Forum Discussion

SusiTrooper's avatar
SusiTrooper
Tuning in
2 years ago
Solved

Hub version and method of service connection

Only a quickie...

Am I correct in that the external fibre is connected to a Vector Technologies Boostral 720(721?) RFoG micronode. From there, an RF cable goes to the Hub which provides the Ethernet connections WiFi, etc.

I totally understand if this is true as it makes sense on compatibility grounds as older VM connections are still being serviced via RF cables. This means that the same RF-coupled hubs can be used across both service delivery infrastructures.

I just wondered if this RF link is still being used for the fabled near-mythical GPON Hub 5x?

  • Roger_Gooner's avatar
    Roger_Gooner
    Alessandro Volta
    2 years ago

    Some RFoG installations use the Boostral ONT, but XGS-PON is an entirely different technology without RF and the hub 5X is used with the ONT being part of the hub.

  • goslow's avatar
    goslow
    Alessandro Volta
    2 years ago

    VM's different connection methods are below

    https://community.virginmedia.com/t5/QuickStart-set-up-and/Virginmedia-Fibre-is-it-fibre/m-p/5449360#M240583

    If the fibre is converted to coax the wall box contains the media converter

    https://richardglover.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/IMAG0971-e1501113493339.jpg

    although I think in some later versions the media converter was installed inside (could be wrong on that though)

    In the latest XGS-PON the fibre is brought into the home and plugs direct into a Hub 5x.

    Useful info on that below inc. some fibre spec's

    https://community.virginmedia.com/t5/Networking-and-WiFi/Superhub-5-amp-5x-Discussion/td-p/5351994

    and a video of the installation method

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxlQTCZkeYU

  • SusiTrooper's avatar
    SusiTrooper
    Tuning in
    2 years ago

    Thank you both for your help.

    I understand what's going on now. The links were also very helpful.

    The video (that I'd seen earlier) was the one causing all the confusion. The installer shows him fitting a *fibre link* inside the house from a fibre wall-socket to a Boostral 720 signal converter.

    {I was unaware that the old external Boostral 610 & co-ax feed through the wall was still a thing! I sincerely hope not. Poking the fibre through the wall to a fibre wall-socket helps future-proof network upgrades.}

    I was concerned how long a fibre length in the house would need to be from the wall-socket to where we want the B720 & Hub to be installed. I'm hoping for internal fibre to be installed inside as opposed to co-ax so that if the m250 connection works as reliably as hoped over the holidays, we will upgrade to the full-fat fibre early in the new year.

    If we can get the internal fibre done in the initial installation, then it's a simple matter to remove the old B720 & Hub co-located pair and then the 5x Hub can just be plugged straight in. It's a simple swap-out; no more hole-drilling and other disruption needed.

    If the installer is not happy on the day to mess about running a fibre from a fibre wall socket to where I'd like the final Hub position to be, then I'm hopeful that I can convince the nice installer to leave a 10m length of internal patch fibre and I'll run it myself through a conduit after they're gone.

    I'm actually happy to call out an engineer for the 10m fibre length to be connected in to the circuit if VM is ok with that. A £25 non-fault call-out fee is so much more civilised than the old £99 charge.

    Once again I am in your debt. I am grateful to all those who haved helped.

    Fingers-crossed that this all goes to plan. Susi xx

    PS - All of this is moot if we get a Hub 5, as opposed to a 5x. 😁