topic Re: Hub Two alternative in My Router

Hub Two alternative

irritablegit — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 12:28:31 GMT

This morning I've been "upgraded" to full fibre and the Plusnet Hub Two.

My home network has been running fine for years with FTTC - TP Link router > connected to a TP Link 16 port ethernet switch > connected to various devices.

First problem with the Hub Two, although it can "see" the devices connected by ethernet to the switch, those devies have no access to the internet.

So, maybe I have to buy a new switch, BUT

Second problem is, the Plusnet Hub Two doesn't have a schedule to automatically turn off the wifi at night.

So actually, I need to replace the Hub Two with something more flexible

If anyone has already replaced their Hub Two on full fibre, I'd be interested to hear what you've used. I don't anticipate having any use for the Hub Two at all,

I look forward to all replies

Re: Hub Two alternative

bmc — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 12:51:14 GMT

@irritablegit

If your TP router worked on FTTC it should work on FTTP as far as I'm aware. The Hub2 then becomes a back up unit.

Brian

Re: Hub Two alternative

irritablegit — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 12:58:21 GMT

Well, having rebooted the Hub Two, it has suddenly started working with the switch, so at least I've got something to tide me over.

However, I still need an alternative router which has a schedule for the wifi, amongst other things

Re: Hub Two alternative

irritablegit — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 12:59:58 GMT

Now I have a clearer idea of what does and doesn't work, I might just try my current TP Link router, although I'm not optimistic ...

Re: Hub Two alternative

MisterW — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 13:01:51 GMT

What model is your Tp link router ?

Re: Hub Two alternative

Mustrum — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 13:01:54 GMT

Does the old router have an Ethernet WAN port and can it be set to PPOE and use you PN username and password?

If so use that.

Re: Hub Two alternative

irritablegit — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 13:07:37 GMT

TP-Link VR900 v1 from 2016

Re: Hub Two alternative

irritablegit — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 13:18:09 GMT

It has a dual purpose LAN/WAN (+ 3 more LANs) port.

That used to have the cable to the switch

The HUB TWO has a WAN ... but that has the Openreach cable from the new little box on the wall

It definitely has username and password to get onto Plusnet

As for PPOE ... that router isn't plugged in at the moment, but I've had a peep in the manual ... it only seems to mention PPOE re IPv6 connection ... is that what I'm looking for ?

Re: Hub Two alternative

MisterW — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 13:34:44 GMT

@irritablegit you first need to switch the vr900 to Wireless Router mode ( manual page 16 ) to set port 4 as a WAN port.

Then setup the INternet connect as PPPoE page 14 using your PLusnet credentials as you used before, make sure VLAN ID is disabled. Then connect the ONT to port 4.

Re: Hub Two alternative

irritablegit — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 13:36:51 GMT

Thank you MisterW - I shall have a look now and report back.

In the meantime, I probably won't have any internet ...

Re: Hub Two alternative

Mustrum — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 13:39:52 GMT

I too have had a quick look and believe that you could use it direct with the Openreach ONT.

Just set it up to use PPOE - not on ip6 - and away you go.
Mind you got Ben its age you would be better off with a newer one, with WiFi 6. After all what is the point of getting fibre but restricting it with a older slow router?

Ah beaten too it by @MrW

Re: Hub Two alternative

Protech — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 13:44:52 GMT

@irritablegit
From the manual
"Interchangeable LAN/WAN Port - Versatile Connectivity
The Archer VR900 supports DSL or Ethernet WAN connections (EWAN), which allows
users to have the flexibility of different Internet connections among DSL, cable or fiber
modem using its interchangeable LAN/WAN port. This unique feature makes it easier
when users need to change to fiber or cable services when necessary."
So it supports fttp wan connection and ppoe
" Appendix A: Specifications
ANSI T1.413, ITU G.992.1, ITU G.992.3, ITU G.992.5,
IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n, IEEE 802.11ac, IEEE
802.3, IEEE 802.3u, TCP/IP, PPPoA, PPPoE, SNTP, HTTP, DHCP, ICMP, Nat"

Edit @MisterW confirmed it

Re: Hub Two alternative

irritablegit — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 15:11:31 GMT

Well, it would appear from the manual that it could work, but actually getting it to work is another matter.

Right now I'm back on the Hub, but I shall have another go in due course.

Thanks to all

I will report back ...

Re: Hub Two alternative

Anonymous — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 16:34:23 GMT

@irritablegit

Going back to one of your original problems, do you actually want to turn off all WiFi at night, or just restrict internet access for certain devices? (Maybe a child that won't go to bed when they are told? 😉 ).

If the latter, then in the Hub2's GUI, navigate to Home > Advanced Settings > Acces Control and you can selet timings on a per device basis, whilst still leaving WiFi avaiable for other users.

Re: Hub Two alternative

irritablegit — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 17:09:48 GMT

Hello Mr Paul

I really do want all wifi completely off at night.

I know that the government says it's safe and effective, but I don't believe a word of it.

Anyhow, it is now all working on the TP-Link router.

My main problems were

1) forgetting that the user in the router needs "@plusdsl.net" on the end !

2) trying to use the newly assigned network name etc which came with the Hub, when I just ignore everything that cam with it and the TP-Link just carries on as before on ye olde FTTC

Something which helped, at least to confirm I was doing the right thing - and really, it's simple, is this step by step description ... https://support.aquiss.net/en/knowledgebase/article/router-setup-guide-tp-link-archer-vr600

Someone mentioned the speed of a 6 year old router, but in reality the old FTTC has been 70 or above all these years, which was fast enough for everything we do.

FTTP is simply a) cheaper and b) I don't need a phone which only receives scam calls !

I don't expect this new connection to be any noticeably faster

Most of the speed-talk is just marketing hype as far as I'm concerned.

Anyhow, thanks to all who joined in

Still, if anyone has a good (or bad) alternative to the Hub, I'd be interested to hear just in case, because my kit is getting on a bit 👍

Re: Hub Two alternative

Dan_the_Van — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 17:13:53 GMT

@irritablegit wrote:

Well, it would appear from the manual that it could work, but actually getting it to work is another matter

Unless you have any special settings I suggest you reset the VR900 and start from the factory default

Connect to the VR900 front end, after you have setup your choice of password, Select Quick Setup, select your time zone settings, when you get the option to select your ISP select other, then next. You should see this

Setup the required fields

HTH

Edit: posted a bit late with fix suggestion

Re: Hub Two alternative

Anonymous — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 17:12:15 GMT

@irritablegit

"I really do want all wifi completely off at night.

I know that the government says it's safe and effective, but I don't believe a word of it."

Fair enough - I'm not going to enter that argument!

Re: Hub Two alternative

RealAleMadrid — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 17:52:34 GMT

@irritablegit Well if you think Wi-Fi is that bad you'd better switch it off all day as well.😀