than chaining the two devices, I will need the original setup details (see attached photos). I presume 3BB will send me these if I email them with my account number. Please confirm, with ADSL support email address if anyone knows it. I can't find a tech support email address on their website.
   
   Somebody posted elsewhere that I might be able to get a printout of the details from a 3BB shop. Is this possible?
   
3. I presume I will need to buy an ADSL splitter as the phone line won't plug into the new router. I don't need the phone line for a phone so I won't need a filter. Please confirm.

Many thanks for any help!

[eeeya]

better off just ringing them for the password etc.. they'll have english department. email probably wont be returned.

splitter not needed if no phone. but if needed they usually come in the box with new modem/router or separate for a few hundred baht

[NeverSure]

I don't understand. You can't have two routers on the same subnet because the DHCP servers would conflict. You could put the old router into bridge/repeater mode but I don't know why if the new one will cover the house. In any event I'd toss that old router and buy a new repeater if I needed coverage.

Cheers.

[lopburi3]

You have a new router/WiFi - not a modem/router so it can only be used as an addition to your current modem/router - attach the yellow router input to one of your current outputs to provide internet access. Full instructions should be here

http://downloads.linksys.com/downloads/userguide/Linksys_E3000_UG_USA_V10_NC-WEB.pdf

[NeverSure]

^^^ Good catch.

[Tapster]

Thanks for the posts!

@lopburi3

You make a crucial point, I think.

You're saying that, as my existing router is the ADSL modem as well, I'd need a new ADSL modem in order to use the new Linksys router and get rid of the old device. Am I correct?

Many thanks for the instruction manual. I already have it but it was thoughtful of you.

So, I'll be hard-wiring the new router to the old modem/router. By doing this I'll also avoid having to get the 3BB login details.

Thanks for your help.

[KhunBENQ]

About the configuration data.

I see the dotted representation of passwords.

Next to the these fields you see some kind of symbol,

What happens when you click on it?

Do you see the info in readable form then?

Could save you contacting 3BB for the config. data.

[lopburi3]

Yes you would need a new modem - but no reason to not use your current modem if it is not losing connections or some other problem - the new router/WiFi should provide you much better wireless access. So you just need to set up a wireless network on that (which might be easier to do if you plug into it directly from your computer - expect they explain in manual as it is normal to connect to another modem or modem/router.

If you are like me my main access is near a corner of house so have second access wired at about the center of house (and actually only use that WiFi as covers all house well).

[lopburi3]

About the configuration data.

I see the dotted representation of passwords.

Next to the these fields you see some kind of symbol,

What happens when you click on it?

Do you see the info in readable form then?

Could save you contacting 3BB for the config. data.

He does not need to configure anything with 3BB unless he buys a new modem.

[KittenKong]

This device is not 15 years old. If no NTP server is set or accessible then the log will show a default date when rebooted. My own modem defaults to Jan 1 2012.

The NTP server setting is generally found with the timezone settings.

[lopburi3]

As said not 15 years old - 3BB is a relatively new name - the parent was

Triple T Broadband Public Company Limited,

a subsidiary of Jasmine International Group, was founded in August 2005. The company was granted the first “Type 3 license of telecommunications operator” from The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) in February 2006. This license allows the company to provide fixed-line voice and data communication services nationwide.

[KhunBENQ]

A 3BB quick start guide (Thai) for this device shows: Issue: 01 (2010-10-15)

Many search results from the 201x years.

Edited August 24, 2015 by KhunBENQ

[RichCor]

If the OP runs both routers in series then they'll end up with a Double NAT.

This configuration wouldn't be an issue for most people.

But if they want/need incoming port forwards for outside initiated communications (P2P, VoIP, Video Cameras, etc) then this will through a sabot into the works.

[Tapster]

@KittenKong

The earliest date in the device log is April 2000.

I think that means it's been in service for 15 years, no?

[RichCor]

And where do you thing the 'device got that date???

Like a VCR after a power loss, your router defaults to a Jan/2000. Unplug the device, plug it back in and it will again start from Jan/2000 and start its internal clock from there.

It gets the Date/Time from the Internet only when it's set up properly to do so. The ISP doesn't configure it to do this, so the log uses the default data/time.