topic Re: Replacing Plusnet router wifi 5 with router wifi 6? in My Router

Replacing Plusnet router wifi 5 with router wifi 6?

Surfer — Mon, 26 May 2025 09:49:57 GMT

Is it worth upgrading from the current Plusnet router to a wifi 6E router? I have been looking at the Netgear Nighthawk 12 stream WiFi 6E router which is expensive and probably a bit over the top for us as used in a domestic environment and at present we only use two ethernet ports. The other option is the TP-Link Archer AX55.

Wifi is used for the laptop, Samsung tablet, Epson printer, phone calls and two of our Smart TVs located in other parts of the home. The furthest TV is in the conservatory. However I am not sure if laptop, TVs, etc will be compatible for wifi 6E?

Any advice would be helpful. Thanks.

Re: Replacing Plusnet router wifi 5 with router wifi 6?

bmc — Mon, 26 May 2025 10:09:49 GMT

@Surfer

Can't answer your question but remember that WiFi6 only works if the receiving unit can also receive it.

Brian

Re: Replacing Plusnet router wifi 5 with router wifi 6?

MisterW — Mon, 26 May 2025 10:17:53 GMT

@Surfer Is it worth upgrading from the current Plusnet router to a wifi 6E router?

Some questions to ask :-

1) Are your devices wifi 6 compatible ?

2) Do you use wireless to communicate between devices on your local network e.g a fileserver ?

3) How fast is your internet connection ?

Ok, so wifi 5 will max out at around 450Mb, unless your internet is Full fibre 500 or faster OR you have a lot of local traffic then upgrading is not really worthwhile.

If none of your devices are wifi 6 compatible then its probably not worthwhile

HTH

Re: Replacing Plusnet router wifi 5 with router wifi 6?

Surfer — Mon, 26 May 2025 10:33:09 GMT

Thanks for the answers and as they are as I suspected, but needed confirmation. I think the only unit I could possibly update is the my new laptop so obviously not worth buying the wifi 6E.

Re: Replacing Plusnet router wifi 5 with router wifi 6?

markhawkin — Mon, 26 May 2025 20:29:57 GMT

@Surfer

Depending on the service you have from Plusnet and how well the WiFi performs through your home you might get benefit from a new WiFi router.

Generally, where people are mostly WiFi users some sort of "mesh" system helps. I can't recommend anything from personal experience but that's what I would be considering in your situation.

Re: Replacing Plusnet router wifi 5 with router wifi 6?

Surfer — Tue, 27 May 2025 10:06:04 GMT

As a follow on to my original question at present I use wifi for the laptop and it can be rather slow download stuff like the latest Win 11 update which is nearly 4GB. Half an hour later I am still under 20% for downloading.Although we have fibre it is not to the home, but to the box in the village and then good old copper.

The Plusnet router has only 3 LAN connections as we cannot use the WAN. One is use for connecting to landline socket for Internet, the other for a phone that using the Internet connection for calls and is not a landline. Third one is for the main TV in the lounge area.

I think I really need need a router that offers at least 4 - 5 LAN connections as we are having lot of issues if using the mobile phones to phone out or receive calls especially if something is being downloaded as I found out this morning.

What are my options and will I need to upgrade my router and if so any recommendations? Thanks

Re: Replacing Plusnet router wifi 5 with router wifi 6?

bmc — Tue, 27 May 2025 11:21:16 GMT

@Surfer

A simple powered ethernet switch would do the job. Plentry to choose from.

Brian

Re: Replacing Plusnet router wifi 5 with router wifi 6?

Surfer — Tue, 27 May 2025 11:39:51 GMT

Being a ignoramus regarding routers etc I have no idea what an ethernet switch is and how to use it?

Re: Replacing Plusnet router wifi 5 with router wifi 6?

Baldrick1 — Tue, 27 May 2025 12:23:39 GMT

@Surfer

You connect one of these: https://www.amazon.co.uk/TP-Link-LS1005G-Wallmount-Ethernet-Splitter/dp/B07VWB347G/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3VA9FRB1Q36BL&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.tRvz5nJRmQM5pMn-j3_wpkJBnRObjZoJZINaWbgNq197HIvGEIDEuAPVk9oUqGHJ2wscr5tj4uRBMFCx8fGnNq124LN8Zfqnurly2UN42qHn2jjDifUiIZ3RH1ieqaFFnaXWhmuLucYrWC-kwc09UkbF4hqzQ98qP1i2ZQRXS9IGoCyX0yr2Kv5FiwPZU-HJqDnTqb37oxLKI_TCv157KdYTSrbmWzPuCSBqLTOYCWs.YzWUsbQJUWmUt_iM6yYxTN_r8gI6XuFyIT6b9SWOsBk&dib_tag=se&keywords=ethernet+switch+4+port&qid=1748348305&sprefix=ethernet+switch%2Caps%2C93&sr=8-5 to your hub using one of the LAN Ethernet sockets with a short Ethernet cable. You lose one of the LAN output from the hub but gain 4, giving 6 in total.

The switch is plugged in to the mains and away you go, there's no configuration required.

Re: Replacing Plusnet router wifi 5 with router wifi 6?

Surfer — Sun, 06 Jul 2025 15:16:35 GMT

Still looking into this dilemma. We have FTTC connection. At times our Plus net router can be very slow even when connected using an Ethernet cable. Same with the TV connected using Ethernet. Weekends are the worst when you spend time waiting the little circle going round and round. I am not sure if this is an issue with the router or the cabinet.

Thanks for any advice.