Sky modem replacement - MK2 socket

JT40

Hello,

do you know if I can successfully replace the Sky modem in UK with PfSense directly?
I simply need to attach the cable (commonly called DSL cable) from the socket directly to PfSense.
I have the Openreach MK2 socket (which looks like a socket, I don't see any light as a FTTH modem), I didn't find a way to make it work.

I searched a lot online and I tried every possible solution, it doesn't seem to work, the WAN interface is always down...

What I understood is that I need to set it up as DHCP and put the option 61 (it's due to SKY MER), even if in the PfSense description there is 55, not sure if it's an example though...

I could also ask my internet provider (Sky) to bring me the fiber, it should be FTTH or what's called Ultrafast Full Fibre (from Openreach), the one that connects me directly to the main gateway or exchange, not the cabin.
At that point, would it work faultless?
What is the setup I need to use? I just need to understand if the investment is worth :D , if it's not supposed to work, I won't upgrade.

A simple solution is to buy a decent TP-LINK that supports that protocol, avoiding that 2MB upload crash the router :D , that's what happens to my Sky modem :D

stephenw10

@jt40 said in Sky modem replacement - MK2 socket:

I have the Openreach MK2

That's a DSL connection, FTTC. So you still need a DSL modem between that and pfSense.

The Sky supplied device is no doubt a modem and router combined. Probably also a wifi access point and a switch. pfSense is only the router part of that.

Steve

JT40

@stephenw10 said in Sky modem replacement - MK2 socket:

@jt40 said in Sky modem replacement - MK2 socket:

I have the Openreach MK2

That's a DSL connection, FTTC. So you still need a DSL modem between that and pfSense.

The Sky supplied device is no doubt a modem and router combined. Probably also a wifi access point and a switch. pfSense is only the router part of that.

Steve

Thank you, this is what I thought, but these people are on the same line apparently.

https://www.skyuser.co.uk/forum/ipv6/58986-sky-ipv6-settings-non-sky-routers-12.html#post463605

https://www.skyuser.co.uk/forum/ipv6/58986-sky-ipv6-settings-non-sky-routers-28.html#post466599

In any case, the Sky modem sucks, this is one of the suggested as replacement which supports Sky MER: TP-Link AC2100 - Archer VR2100, which adds up almost 80 pounds to the entire setup... I'm way beyond 700 pounds already :D .

The setup looks in this way, pretty standard:

Plug in your TP-Link to a power supply and connect the grey DSL cable to the corresponding port on the back of your router.
Connect the other end of your DSL cable to the micro-filter that comes with the router and connect it to your phone socket. If you already have a micro-filter, replace it with the new one.
Connect the network cable to port 1 on the router, then connect the other end to your laptop.
Open a browser window and navigate to http://192.168.1.1.
The TP-Link will ask you to set an admin password – make sure you use something secure.
Once in, the TP-Link setup wizard will start:
Input your location and time zone. Click Next.
Select Sky(MER)_VDSL from the ISP list. Make sure it’s this one, as this is Sky fibre. The other Sky option in the list is for Sky Broadband and will not work for fibre connections.
In the username field, enter abcdefgh@skydsl
In the password field, enter 1234567890abcdef
Click Next, then set up your wireless network how you see fit.
The TP-Link will then test the Internet connection and you should see a success message. If you do not, wait for the DSL light to stop flashing and try again – it should work just fine.

What if I request an upgrade to FTTH? Will they give me the classic modem on the wall with optical fibre support? Or not even that and directly to the exchange?

I'm not sure if you are in UK, in any case I'll contact the support, I prefer to spend money for the line upgrade instead of a modem/router :D , assuming is not 250 pounds :D

stephenw10

@jt40 said in Sky modem replacement - MK2 socket:

this is one of the suggested as replacement which supports Sky MER: TP-Link AC2100 - Archer VR2100

That's also a router (with a built in modem) not a modem.
An actual modem is something like the Draytek V130 or Huawei HG612.

I am in the UK but, alas, not yet in a FTTH area.

If you upgrade to FTTH you still need a modem of sorts. The connection is provided via GPON so you get an ONT box that converts that to Ethernet you can plug pfSense into.

Steve