Member Avatar for jryans10

Hi,

I'm currently on AOL DSL Broadband, but my phone line can only receive up to 3mbp/s (if I'm lucky!).

Because of this, I'm planning to pay more and move to Virgin Media's Fibre Optic (30mbp/s one), but I'm just wondering, what do I do?

I need minimal downtime.

Do I order the fibre optic first, or do I need to cancel the AOL DSL connection first?

Also, do I need to ask AOL for anything, or is a MAC code just for moving from DSL to DSL?

Thanks.

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by rubberman

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Useful follow-up for , building on points from and with practical steps you can apply to keep downtime to a minimum.

Before you book

  • Confirm service availability at your exact address and any expected engineer visit (running coax into flats can take longer than a simple activation).
  • Check whether you need to keep a landline number. If so, ask both providers about the number‑porting process and any forms/fees — this is separate from any router MAC addresses.
  • Export or back up anything tied to the old ISP: mailbox archives, important settings, and any DSL/VoIP account details.

What to prepare on the day

  • Snapshot your current router config (DHCP reservations, port forwards, static IPs inside the LAN). Most routers let you export settings; if not, copy the key entries.
  • If you host services (web, VPN, remote desktop), set up Dynamic DNS beforehand or check whether Virgin offers a static IP (usually a business add‑on). Have the DNS/port-forward plan ready so you can test quickly after cutover.
  • Keep the old ADSL modem, filters and phone wiring to hand so you can revert fast if the install has an issue.

A short test workflow

  1. Book the new install and keep AOL active.
  2. On install day, connect one laptop to the new hub and verify web, upload/download and any external access (use a phone 3G/4G to test external reachability).
  3. Recreate critical router rules on the new hub (or put their hub into bridge mode if you prefer your own router).
  4. Once everything is confirmed, cancel the old service.

A couple of cautions: marketed “fibre” packages can be delivered over different physical networks (speeds can vary with contention), and if you plan to use your own router, confirm with Virgin whether they require their hub for provisioning or will accept your device’s MAC.

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Member Avatar for rch1231

Hello,

First thing I can think of to check would be do you have a fixed IP from AOL in other words do people access your computers from the web. If so you need to be prepared to change your IP address when you get a new one from your new provider.

If you want minimum down time then order the new service first and switch over one system for testing then move the rest after you are sure the service is working properly and shut down AOL. Your MAC address is from your equipment and nothing to do with AOL.

Member Avatar for rubberman

I was in a similar situation some years ago when Verizon in Boston offered me their FIOS (Fiber to the Home) service. Fortunately, they offered a 3 month trial, so I kept my cable service until I was sure that the FIOS service was solid. It was - more so than the DSL service, so after a month I cancelled the cable service. For the 2 years I had it, until I moved from Boston to Chicago, I had zero downtime on the service - though that isn't to say you will have the same experience... :-)

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