BT 2700HGV. Firmware and software version.

[Jimbo]

Hi all.

Just wondering if any other users of this router could help me out.  Are there any newer/better firmware versions out for this router?  And if so, where would I get them from?

At the moment, I think I have the following:-

Software Version: 4.25.19

If I click "View Details" it takes me to a details page which has a link for "View available upgrades and options".  What does this link do, I'm a little dubious to do anything like this because I am (obviously) not with BT for my ISP; I'm with IDNet.  Will any "upgrade" mean this router will cease to function?

Thanks for any help!

[Lance]

My guess is that any change of firmware will recreate the call home to BT. I'm guessing that you are using the DNS poisioning method for the unlocking of the router?

If so, you could remove the entry, click for the update which would install any available (I don't think that it checks your ISP) and then recreate the DNS entry.

This site might be helpful to you.

[Jimbo]

My guess is that any change of firmware will recreate the call home to BT. I'm guessing that you are using the DNS poisioning method for the unlocking of the router?

If so, you could remove the entry, click for the update which would install any available (I don't think that it checks your ISP) and then recreate the DNS entry.

This site might be helpful to you.

Hmm cheers Lance.  Would appear there is little advantage to upgrading the firmware, well, at least that's how I read it.  

Cheers for the link.  I think I'll just stick with what's on it for the time being.

[Rik]

If it ain't broke... 

[Gary]

If it ain't broke... 

That took me years to learn Rik 

[Rik]

Me too.

[Ann]

I guess I've still got a lot to learn then 

[Rik]

Give it time, Ann. I only learnt it a week ago.

[old Bill]

My 2700 HGV seems to update itself. This is the latest version I am running.
Hardware Version:   2701-100589-005
Software Version:   5.29.117.6
It seems even more steady and syncing at a higher rate with out the help of DMT tool.   

[Lance]

I'm running 4.25.33 and have no intention of updating.

On a different matter, does anyone know how to get this router to accept multicast connections? I remember reading that it would be something that BT, using the remote management of the router, would normally enable.

[Jimbo]

My 2700 HGV seems to update itself. This is the latest version I am running.
Hardware Version:   2701-100589-005
Software Version:   5.29.117.6
It seems even more steady and syncing at a higher rate with out the help of DMT tool.   

I thought DMT Tool didn't work with this Router? 

[Rik]

So did I.

[Lance]

It seems even more steady and syncing at a higher rate with out the help of DMT tool.   

Note the bold bit!

[Rik]

Bold helps.

[Adam]

All this higher syncing and higher SNR is black magic. Bill has mastered the art of tweaking using the stuff.

[Jimbo]

Note the bold bit!

Ah you see, I read that as in before he was using the DMT Tool but now with the newer software revision it is not needed.

[Sebby]

I believe it depends whether you've got SBC firmware or BT firmware. You mention you've got v4.25.19; there is certainly an SBC firmware of this number, which is the latest version.

If the router has been completely reflashed with SBC firmware, you're safe to upgrade (if there was a new version available). If it has BT firmware and has merely been "DNS poisoned", then yes, it's likely that a firmware upgrade would put the router back to how it was.

And as others have said, if it ain't broke... 

[Gary]

I believe it depends whether you've got SBC firmware or BT firmware. You mention you've got v4.25.19; there is certainly an SBC firmware of this number, which is the latest version.

If the router has been completely reflashed with SBC firmware, you're safe to upgrade (if there was a new version available). If it has BT firmware and has merely been "DNS poisoned", then yes, it's likely that a firmware upgrade would put the router back to how it was.

And as others have said, if it ain't broke... 

My BT 2700 auto updated even with the dns trick and it did not cause any issue whatsoever

[mrapoc]

I have the SBC firmware. Think ill have an upgrade tonight

[Sebby]

I have the SBC firmware. Think ill have an upgrade tonight

Unless you're running a version earlier than 4.25.19, there is no update.

[kinmel]

Serial Number:     12071*********
Hardware Version:     2701-100589-005
Current Software:     5.29.107.19  ( was 5.29.107.12, but auto updated this morning )

Having read all the good news here and at the-scream, I splashed out on a brand new dual sid  BT badged 2700HGV from Ebay. I installed it yesterday by just entering my username and password into the setup wizard and it simply worked; no DNS poisoning of any kind.

