Adding a second hub 2 router to our garden office, advice needed please....

[#1]

@thecarpenter 

They can be easier to configure as most would use DHCP for their IP Address, there would be settings to setup your preferred wireless name and password.

Ideally you need one which uses ethernet connection back to the router which is referred to as 'ethernet backhaul'.

Are you going to be completely wireless in the office or is there a requirement for wired ethernet connections as well?

[#2]

Hi.
There would be a few pieces of kit connected via ethernet. Id rather have an option for both anyway

[#3]

A consideration is what will be the maximum ethernet devices are you likely to have?

My thoughts would be to have a ethernet switch connected to your hub and then a Access Point connected to the switch

or

a router which will work as a access point which will have built in ethernet ports.

Is all down to your budget

or

EDIT: Use the Hub two as first planned

[#4]

A hub is not required n the garden office, just a swich with a connected AP.

[#5]

@Champnet 

 I do not disagree with you, given the original question was about using a second Hub Two that advice has already been give.

However the discussion has moved on to my last post suggestion, if the Hub two has been purchased then the option is available if they do not want to buy anymore hardware

If it was me I would not  consider using the Hub two, not even as a modem/router, maybe as a modem only

[#6]

Ok. Thank you everyone. It's really appreciated. I'm beginning to understand all this a bit more now. From what I've read and putting the hub 2 aside. It seems the best option is an AP and a switch if I decide we need more ports.
Is that right?

[#7]

@thecarpenter 

Yes an AP is your best option, I've previously setup a TP-Link AX53 (other routers are available) to be an AP only.

It has a WAN to connect to the upstream router and 4 LAN ports

On first switch ON there is an option to Change Mode to Wireless Router mode or Access Point mode.

Selecting AP sets the AX53 device WAN connection type to be Dynamic IP so the Hub assigns a IP address of the network. The wireless name can be changed if required.

Like many TP-Link devices there is also a Tether app to manage the device.

HTH

[#8]

@Dan_the_Van  Why not just recommend an Access Point device instead of a repurposed router. ?

[#9]

For a cheap and cheerful option, have a look at the Zyxel VMG 3925-B10C, Its wireless is only Wifi 5 but they can ofen be picked up on ebay for <£20.  Yes, it doesnt have a preset Access point mode but its pretty simple to set. Just change the ETHWAN connection from 'routed' to 'bridged' and disable DHCP. Its default LAN IP is 192.168.1.1 which fits nicely with the Hub 2 defaults. Then just connect its WAN port to a Hub2 LAN port. You now have an access point with 4 additional LAN ports.

[#10]

@Champnet 

There are many different products for a solution, I thought I provide a solution I previously used which had a 4 LAN ports, I did say other options are available and cheaper than the one I used

A switch with a TP-Link RE330 in AP mode would also work.

If you have a recommendation then please provide one.

AP being limited to 5GHz would restrict wifi devices,  only 5 GHz could be used.

[#11]

That sounds pretty much ideal, I'm also already on the Tether app for several extenders. Will this need a POE (I think that's what it is called) basically a power supply for the AP

[#12]

@thecarpenter 

The ideal (but most expensive) solution is to scrap your Plusnet hubs and use a mesh system, using your Ethernet cable as a backhaul. That will give your wireless devices trouble free ‘bumpless transfer’ between the two areas.

[#13]

Or get a couple of Fritzbox 7530, replace the 'master' with one, and then use the ethernet cable to the garden office as the backhand to the other one. Also gives you the option for VOIP 'in the box'

[#14]

Thank you everyone for the endless supply of options and advice, it really has genuinely helped so I am grateful.
I'll go for a TP Link AP. Seems like a good compromise. I can add a switch if I feel I need more ports. Consider this student as a pass 😊

[#15]

@thecarpenter  A tip that will probably upset the 'experts' on this forum, set a different SSID name on the new device in the garden office to the one on the router but keep the same password........