BT HG612 + TP-Link Archer - Worth Upgrading?

[#1]

Hi there,

I'm still on an FTTC service with Plusnet with an old school BT Openreach HG612 modem and TP-Link Archer D2 router. This is due to the building my flat is in still unable to upgrade to Full Fibre.

I'm about to go out of contract and made me ask whether its work replacing the TP-Link to something newer (think its dated from 2014) or replace both modem and router with a Hub 2?

Thanks,

Beans

[#2]

@Beanhead 

If you recontract you should be able to get a Hub2 for P&P only (£6.99 I think).

Do you still have a phone service - if so you need to think about that. It will go later this year and you will be moved to SOGEA (FTTC  with a phone).

Brian

[#3]

Hi BMC,

Thanks for that, no don't have a phone service (wouldn't even know what my phone no is), only use it for the Internet.

Would there be a massive upgrade on my current setup?

Thanks,

Beans

[#4]

@Beanhead 

Some features of the Hub two

1) Only three LAN ports
2) Both 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz wireless share the same name (it is not possible to split them)
3) WiFi performance - Max Rate 2.4GHz 216Mbps, 5GHz 1730Mbps
4) Seven internal antennas (3x 2.4GHz, 4x 5GHz)
5) Beamforming (Implicit and Explicit Beamforming)
6) Can be configure to use your preferred public DNS providers (or use your own local DNS server like pi-hole)
7) Can be configured to respond to remote ICMP (ping), this allows the use of Thinkbroadband Quality Monitor
8) The option to export event logs and status screen as a csv file, which is useful for fault finding
9) Does NOT support router or dsl stats applications
10) Can be configured to 'bridge mode' (modem only), allows for clean implementation of a mesh system or 3rd party router
11) On/Off front panel light setting

[#5]

@Beanhead 

You may still "have" a phone line in which case you would ask to be transferred to a SOGEA line. No work is required at your property.

If you take a Hub2 (I would at £6.99) you unplug your two current units and plug in the Hub2. You then go into the Admin page of the Router and change the WiFi settings to what you currently use (saves changing all devices).

Apart from that, you shouldn't notice ant real difference. WiFi coverage may be better of worse - you wont know until you try.

As a matter of interest what does OR say for your property - www.openreach.co.uk

Brian

[#6]

@Beanhead  You ask the question “Would there be a massive upgrade on my current setup?”

Answer … Almost certainly no difference at all. The speed you get on FTTC is dependent on the distance you are from the cabinet and that has not changed. The HG612 although rather old is an excellent modem, it’s possible that the Hub2 might even give you lower speeds. You won’t know until you try it.