With a BT2100 modem I used to get a Sync 3616 at SNR 6.0, ATN 55.4 (interleaving is on )

This modem started yesterday at Sync 4512, snr 6.1,  atn 57.5

It re-booted after the software upgrade at 4672 / 6.0 / 58.5

The software upgrade and re-boot kept my login details and connected me automatically.

I am really pleased with it all so far.

[Inactive]

I installed it yesterday by just entering my username and password into the setup wizard and it simply worked; no DNS poisoning of any kind.

That is interesting, thanks for the info.

[Rik]

I am really pleased with it all so far.

Another convert to the fold.

It shows how much line characteristics affect sync speed, though, you have a sync some 1400k higher than mine, despite having 2db more attenuation.

[Inactive]

May I ask if you got it from Fiona Groves on E Bay, feel free to tell me to mind my own business of course .. 

[Rik]

May I ask if you get it from Fiona Groves on E Bay

You wouldn't like to re-phrase that would you, In?? 

[Inactive]

 

[kinmel]

No, I did not get it, or anything else, from Fiona Groves on E Bay 

It was from nighen2003 and you would think I overpaid for it, but it was still in it's sealed box.

[Inactive]

No, I did not get it, or anything else, from Fiona Groves on E Bay 

It was from nighen2003 and you would think I overpaid for it, but it was still in it's sealed box.

Thanks, still laughing at that.. 

[kinmel]

I worried that the 2700HGV would not make any usable difference to my AdslMax connection, but the facts speak for themselves.

Yesterday with a BT2100 my BRAS profile was 3000, today with the 2700 it has jumped to 4000

Yesterday's speedtest on 2100........



Today's , all new, all shiny 2700.............



Go on, you know you deserve one

[Rik]

You can't ask for more than that, can you. OK, you can ask, but you probably won't get.

[Sebby]

Yesterday with a BT2100 my BRAS profile was 3000, today with the 2700 it has jumped to 4000

Well, the bRAS profile isn't actually to do with the router directly; you are assigned a bRAS profile for the sync rate, and it can take 3 days for this to actually be updated to match your sync rate. It's entirely possible, however, that the 2Wire gave you better sync, which in turn gave you a higher bRAS profile.

[kinmel]

It's entirely possible, however, that the 2Wire gave you better sync, which in turn gave you a higher bRAS profile

Yes that is what happens, I worded it badly perhaps.

Since BT introduced Adaptive Max Logic the bRas profile is much more dynamic.

According to Kitz your profile changes :-

   * Decreases in sync speed will still reflect in the IP profile within 75 mins.
    * Increases in sync speed will depend on the percentage of the increase and will vary between a few hours and up to 5 days.

A large % increase in sync speed should see the IP profile rise within 4-6 hours, whilst a small increase may take up to 5 days before the IP profile reflects the change. BT estimates that under "Adaptive Max Logic" more than 60% of increases will now occur before they would on the old 3 day system.

So a 1meg change in sync rate is enough to get the fast re-profiling i have seen today.

[Sebby]

Thanks for posting that, kinmel. I haven't seen that page since it's been updated, so it's interested to read how the system works these days.

The bit about BT's Actuate Report is very interesting. One thing I'd love is to be able to see my profile in the IDNet control panel. If Entanet do it, it must be possible. Saying that, I don't expect my profile to change very often now I've got a 2Wire, but even so, it would be good.

[Ted]

No, I did not get it, or anything else, from Fiona Groves on E Bay 

It was from nighen2003 and you would think I overpaid for it, but it was still in it's sealed box.

I've seen this guy bidding on quite a few 2700hgv's, been making offers on routers from the above seller as well. Obviously buys them in and sells on for a small profit. Nothing wrong with that
Huge leap in sync. Excellent.

[Rik]

One thing I'd love is to be able to see my profile in the IDNet control panel.

We have asked, it's not been forthcoming yet.

[Sebby]

It's not the end of the world, but if would save using the infuriating BT speed tester. For example, my profile was reset yesterday so I've got a different sync, and the BT tester is always busy, so (other than doing speed tests) it's difficult to see when my profile has updated.

