topic Re: Plusnet Hub 2 Availability in My Router

Plusnet Hub 2 Availability

tonyball_sheff — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 13:17:49 GMT

I have been with Plusnet since 2016, and I am wondering what is the chance of upgrading to the Hub 2 for personal use. My modem is getting tired, and I am now getting messages on my devices that the Plusnet connection is not fully secure because it doesn't offer WPA3 security. I also get a warning message "This network is blocking encrypted DNS traffic."

If this new router isn't available, can I use any new router that offers this higher security? How easy is it to just connect a new (non Plusnet) router?

Thanks

Tony

Re: Plusnet Hub 2 Availability

bmc — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 13:28:23 GMT

@tonyball_sheff

The HubTwo isn't yet available for residential customers and isn't likely to be handed out willy nilly. A re-contract will probably be required.

You can use any VDSL modem/router you like on PlusNet. Many on this forum have bought a BT HH6 off a well known auction site.

The required PlusNet settings can be found at

https://www.plus.net/help/broadband/broadband-connection-settings/

Brian

Re: Plusnet Hub 2 Availability

jab1 — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 13:34:43 GMT

@tonyball_sheff Welcome to the Community. The Plusnet Hub2 isn't on 'general release' to residential customers yet - AFAIK it is only being offered to new Business accounts. You can use any modem/router on Plusnet, providing it is compatible with your connection type - in other words, if you are on FTTC, it has to support that technology, same if you are on ADSL - although some newer 'hubs' to use a slightly more accurate description, will support either technology.

To be honest, and I may get told off for this, for most residential customers, those warnings (Apple devices?) are a little OTT - the chance of you being caught by what WPA3 is designed to stop are very remote, as is the 'DNS' warning.

Connecting any compatible hub to a PN network is easy - you just need to enter your PN credentials where asked.

@bmc beat me to it. 😉

Re: Plusnet Hub 2 Availability

tonyball_sheff — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 13:37:17 GMT

Thanks Brian - I will check this out.

Re: Plusnet Hub 2 Availability

tonyball_sheff — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 13:38:22 GMT

John

You are quite right - they are Apple devices.

I may consider a new router, or perhaps just ignore the warnings!

Thanks

Re: Plusnet Hub 2 Availability

Baldrick1 — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 14:54:43 GMT

@tonyball_sheff

If you get a WPA3 router you will probably find that only your Apple devices will support it, everything else still needing WPA2. Consequently you will need to also allow WPA2 access to your network. In this case it will improve the security of the WPA3 devices but leave the network security unchanged.

Ignoring the warnings sound like a good option to me.

Re: Plusnet Hub 2 Availability

bobpullen — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 15:14:19 GMT

@tonyball_sheff wrote:

"This network is blocking encrypted DNS traffic."

I do wonder what Apple's intent is here

Fairly certain it's possible to use encrypted DNS if you so choose. Assuming so, the warning is badly worded at best.

Current BT routers do not support WPA3 encryption by the way, and neither does the Hub Two.

Re: Plusnet Hub 2 Availability

jab1 — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 15:18:34 GMT

You and me too, @bobpullen .

How many current, reasonably priced consumer hubs do support WPA3 - do you know?