Network type changed to MER. No longer Dynamic IP?

[User05]

A lot of customers are being moved to IPoE as of recent.

[I_Hate_Sky_Awnsers]

A lot of customers are being moved to IPoE as of recent.

Any ideas on the reason why it is happening.

[User05]

Honestly, no idea. I've heard the same speculation that's on here about making it more difficult for third party routers to be used, but I highly, highly doubt that's Sky's main objective with the move.

[I_Hate_Sky_Awnsers]

Might be something in it as i heard something before about a new system being introduced to check if people are using 3rd party routers but never heard any more about what the system was going to be.

Surprised that they didn't start charging for a static ip.

[simon194]

Honestly, no idea. I've heard the same speculation that's on here about making it more difficult for third party routers to be used, but I highly, highly doubt that's Sky's main objective with the move.

That's one reason especially since not many 3rd party routers support MER but moving over to an IP-based system is cheaper and easier to maintain because the ATM layer is removed.

[Tal71]

Might be something in it as i heard something before about a new system being introduced to check if people are using 3rd party routers but never heard any more about what the system was going to be.

I expect the vast amount of people (who use third party routers) only do so because Sky doesn't do a wireless N router and they need the range etc that the Sky router does not give. I think if/when Sky done a Wireless N router, then the need to use a third party router will be less than what it is now.

I can't understand why Sky cannot give you the option of either:

1: Use your own router and we'll provide the password & username, but any problems you have with the router or setting up the router and you will be on your own, no support will be given. (Which isnt that bad when there are forums like this around who can provide help in this scenario. )


2: If you are not technically minded and basically want to just be able to connect the router up and you will be then online, then we will supply you with a router. In this instance we will provide support for the router if you have problems.

Either way, Sky are still getting paid by the customers who use their own routers, because they are still using Sky for their broadband connection, so I can't see why it matters. As long has its pointed out that using your own router means you are on your own if you have problems.

[SadBloke]

Either way, Sky are still getting paid by the customers who use their own routers, because they are still using Sky for their broadband connection, so I can't see why it matters. As long has its pointed out that using your own router means you are on your own if you have problems.

I can't see that working. Some people *think* they know what they are doing - it doesn't take long reading some of the threads on here to realise that - they would simply cause havoc at the CS end by insisting that problems aren't possibly their fault, it MUST be the Sky systems (and it's not only restricted to broadband, think about TV problems also).

I don't agree with the 'own router' policy either, but I can see that having a restricted set of hardware makes it much simpler for Tier 1 CS to handle, with the default action being to swap out any kit that won't work to isolate problems at the user end.

If people want N routers then it's not that hard to piggy back one on to the default Sky G kit. That's what I am doing to give me a dual-band solution: fast wireless for laptops, slower speeds for everything else. I want N wireless, but I also want gigabit ethernet for a NAS unit and DD-WRT because it's more flexible. Once you start getting into all the options the support requirements increase exponentially. Yes, they are 'getting paid' as you say, but they aren't getting paid that much compared to other ISPs.

[Tal71]

they would simply cause havoc at the CS end by insisting that problems aren't possibly their fault, it MUST be the Sky systems

But like I mentioned earlier. If Sky pointed out at the time of signing up for broadband that using your own router then meant:

'We will provide no support at all'.

Sky can tell if you telephone for help and you are not using their router. So they could just say.

'You are not using the Sky router and because of this, we will provide no support'

I can't see why/how this would cause havoc for the CS. When once they discovered the customer was not using the Sky router, they could simple say:

'You are not using the Sky router and because of this, we will provide no support' the CS could then just hang up the phone.

Its quite simple:

Question= You want support for your router?

Yes:

Answer is= Then you use the Sky router.

Question= You want to use your own router?

Yes:

Answer is= You are on your own with ANY issues.

It is easy to check if your OWN router is at fault, by simple connecting the Sky router up and seeing if you can get online with it. Also, with doing this, would then mean you would be eligible for support from Sky.

[I_Hate_Sky_Awnsers]

But like I mentioned earlier. If Sky pointed out at the time of signing up for broadband that using your own router then meant:

'We will provide no support at all'.

Sky can tell if you telephone for help and you are not using their router. So they could just say.

'You are not using the Sky router and because of this, we will provide no support'

I can't see why/how this would cause havoc for the CS. When once they discovered the customer was not using the Sky router, they could simple say:

'You are not using the Sky router and because of this, we will provide no support' the CS could then just hang up the phone.

Its quite simple:

Question= You want support for your router?

Yes:

Answer is= Then you use the Sky router.

Question= You want to use your own router?

Yes:

Answer is= You are on your own with ANY issues.

It is easy to check if your OWN router is at fault, by simple connecting the Sky router up and seeing if you can get online with it. Also, with doing this, would then mean you would be eligible for support from Sky.

Agree with your idea.

Wouldn't make it any harder for tier 1 either as normal TS would still be feasible.

Also agree about piggbacking being simple I bought an airport extreme, due to virgin media superhub being terrible.

[Tal71]

Yeah piggybacking the Sky Router with a N router is possible and still means you are not going against Sky's T&C's. But some people may not have the room to have two routers within close proximity.

I still think Sky should provide the customer with a username and password if required, but with the conditions I have mentioned earlier.