Which VMG4005-B should I choose?

Difference Between VMG4005-B50A and VMG4005-B60A

Zyxel VMG4005 is available in two versions, which differ only by the DSL standard they support:

• VMG4005-B50A → supports Annex A

• VMG4005-B60A → supports Annex B

Annex A vs Annex B

• Annex A is a DSL standard used in some countries, primarily where DSL and analog voice services share the same line.

• Annex B is a DSL standard typically used in regions where DSL is combined with ISDN services.

• These standards are not interchangeable:

  • An Annex A device cannot operate on an Annex B line.

  • An Annex B device cannot operate on an Annex A line.

Key Point

Before purchasing a device, always check with your Internet Service Provider (ISP) which DSL standard is used on your line. Only the correct variant (Annex A or Annex B) will work properly.

Annex A is typically used in countries with analogue telephone networks (for example, USA, Canada, Austria, France). In this setup, analogue voice signals occupy the lower frequency range (0–4 kHz), while DSL data is transmitted over higher frequencies.

Annex B is designed for use with digital (ISDN-based) telephone networks. Here, voice and signalling data occupy a wider frequency range (0–80 kHz), and DSL transmission starts from 138 kHz. With the introduction of VDSL and vectoring technologies, higher speeds have become possible, and Annex B continues to be widely used in regions where ISDN infrastructure has been common.

Disclaimer: The information below may differ from actual details. Please verify compatibility directly with your service provider.

• Telekom: Deutsche Telekom has transitioned its networks to All-IP, with Annex B as the standard for this infrastructure.
• Vodafone: This provider has also moved to IP-based connections, where Annex B is utilized.
• O2: O2 similarly operates with IP-based connections compatible with Annex B.
• 1&1: This provider has also transitioned to All-IP, with Annex B as the standard.

Here is a list of major German ISPs and the main DSL technologies they support:

Note: The information above is based on general DSL standards commonly used in Germany. DSL standards may vary by region and provider. For exact compatibility details, please confirm directly with your Internet Service Provider (ISP).

The Zyxel VMG4005-B50A supports Annex A, while the Zyxel VMG4005-B60A supports Annex B. Since these standards are not interchangeable, it is important to verify with your ISP which Annex type your DSL line requires before choosing a device.

Additional settings - German ISP

Additionally, you may need to configure VPI/VCI and specify the corresponding service VLAN.

VPI/VCI Settings for German ISPs:

Disclaimer: The information below may differ from actual details. Please verify compatibility directly with your service provider.

In the ATM PVC Configuration section, You may need to change the following information:

• VPI (Virtual Path Identifier): This identifies the virtual path of your DSL connection. The VPI value varies depending on your ISP (e.g., VPI=1 is common in many areas, but you should verify with your provider).
• VCI (Virtual Circuit Identifier): The VCI identifies the virtual circuit. Like VPI, the value is ISP-specific, and typical values might be 32 or 35, but you will need to confirm this with your ISP.

VLAN Information for Major German ISPs

Here is a summary of the VLAN IDs used by major German ISPs, primarily for DSL and FTTH (Fiber-to-the-Home) connections: