JB HiFi is offering this 2701HGV-W 4 port wifi modem/router in their latest catalogue. It's branded BigPond but is not locked to their network AND it's the current model. There's some discussion of it on Whirlpool forum: http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=1123643&p…
For $30, which includes a pair of ADSL splitters & various cables, you can't go wrong. It even has VOIP.
where does it say its adsl2 compatiible and includes VOIP?
you should probably read aggregate, it's NOT LOCKED.
how do you know it supports ADSL2? the catelogue only says ADSL
I am not 100% sure but I think this is 2701HGV-W.
According to bigpond website: http://my.bigpond.com/internetplans/broadband/adsl/whatisit/…. There is the list for home gateway network content. Maybe Pete make a typo 2701HGVW not 2701HGW.
Here is the specs for this modem
http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/bc/hardware/?action=h_view&model_…
I forgot to ask pete. How do u know if it is unlock?. It doesnt say anything about unlock on jb site.
Yep, sorry about typo, meoden1005 is correct. The modem's made by 2wire (2wire.com); here's a press release about Telstra's choice of the 2701. http://www.2wire.com/index.php?p=423&pid=170
It's definitely an ADSL2 modem and the 2701HG manual on the 2wire website outlines VOIP setup. I'm hoping to get one tomorrow. Regarding unlocking, I'm relying on the Whirlpool forum. Here are details of enabling VOIP: http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=1072656
Does anybody know if this router will work on TPG's ADSL2 Network?
TPG's website states:
'Please Make sure your modem supports PPPoE'
Thanks.
Yes, the manual for 2701HGV lists PPPoE as a connection option. You can download it here (3.9MB): http://www.2wire.com/pages/pdfs/2701HG_user_guide.pdf
has any body purchase one yet and confirm it is unlock and doesnt not require any contract??
thanks
i just purchased it from JB Liechhardt, theres only 2 left I think.
City store in pitt dont have any stock same with townhall.
Btw does anyone know what the steps are to allow it to logon to the TPG network?
Are you sure about Sydney CBD Pitt St store not having stock.
I bought one from there at 2000hrs (22/01)
They did not have them on display but when I asked the guy at the counter he went in and got one for me.
The lady at the checkout could not believe the price and had to check with someone before she sold it to me.
Have not yet tested it, will try and do that tomorrow.
btw. they did mention, No Returns unless it was not working.
froddo: you need to enter your username and password into the modem firmware, that's it.
no stock at JB Bundall Gold Coast.
None left in Perth .
Joondalup, Myaree and Malaga ordered a couple more; I picked one up from Malaga just now.
I used to work for bigpond, and that modem can be used for other providers, the only little nasty in the firmware is bigpond zero touch which may automatically change your ISP username & password to what the bigpond servers think it should be. This should only happen if the modem has been registered with bigpond, but it has been know to happen randomly too. It is ADSL2+ and is quite a smart device ie.. automatically setting up DMZ if another router is detected ect….
to configure (DO NOT USE THE CD it will only configure it for Bigpond) instead point IE to http://10.0.0.138 it is also configured with a WPA key (easy to change) and its printed on the bottom of the modem..
this guy knows what he is talking about….bigpond modems can be a nitemare to use on other networks unless you know what you are doing!
so thumbs up to you sonicentropy
This is a real sweet price! Lets hope I am not too late
That whirlpool post (from the OP) is pretty scathing!
Huh? Original post seems fine…do you mean page 2?
Bottom post of page 1 in particular..
"It sure aint worth anymore than $30. And if they are doing that I wonder if they are refurbished ones. Piles of them get returned. If not, I wonder if this is pointing the way to Telstra dumping the contract with 2wire. They are really causing loads of headaches to them.
There are real issues with these modems. Particularly wireless needs to be set really slow to actually work with games etc and not cause the router to stop working.
/forum-replies.cfm?t=1076251
Consider it a toy. Something to play with. But it is totally ruined by Telstra firmware and unavailability of generic.
Read the thread carefully before launching out.
/forum-replies.cfm?t=808533
Don't feel bad if you miss out. They go for that price pretty regularly on ebay."
And other posts saying they're hard to set up (although they are countered by others saying they're not that hard).
