How to set up TP-Link Archer VR2800 for iiNet Australia NBN FTTN

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How to set up TP-Link Archer VR2800 for iiNet Australia NBN FTTN

This thread has been locked for further replies. You can start a new thread to share your ideas or ask questions.
How to set up TP-Link Archer VR2800 for iiNet Australia NBN FTTN
How to set up TP-Link Archer VR2800 for iiNet Australia NBN FTTN
2022-06-12 06:49:58 - last edited 2023-10-12 10:37:59
Model: Archer VR2800  
Hardware Version:
Firmware Version:

After a weekend of adventures trying to get a high performance 3rd party modem-router that works with iiNet FTTN I finally found one that works. Posting the configuration settings so other poor schmucks don't have to suffer the same frustration of finding a decent modem-router that works with this ISP and FTTN type NBN.

 

Country Australia
ISP Other
DSL Connection Type VDSL
VLAN

Enabled

VLAN ID 2
Connection Type PPPoE
Information provided by your ISP Your iiNet username and password

 

This is a great modem-router, excellent performance, and one of the very rare 3rd party options that is compatible with iiNet FTTN
 

Why was this so hard?

Wondering why it is so hard to find a compatible 3rd party high performance modem-router for this ISP (iiNet)?

  1. Firstly, you need one that meets the iiNet compatibility specs (search their help site for "nbn-byo-modem-hardware-compatibility") 
  2. Then, you need to cross reference modem-routers that meet those specs with the list lower down that page which lists all the models with known incompatibilities (spoiler: this pretty much rules out most of the modem-routers on the market!)
  3. Finally, you need to find a retailer with the device you've chosen in stock. Because by this point you're down to just a few options, this is actually really hard!
  4. The configuration settings (above) to set up the device for iiNet are not listed anywhere official, hence this post :-) 

 

A final point of interest

When NBN rolled out they made a rather short-sighted decision to do  Fiber to the Node (FTTN) and Fiber to the Buiding (FTTB). These types of connection requires that you have both a modem, and a router (or an all-in-one modem/router as described above). Other (better) types of connection (FTTP/H, FTTC, HFC) do not require a modem; you'd plug straight into the ethernet in the wall, or add just a router to add wi-fi capabilities. Because these later types of connection are much more prevelent elsewhere in the world, the manufacturers are investing a lot less in modems and modem-routers, and a lot more in wifi routers.  So for iiNet FTTN/B customers, you have the double problem of very specific needs from the ISP, AND the limitations in availability of modem-routers overall.  Le sigh. 

 

I hope this post helps someone! smiley

 

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Re:How to set up TP-Link Archer VR2800 for iiNet Australia NBN FTTN
2022-06-12 08:49:28

  @maevelander 

Welcome to the community.

I am sure it will dolaugh.

Thank you very much for sharing with us.

Best regards.

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