In Nov 2021, NBN Co announced that starting from early of March 2022, they will implement 2 new functions to VDSL2 lines (FTTN and FTTB) on the NBN network, Save Our Showtime (SOS) and Robust Overhead Channel (ROC).
These functions are designed to improve the stability of a VDSL2 line by preventing dropouts due to sudden large noise bursts, ensuring reliable connections to the Internet. For CPEs (modems) not supporting these new functions, another function, Seamless Rate Adaptation (SRA) will be required to ensure connectivity under certain noisy conditions.
If your VDSL modem does not support SOS and ROC another function, Seamless Rate Adaptation (SRA), will be required to ensure connectivity under certain noisy conditions. Some older routers/Modems already support dynamic SRA. A new firmware update for these modems will be required to do the switch automatically when the SOS-ROC feature will be released by 31 March 2022.
VDSL modems that use an Intel or Lantiq chipset may no longer work or may require a firmware update to work. Specific examples of models can be found below:
- Audiocodes MP-264 – Lantiq
- AVM FRITZ!Box 7590 – Intel/Lantiq GRX550/VRX518
- DrayTek Vigor130 – Lantiq
- DrayTek Vigor2760 / 2760n / 2760Vn – Lantiq VRX288 (VR9)
- DrayTek Vigor2860 / 2860n – Lantiq VRX288 (VR9)
- NETGEAR DM200 – Lantiq VRX220 (VR9)
- NETGEAR Nighthawk D7000v2 – Intel/Lantiq GRX550/VRX318
- NETGEAR Nighthawk X4S D7800 – Intel/Lantiq GRX550/VRX318
- NETGEAR Nighthawk X8 D8500 – Lantiq VRX220 (VR9)
- TP-Link Archer VR200v V2 – Lantiq GRX3
- TP-Link TD-W9980 – Lantiq VRX268
If you are using any of the above modems, you can contact the manufacturer and check whether a firmware update may be available to support the Save Our Showtime (SOS) and Robust Overhead Channel (ROC) functions required by nbn.
A firmware update may make your modem compatible with nbn’s changes.