[Rik]

I agree. I think it would be very useful. Given the demands on the BT speed test, I've never understood why they don't make the profile available separately. One day...

[Arthix]

Won a 2700HGV on ebay earlier today, paid a bit over the odds (£30inc post) as I was getting fed up waiting, still seems cheap to me for a new wireless router/modem. Hoping the wireless is alot better than it is on my current router.

While your talking about profiles I have a question, The highest profile is 7150 right? Why is it then called "up to 8mb" if its clearly only "up to 7.15mb"?

[Rik]

Because the sync speed is up to 8Mbps, I guess. In the same way, the old fixed speed services were sold at sync speed, not data rate.

Unusually, IDNet do make it clear on their website, "Actual broadband download speeds can vary from below 2 Mbps during peak times, up to a maximum of 7.15 Mbps."

[EvilPC]

Reading through this and other threads, the 2700HGV seems to make a decent difference for most users !!

Anyone got a link to a list of features it supports ??  VPN, Port forwarding etc !!

I'm currently using a draytek 2600 plus and am looking to change.. I'm quite a distance from the exchange and my line has issues (BT Openreach called this morning 2500+ errors in 5 minutes they think it could be an underground issue - they hope to sort it soon)

Would it be worth trying a 2700HVG ?? Any issues or concerns between the older single SSID or newer dual SSID versions ??

Thanks

[Rik]

Sam seems to have found some issues with port forwarding, I'm not aware of anyone using it for VPN (there will now be a rush of people proving me wrong ). In terms of performance, there seems little practical difference.

[EvilPC]

I'd like to know more about the port forwarding issue...  Can you point me to sam's posts ??

I presume it does VPN pass through, not termination..

[Lance]

I've used port forwarding (for torrent software) with any problems.

[Sebby]

Same here.

[EvilPC]

Any issues with buying a 2700hgv from Fiona Groves via ebay or DigiDave_ie ??

Thanks

[Lance]

Several people on here alone have had dud routers from Digidave - he is to be avoided.

I think Fiona has had glowing reports to date.

[Rik]

Though that seems to be changing.

[Rik]

Can you point me to sam's posts ??

http://www.idnetters.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=5135.msg88905#msg88905

[EvilPC]

Thanks..

I can get a 2700HGV model 4201-003003-006  but I don't know if this is a good version or not !!

Fiona has some in... DO I risk it !!??

[Rik]

I don't know is the short answer. The long answer is that my model number starts 2701...

[EvilPC]

Thanks Rik

I seem to think 4201 is an older single ssid model, Fiona is selling dual ssid versions.

Cost difference is single £27.50 /  dual £25.00

HELP

[Rik]

I have the older, single SSID model, but it does have SBC firmware.

[EvilPC]

Is 2701 the hardware version or assembly number ??

Thanks

[Rik]

Hardware version...

[kinmel]

My 2700HGV reads  4201-003003-007.

hardware version reads 2701-100589-005

It is a dual SSID, manufactured week 12, 2007

It worked perfectly out of the box without any firmware changes

[EvilPC]

Just got a Dual SSID version..
No CD with it so trying to work it out..

Any advice would be welcome

[Ted]

No need for a cd.
what do you need to know?

[Rik]

No CD with it so trying to work it out..

You'd only need that for the USB drivers. Otherwise, as Ted says, what do you need to know?

[Ted]

This is the best place to find info on the 2700 http://bt2700hgv.tripod.com/ir1002700HGV.htm

Very useful. if anything isn't clear, just ask.

[EvilPC]

Thanks for the replies.

This is being posted from my laptop connected wirelessly (? is that right) to the 2700HGV

Model:     BT2700HGV
Serial Number:    1***********
Hardware Version:    2701-100589-005
Software Version:    5.29.107.12
Key Code:    528Y-27G4-A222-22BJ-B22V
Enhanced Services:    
Internet Access Control
Content Screening
Firewall Monitor

I've disabled the BT Fusion wireless and left the other wireless on, but changed the SSID / WPA Key etc and enabled MAC filtering.

Also changed the IP Address of the router to match my old one and allowed Web / SMTP / Pop3 to my server.

