topic Re: Wan port query in My Router

Wan port query

cslogg — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 08:09:47 GMT

I will be joining Plusnet boadband at the end of this week and have just received my Hub 2 router.

For the last four years I have used an Archer VR600 device.This was set up for me and has been working fine.The household has a some Apple devices that all use wifi and a Sonos wifi speaker system as well as some devices connected by ethernet cables and TP Link extenders via mains plugs.On looking at the set up guide for Hub 2 its says Do Not Use Wan socket yet my present router does use this socket.Is the set up guide correct or should I mirror the connections on my Archer when setting up the new device?

Re: Wan port query

Dan_the_Van — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 08:25:51 GMT

The use of the WAN port depends on the service you are using.

For the Hub two the WAN port is only used for Full Fibre where Openreach will install a ONT (fibre modem).

If you will still be using the Openreach Master socket as used by a landline phone you could carry on using the VR600, you would just need to change the broadband login name to the plusnet one

If you can confirm which then further advice can be offered

Re: Wan port query

MisterW — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 08:37:26 GMT

@cslogg from your earlier post

I will soon be joining Plusnet from BT and for many years I have used an Archer VR600.Should I stick with it or change to the one Plusnet supplies.My line will only support up to 29mg and thats what I get with my present router.I imagine the Plusnet one would also do the same but would it give me better wifi coverage?

it sounds like you are on FTTC i.e connecting to the Openreach master socket.

The VR600 has a port that can be either a WAN port or a LAN port. In your case you are using it as a LAN port. I'm afraid the Hub 2 has a dedicated WAN port, it can not be used as a LAN port. This effectively means the Hub 2 only has 3 LAN ports.

On looking at the set up guide for Hub 2 its says Do Not Use Wan socket yet my present router does use this socket.Is the set up guide correct or should I mirror the connections on my Archer when setting up the new device?

The setup guide is correct. If you are using all 4 LAN ports on the VR600, then you will either need to continue using it or obtain a network switch to work in conjunction with the Hub 2

Re: Wan port query

cslogg — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 09:13:17 GMT

Thanks,it looks like I will have to stick to my present router.

Is that the only change I need to make, use Plusnet password?

Re: Wan port query

MisterW — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 09:39:53 GMT

@cslogg if your existing ISP uses PPPoE , then all you need to do is change the PPPoE credentials, if not , then you need to change the VR600 internet connection to PPPoE.

Username - <youraccountname>@plusdsl.net

Password - the one you use to login to the member centre

Re: Wan port query

cslogg — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 09:52:43 GMT

Thanks.

I know I am tempting fate but that seems straightforward.

Nothing about Gateways,etc.?

Also I am with BT at the moment and I have Family Filter ( I think thats the name ) turned off.

Can I do the same with Plusnet on my present router?

Re: Wan port query

MisterW — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 09:58:55 GMT

@cslogg

Nothing about Gateways,etc.?

No, it should get those automatically

Also I am with BT at the moment and I have Family Filter ( I think thats the name ) turned off.

Can I do the same with Plusnet on my present router?

Plusnet have a similar ( I believe ) facility called Safeguard

https://www.plus.net/help/broadband/how-to-use-plusnet-safeguard/

I'm fairly sure that its turned off by default.

Re: Wan port query

Baldrick1 — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 10:15:42 GMT

Moderator's note:
Thread moved from Broadband to My Router

Re: Wan port query

cslogg — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 12:55:46 GMT

On doing a bit more investigating I find that the lead that is connected to my present router via the Wan socket goes to run my ethernet in a bedroom.Its a shame I cannot use the new Hub 2

Re: Wan port query

Baldrick1 — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 13:58:41 GMT

Adding an Ethernet switch will not break the bank, for example: https://www.amazon.co.uk/TP-Link-LS1005G-Wallmount-Ethernet-Splitter/dp/B07VWB347G/ref=sr_1_5?crid=1PVPMVC4H58NU&keywords=tp+link+ethernet+switch&qid=1698414854&sprefix=tp+link+ethernet+switch%2Caps%2C85&sr=8-5

Plug this into one of the hub LAN ports and you will gain another 3 Ethernet ports.

Re: Wan port query

Dan_the_Van — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 14:03:36 GMT

@cslogg

I would carry on using the VR600 as I doubt you'll see any improved performance using the Hub two

Re: Wan port query

cslogg — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 14:55:21 GMT

Both of the last two replies seem good ideas.

I think I will stick with the VR600 for now but as the switch is only a tenner I will order one and keep it if needed.

Thank you Baldrick1 and Dan-_the_Van.

Re: Wan port query

cslogg — Sat, 28 Oct 2023 12:07:09 GMT

Received my switch this morning and prior to going online with Plusnet I wanted test it out with my present VR600 router.

I removed the a lead from the back of the VR600 which happened to be connecting the internet to a bedroom and plugged it into the switch.Now the bedroom connection is now only showing wifi not ethernet.Obviously I am doing something.wrong but do not know what.Can anyone help?

Re: Wan port query

MisterW — Sat, 28 Oct 2023 12:31:10 GMT

I removed the a lead from the back of the VR600 which happened to be connecting the internet to a bedroom and plugged it into the switch

You didn't say but did you also connect one of the other ports of the switch to the VR600 ?

Re: Wan port query

cslogg — Sat, 28 Oct 2023 12:45:28 GMT

I am afraid I did not.

Does that mean I should have two leads going into the switch from the VR600 ?

Re: Wan port query

Dan_the_Van — Sat, 28 Oct 2023 13:31:10 GMT

There should be one cable from the VR600 to the switch, the cable removed from the VR600 plugs into the switch.

Assuming you bought the switch recommended when a active cable is connected a green led should light top left of the socket.

HTH

Re: Wan port query

cslogg — Sat, 28 Oct 2023 16:18:26 GMT

Its working fine now.

No idea where I went wrong but went back and removed the lead from the switch and put it back in the VR600.

I then took a different one from the V600 and stuck it in the switch.

When I move to Plusnet on Monday I will stick to my VR600 and see how it goes.

If I do then move to the Hub2 everything is in place to just mirror the setup .