FAQ
TL;DR: For Vectra, keep the modem; add an AC1200 router (5 GHz up to 866 Mbps). "Your choice — what bands and speeds you need." Pick Netgear R6220 (~PLN 100), bridge Cisco EPC3928S, and connect by Ethernet for better range and stability. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #19113353]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps Vectra users fix weak home Wi‑Fi cheaply without changing contracts.
Quick Facts
- Vectra’s modem stays; add your own Wi‑Fi router or AP and use bridge mode if available. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #19095935]
- Cisco EPC3928S is a solid modem but has mediocre Wi‑Fi; attach a stronger router via Ethernet. [Elektroda, -Zuzia, post #19103946]
- Netgear R6220 (AC1200) key specs: dual‑band 2.4/5 GHz, 2x2 MIMO, 880 MHz CPU, 128 MB RAM, 128 MB NAND flash, 1x USB 2.0, 5x Gigabit. [Elektroda, -Zuzia, post #19113355]
- Street price: about PLN 100 on auction sites; buy from a company seller for a 14‑day return. [Elektroda, -Zuzia, post #19105608]
- Diagnose first: use InSSIDer (Windows) or WiFi Analyzer (Android); measure by the router and in typical rooms. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #19095935]
Can I replace Vectra’s modem/router with my own device?
No. “The modem must stay with Vectra.” Add your own Wi‑Fi router or access point and, if possible, enable bridge mode on the Vectra unit. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #19095935]
How do I add a better Wi‑Fi router to the Cisco EPC3928S?
Use bridge mode and wire the new router to the Cisco.
- Log into Vectra EBOK and switch the EPC3928S to bridge mode.
- Connect the new router’s WAN port to the Cisco’s LAN port.
- Set SSID and security on the new router; use it for Wi‑Fi. [Elektroda, -Zuzia, post #19096209]
What budget router around PLN 100 actually improves coverage?
Netgear R6220 is a commonly recommended AC1200 model near PLN 100 on auction sites. Buy from a company seller so you can return it within 14 days if coverage disappoints. [Elektroda, -Zuzia, post #19105608]
Is Netgear R6220 better than Tenda/Pentagram options?
Yes. R6220 offers dual‑band 2.4/5 GHz (b/g/n + a/n/ac), 2x2 MIMO, 880 MHz CPU, 128 MB RAM, 128 MB NAND, USB 2.0, and 5x Gigabit. “Budget Pentagrams, Tendas have nothing to do with the above specification.” [Elektroda, -Zuzia, post #19113355]
What real speeds can I expect on 2.4 GHz vs 5 GHz?
On 2x2 N (2.4 GHz), standard is 300 Mbps; real max is below 230 Mbps. On 2x2 AC (5 GHz), standard is 866 Mbps; real max is below 650 Mbps. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #19113353]
Why does my Wi‑Fi repeater keep disconnecting?
Dropouts can come from high noise and congested channels, not only weak hardware. Start with a Wi‑Fi survey using InSSIDer or WiFi Analyzer. Measure once right by the Vectra router and again in normal use locations. Adjust channel and placement. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #19095935]
Will Vectra reset my router settings remotely?
It can happen. A user reported that custom settings reverted about a week later. Use bridge mode and manage Wi‑Fi on your own router to keep control. [Elektroda, Slajner, post #19103795]
Should I test with Ethernet to rule out Wi‑Fi issues?
Yes. Connect a computer by cable to the Cisco and test. If the wired link is fine, focus on Wi‑Fi fixes or adding a better router. If wired fails too, the issue isn’t Wi‑Fi. [Elektroda, KOCUREK1970, post #19096123]
What tools help me diagnose Wi‑Fi interference and channels?
Use InSSIDer on Windows or WiFi Analyzer on Android. Take a baseline next to the Vectra router, then measure in rooms where you use devices. Use results to choose channels and placements. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #19095935]
Is the Cisco EPC3928S Wi‑Fi really that weak?
It’s a very good modem, but its Wi‑Fi is unremarkable. Keep it as the modem and offload Wi‑Fi to a stronger router connected by Ethernet. [Elektroda, -Zuzia, post #19103946]
Can I legally take over a Vectra contract after the subscriber’s death?
Yes. Contact Vectra to assign the contract to yourself. Contracts expire when the subscriber dies, so formalize it to manage services. [Elektroda, floriders300, post #19097153]
Can I put the Vectra router in bridge mode and disable its Wi‑Fi?
Yes, if bridge mode is available. Bridge keeps the Vectra unit as modem only and lets your own router handle routing and Wi‑Fi. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #19095935]
Does the Netgear R6220 support alternative firmware for more features?
Yes. Alternative software is available for the R6220, providing more features than the stock firmware. [Elektroda, -Zuzia, post #19113355]
What if bridge mode is unavailable on my Vectra router?
Use your new device as an access point. Leave the Vectra unit to route, and connect the AP by Ethernet to extend coverage. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #19095935]
