Solved Sam Knows router offered by FCC.

[Layback Bear]

I just got a email from my ISP requesting to install a router for monitoring Internet speed. I think I got a email a year or so ago and decided not to use it. Is their anybody using it, (SamKnows program). Looking for any good, bad and maybe ugly.

 

[Phone Man]

I joined that program last year. The router they sent is a Netgear WNR3500L which has all gigabit ports and wireless N and I get to keep it when the trial is over. Since the router is Linux based they added a test program to the router. It monitors for idle time and then performs multiple tests to a group of servers and gives you a report every Month. It does not measure any of your live traffic. They also give you a site you can log in to at anytime to see your results. The company is based in the UK and I believe they are doing a similar trial in the EU. Check them out at SamKnows - Accurate broadband performance information for consumers, governments and ISPs

Very nice router and it was free and the tests don't interfere with your normal activity.

Jim

 

[Layback Bear]

Thanks Phone Man for the info.

 

[Qdos]

Who supplies the router? Your ISP or SamKnows?

 

[Phone Man]

Mine was from Sam Knows as they have modified the software for the test program.

Jim

 

[Qdos]

Thanks, I read the small print and it makes it appear that SamKnows provides a monitoring "white box" which goes on your network. It didn't say anything about a free router, and I was curious as I've got to lay hands on something IPv6 compatible this year anyway... so free would have been great...

SamKnows broadband measurement platform and how it works in the home

 

[Phone Man]

Looks like they have upgraded the program and now have a special "White Box" that is built by TP-Link and is just a bridge and connects to your router.

No. The SamKnows whitebox is not a broadband modem or router. It operates as a bridge and connects to your existing router.

I guess I was lucky and got in at the start when they were using a router. At the time they said they were looking to have a unit built that they could also sell to individuals and provide their service for free. I guess this is the new unit.

Jim

 

[Phone Man]

If you click on one of the sign up links (USA or Europe) there is a FAQ link. You can keep the unit if you complete the trial period and it may be possible to update the software and convert it back to a router but really don't know. If you just want a new router I don't think this is the way to go as the trials last for 2 to 3 years. But if you want to use this tool to monitor your internet service it does work really good.

Jim

 

[seekermeister]

I will admit that I've read very little more than the contents of this thread on the subject, but I'm left wondering about the value of this "service" to the individual who uses it? I can understand how it might be useful to some other businesses, but regardless of what is contained in the reports it produces, how would one utilize that information to help themselves?

 

[Layback Bear]

seekermeister that is a very good question that I don't know the answer to.

 

[Phone Man]

If you are having problems with you internet service, you could send the reports to your ISP to show what type of problems are occurring. Just another tool.

Jim

 

[seekermeister]

That might serve a purpose if the ISP cared or listened. In my experience, the only time that they do is if the service doesn't work at all.

 

[Phone Man]

That might serve a purpose if the ISP cared or listened. In my experience, the only time that they do is if the service doesn't work at all.

You got a good point. And then they can't find the problem and a day later it magically starts working.

Jim