NTP -FTTC

[Steve]

I was just wondering which is the Network termination point on an FTTC install, is it the NTE5 socket or the supplied VDSL modem , I find the following statement confusing. NTE= Network Termination Equipment

"FTTC demarcation rules are as follows - The NTE5 is the Network Termination Point of the Openreach access network within the end user's premises, although Openreach also maintains the active NTE. The active NTE is the FTTC VDSL modem and will be located close to a power source and the desired service location. The active NTE can be located separately from the NTE5 and can be connected via Data Extension Kit (DEK) cabling up to a length of 30m. Any Openreach-installed data extension wiring comes with a one-year warranty and becomes the end user's property. "

As I understand it after the NTP I can do what I want? i.e. OpenReach fit a filter to the NTE5 socket for VDSL installs which one is a poor fit and secondly adds bulk to the socket surely I can replace this with my previous AdslNation XTE 2005 which was a secure and flush fitting.

The full demarcation document can be found here! www.openreach.co.uk/flexibledemarcationguide (clicking the link will download the document)

[Rik]

I read it as the modem, Steve, but it's not very clear. I'm not sure whether the ADSL Nation filter is suitable for vDSL.

[mervl]

I'd check with the OpenReach engineer when he comes to fit, but I believe if the ADSLNation faceplate has the separate phone and DSL sockets you can just leave it in place. I don't think there's anything special about the faceplate, you just need the OpenReach modem or another suitable VDSL modem. (From mine and others' experience, I don't think OpenReach engineers are anxious to carry out unnecessary work!)

[Steve]

My understanding is that there is nothing special about the BT supplied vDSL filter when compared with an adsl filter, it is not even secured to the backplate on my install but held by 2 screws which pass through from front to back plate.

[.Griff.]

My understanding is that there is nothing special about the BT supplied vDSL filter when compared with an adsl filter,

Correct.

[Steve]

The temptation is to remove it to tidy the socket up , slightly nervous that it will be seen by the cabinet as an excuse to do something nasty.

[Rik]

Only one way to find out, Steve... 

[pctech]

For safety sake I'd assume the demarcation point is the ethernet feed on the modem (as its quite clear the modem remains Openreach property), in the same way we have a managed router at work which terminates a BT Central as some network staff have their broadband terminating within our network so that they can do stuff from offsite if they need to.

They aren't permitted to touch it at all and the demarcation point is the end of an ethernet cable into one of our own switches.

[Steve]

I think BT just make it up as they go along as the term flexible demarcation implies. Hopefully in the future FTTC self install will be the norm if and when more reasonably priced vdsl modems/routers become available.

[pctech]

No reason why it cant be done as a self install as it terminates the same in the customer premises.

The only one that will never be, for obvious reasons is fibre but then again I think the modem for this should be in the telecoms enclosure on the side of your property with maybe a feed from the meter and structured Cat 6 run to a point in your home.

[Going_Digital]

To clarify the situation ...

1. BT Openreach are responsible for the line up to and including either the external NTE (grey box outside) on new installations or the rear part on the traditional NTE-5 master socket where no external NTE is installed. All the cable and the NTE box is the property of BT and must not be modified or removed by the customer.

2. The removable front panel of the NTE-5 and all extension wiring from there on is the responsibility of the customer.

3. When FTTC is installed the interstitial filter and modem is supplied by and remains the property of BT Openreach, however you are not obliged to use either. The problem is by changing either the faceplate or modem you are also changing the responsibility as the BT installed faceplate and modem are the responsibility of Openreach should a fault occur the cost of finding the fault and remedying it is down to Openreach. Installing your own filter or modem will mean that they are your responsibility. If you have changed the faceplate or modem and an engineer investigating a fault you have reported finds (or even just suspects) your equipment to be at fault you will be charged for the visit. So if you plan on using your own equipment make sure you retain the original filter and modem for troubleshooting purposes as the engineers are only trained on the provided set-up, ideally you should put them back for troubleshooting before an engineer visits otherwise they are likely to abort the visit.


About Filters
The XTE-2005 works fine with VDSL2. The primary function of a DSL filter is to block the unwanted high frequencies, preventing them from reaching your telephone equipment where the signal would get interfered with.

The primary reason for poor performance from cheap filters is that some of the DSL signal gets through, either because the crossover point is not accurate so some of the DSL signal that is close to the voice range gets through or that the attenuation (blocking) of the DSL signal is inadequate so the complete DSL signal passes all be it at a reduced strength. The poorest filters consist of a poor quality single stage LC filter that suffers from both of these problems. Some of the early ADSL filters experienced problems with ADSL2+ due to the wider range of frequencies in use.

All filters used for ADSL 2+ should work fine with VDSL2 as they should adequately filter out the full frequency range used. The ADSLNation X series filters and other decent quality filters use a multi stage filter that effectively removes all frequencies outside those used for voice and CallerID so will continue to be effective with all versions of DSL where the lowest frequency used continues to be the same or higher than the current frequencies.

[Steve]

Thanks