Seems like I can log in with out any password, even though I've set a system password. !! ? !! Have I missed something ?  What does turning remote management 'off' do ??

I seem to remember a post with a list of links accessible on the router ! Any idea where that is ??
Any thing else I should change or set ??

Just before xmas my DSL dropped from 4mb to 750kb... IDNet have contacted BT who told me I have line faults.  Yet the engineers report said no fault found. Something along the line of the line can't support the supplied service..

Yet it's worked well for 18months. IDNet downgraded me to 2mb, then to 1mb this seems to be holding..  IDNet are contacting BT to try and get my speed back. Hopefully soon..

From what I've read the 2700HGV seems to work well with long lines so I thought it was worth a try..  The 2700HGV Dual (new) cost me £20.00 didn't think that was to bad !!

Thanks

Thanks for your help !!

[Rik]

You seem to have done just fine, as it's working.

The 2700 doesn't require a password for every login, but try:

http://192.168.1.254/xslt?PAGE=J42

that should ask for it.

The list of links is at:

http://www.idnetters.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=5295.msg94104#msg94104

[EvilPC]

Thanks Rik..

I must remember to change the IP address of the link.. Then they will work 

That link you gave shows this:

SL Line (Wire Pair):     Line 1 (inner pair)
Downstream Rate Cap:    1152 kbps
Downstream Atten. at 300kHz:    45.2 dB
Uncancelled Echo:    -25.8 dB    Ok
VCXO Frequency Offset:    6.2 ppm    Ok
Final Rx Gain:    27.5 dB    Ok
Impulse Noise Comp. Tones:    7    Suspicious - impulse noise detected
Excessive Impulse Noise:    0    Ok
Impulse noise protection:    0.00
Delay of latency path:    0.25 ms

Suspicious - impulse noise detected - WHAT

Cheers

[Rik]

It means you've got noise spikes on the line - nothing alarming, but it is undesirable.

[Ted]

In the advanced firewall section, tick the stealth mode and block ping boxes. Probably not a good idea to let anybody manage your router remotely so disable that as well
As the firmware you have is 5.29.107.12 be prepared for an automatic upgrade to 5.29.107.19 sometime soon.
It seems impossible to block this even with the DNS poisoning in place. It won't have any impact on performance though so no need to worry
Also a good idea to read the recent thread started by Killhippie about a vulnerability in some 2wire routers, just to be aware.

[EvilPC]

Thanks.

Just added the wii to the mac filtering and it can get online, yet it doesn't show on the LAN users list ?? Strange !

Also a good idea to read the recent thread started by Killhippie about a vulnerability in some 2wire routers, just to be aware.

Can you point me to this !!

Last question for now 
What's the big button on the front of the router, looks like a key hole picture !

Thanks

[Rik]

The thread is at:

http://www.idnetters.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=5670.0

The button is to allow guests to log on to the router, but don't ask me how, and I'm not sure anyone has ever got it working (or wanted to).

[EvilPC]

Strange issue with the Wireless..

I've added both a wii and a PSP to the MAC Filtering, both have internet access but never appear on the Local Users List...  What am I missing ??

I've remove one from the MAC Filtering list and now it can't get in..

Once allow it access it works but doesn't show !!  Any ideas ?

Thanks for ALL the help

[Rik]

My laser printer doesn't show, it just comes up as an alpha-numeric string. Could it be something like that? Is there any difference if you turn off MAC filtering?

[EvilPC]

Turned off Mac Filtering and it still doesn't show !!
Looks like other devices are being blocked by the filtering so not to much of a worry. Would be nice to see them though.

Anyone know how to force a firmware upgrade.. may as well get it done

[Rik]

On mine:

http://home/xslt?PAGE=A01&THISPAGE=B02&NEXTPAGE=A01

Middle-right is the update option.

[EvilPC]

Current Software Version:         5.29.107.12
No Upgrade Available
Your system has the latest software version available. Please check back later.

Thought I read a newer version was available..

[Rik]

I'm not sure, I'm on SBC firmware.

Yes you did, http://www.idnetters.co.uk/forums/index.php?topic=3997.msg99500#msg99500 - up a bit from here...

[Ted]

yep 5.29.107.19 is the current version.

[EvilPC]

Strange.. I'll see what happens over the next few days.