At the price they're still a deal and I'm going to try picking a couple up as a back-up (my modem is 3 years old now) and for my parents (solely for the VoIP ATA capability).
bought one yesterday, works perfect with exetel. changing username for isp was no problem at all.
great device for no money at all…
Good news: JB Hi-Fi in Hobart says new stock on way, special price holds for life of catalogue (till Feb). They're taking orders.
I am going to try grab one today, make a good backup for my netgear and cant argue with the price better than the $220 BP would charge their customers to buy outright.
Don't bother. Netgears never break down.
Well, my 1st gen DG834G did. ;)
all sold out in vic :(
I have just been told its not ADSL2+ and just the standard ADSL
Please confirm anyone
Not according to this Whirlpool spec sheet.
http://bc.whirlpool.net.au/bc/hardware/?action=h_view&model_…
Unless there are different versions of the 2701HGV-W, it should support ADSL2+, see here:
http://bigpond.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/bigpond.cfg/php/enduser/…
It doesn't have to be fantastic, but as long as it does the job with reasonable WiFi (54Mbps) performance, it's a nice option. My friend's going to go with BigPond anyway, so should have no drama.
Noooooooooooooo!!!!!!!
"Friends don't let friends use Bigpond!"
Even in the worst case scenario where Bigpond is the only option there is still a better one…
Live without Internet .. :-)
Ok guys I went to Leicheart NSW and bought one
Its ADSL2+ but with a crap upload speed at 480
Wireless seems fine so far
Will update if any dramas
Picked up the last one at Carindale (Qld) this morning, after trying two other stores (Indooroopilly and Macgregor).
Works great!
ADSL2 with TPG
Wireless is good
VOIP connected after 30 mins of going thru http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=808533
post by Minisubwoofer explains everything needed.
++++
Sold out at Macarthur Square, Campbelltown :(
Apparently all snapped up within 2 days of releasing the catalog.
JB in Hobart told me they're getting new stock. They had only one in stock when sale began, have sold out another shipment and are getting more for same price.
I just picked up the last one of these at my local JB. For $30 it's a bargain, considering it also comes with a Netgear wireless USB adapter.
I already have an internet connection, but can I use this modem/router/wifi only for the router/wifi components? In other words I plan to run an ethernet cable from my existing ADSL modem to the other side of the house which has poor wifi reception. Can I then connect this BigPond modem and enable the wifi without utilising its ADSL component?
Also I called just about every JB HiFi store in Melbourne… they have all run out and are not sure if they will be getting any more.
Any comments on how to do this?
Sure. Configure the router and turn off its DHCP server (assuming you already have one elsewhere on your network).
It has a small switch with several Ethernet LAN ports - computers that you plug into those should be able to talk to each other and with machines on the wireless.
Hey G5, how come yours came with the Wireless USB adapter??
The general terms and conditions of the catalogue mentions "Rainchecks will be offered where possible".
Anybody manage to get one in Victoria?
G5 must have the older pack which comes with siemens modem and netgear wireless USB
Is Siemens better or the 2wire one?
BTW is this device locked or will it accept any user ID, password and other settings?
of cos the 2wire is better , newer modem with voip features
no the device is not lock
i got the 2wire modem with the netgear wireless adaptor
That's lucky kingwang coz mine didn't have the usb adapter
Mine is also the 2wire modem… not sure why it came with the Netgear adapter. The modem itself is pretty basic but it will do the job.
I got the USB Wireless Adapter also.
Modem is 2Wire.
Bought it last week from Pitt St Sydney CBD.
To use both the VOIP lines you need to split the 2 line RJ11 connector (4 wires) on the modem such that you have 2 RJ11 connectors which carry a line each (2 wires).
Anyone know where I can get such a splitter?
(I don't want to build one)
Hi, JB Prahran (Melbourne) has got these in stock now. I just picked one up last night. The guy says that these are definitely locked to Bigpond. This seems contrary to everything stated above. Is there an easy way for me to test this? I don't have an ADSL connection and was going to use this to extend my wifi - see my previous post.
Knox store had a few tonight. Camberwel have a lot (so they say). Phone is your friend if you want one. I called at least 12 stores until I found some. They are getting in new stock from time to time. Good luck.
Great price!
Cheapest wireless ADSL2+ modem with VOIP once unlocked.
FYI, tinkering is required to unlock the modem, VOIP also requires software unlock.