Just got this warning / error:
Second router detected
Error: A third party router has been detected.

If you want to connect additional computers or devices to your network:

Click the Resolve button below to enable the Connection Manager to correct the problem. There may be a one minute delay while the problem is resolved.

Click the Disable button below if you wish to continue using your third party router.(warning: many applications may not work in this case)

For detailed information regarding this issue please click here

Whats all this about ?? How would I find if any device has connect to my router ?

Thanks

[Rik]

TBH, I have no idea, as I've never seen anything like that. Try checking on one of your computers for another wireless network being visible with high strength. If you find one, change to channel 6 or 1.

[EvilPC]

Nothing found this time..

I'll keep an eye on it !

Thanks

[EvilPC]

Router rebooted earlier today...

Now on firmware: 5.29.107.19

Still have the option for remote management... I thought this was removed.

[Rik]

I don't know whether it was removed, but you should be able to disable it in firewall settings, iirc.

[kinmel]

Your update went the same as everyone else's, no auto update, but then installed soon after.

The Remote Management option is still on this version.


If you bother with DNS poisoning, make sure these two domains are on the list:-

pbthdm.bt.motive.com

pbthdm2.bt.motive.com

[EvilPC]

In the event log, there are lots of other BT addresses showing..

I may add them to the DNS !!

[AlanM]

This is the same problem I had - even with all the different BT addresses being poisoned, the router would still go off to BT every day and resulted in a surprise upgrade to 5.29.107.19 .

Try pinging the poisoned sites from the router with the poisoning in place. Use the "Network Tests" under "Troubleshooting". When I did that, it resolved the sites to their true addresses, and they replied.

I set the router to use manually entered DNS addresses and used 10.0.0.0 for both Primary and Secondary. Then added the proper IDNet DNS addresses into my NIC settings.

Now the router can't go off to BT and the still PC works just fine. The only issue may be if IDNet change the DNS server addresses in the future, but I'm sure they would notify everyone well in advance.

[EvilPC]

I have this in my logs:

https://cwmp.cms.smehomehubrms.bt.com

Any idea what that's for ??

[Rik]

It's one of the firmware update sites.

[Glenn]

Mine is on 5.29.117.6

[Rik]

That's an unusual IP address, Glenn.

[EvilPC]

Thanks for that ...
I'll add it to the DNS list and block it !

[Jimbo]

Bit of a thread revival here.

I've been trying to figure out if I should tryout a new firmware... still, and after finding out I'd be able to flash my router back to the SBC firmware I set myself all up to upgrade the 2700.  (I downloaded the SBC firmware just in case).

However, the upgrade on the router says there are no updates available.  I thought it would of picked up the latest one for me.  Does anybody know how I can get hold of the latest v5.x firmware?

Thanks again chaps!

[Rik]

What firmware do you have atm, Jimbo?

[Sebby]

Bit of a thread revival here.

I've been trying to figure out if I should tryout a new firmware... still, and after finding out I'd be able to flash my router back to the SBC firmware I set myself all up to upgrade the 2700.  (I downloaded the SBC firmware just in case).

However, the upgrade on the router says there are no updates available.  I thought it would of picked up the latest one for me.  Does anybody know how I can get hold of the latest v5.x firmware?

Thanks again chaps!

I assume you have the single SSID model, Jimbo, in which case it's best to stick with the v4 firmware. The v5 firmware is said to work with the single SSID model, but there isn't a generic SBC version and I don't believe it will add anything.

[Jimbo]

What firmware do you have atm, Jimbo?

Hi Rik

It's the SBC v4.25.19.  So I'm guessing my Router was flashed before purchase (via Ebay).  I just quite fancy flashing back to the official version to test the results.  (At least I know I can flash back if it goes wrong).  

[Rik]

What Sebby said. I'd be inclined to leave well alone, tbh.

[Jimbo]

What Sebby said. I'd be inclined to leave well alone, tbh.

Ahh, cheers Sebby for the info.  May as well leave it again then.   

[Sebby]

To be honest, both single and dual SSID models sync at the same rate, regardless of firmware. For the single SSID models (like you've got) the SBC firmware is the best as you have no BT branding and no need for DNS poisoning.