Hub 2 Router

[#1]

I am often getting slow internet speeds so I am looking at upgrading to full fibre for an extra £2.13 a month. So I am told I will need a new Hub 2 router.

I rarely use WiFi - I prefer an Ethenet cable. Can I uae an ethernet cable with a Hub 2 router and how easy would this new router be to set up?

Thank you

Sheila

[#2]

@sheilajlister What Hub/router are you currently using (on FTTC, I presume?) The Hub2 has three Ethernet ports, so you just use one of the yellow tagged ones for the cable to  to your machine.

[#3]

Thanks for quick reply John. I can't see a model description on the router I have and I have to admit I don't know what FTTC stands for. 

As long as I can still use an ethernet cable then that should be fine. I also sometimes use one of those adaptors that use the house electricity to somehow transfer the internet signal. So presumably I can still use that?  And the TV!

Will this be only using fibre optic broadband and not 5G then?  

.

[#4]

@sheilajlister   Welcome to the Plusnet Community Fora.

Do you already have a Plusnet Hub 2? If so the only difference will be that the box will have two Ethernet cables rather than one Ethernet cable and one DSL cable.

You have three Ethernet ports available on the Hub 2, the other one labelled WAN is connected to the ONT via the additional Ethernet cable. Alternatively if you have a Plusnet Hub 1 then you can use that by replacing the DSL cable with an Ethernet one, connected between the ONT and the Hub 1 WAN port. The significant difference between the two hubs is that WiFi is better on a Hub 2.

There is no setting up with a Hub 2, simply plug in the Hub as per the instructions and it will automatically configure itself.

[#5]

Which of the routers on this page is it https://www.plus.net/help/broadband/router-information/ ?

FTTC is Fibre To The Cabinet which uses fibre cables to your local green cab, a copper from there to your property.

Your Powerline (I'm guessing that is what you mean) and TV will still work

5G is what your mobile devices (phones/tablets) use when not in your home, so will be unaffected.

[#6]

@sheilajlister 

FTTC is Fibre to the Cabinet (fibre to the cabinet then copper to your house).

FTTP is Fibre to the Premise

In PN talk FTTC is Fibre and FTTP is Full Fibre

Check here to see which router you have - https://www.plus.net/help/broadband/router-setup-guides/

The Hub1 can be used with FTTP if you have a spare ethernet port.

One thing to considerwith Full Fibre is you lose you phone service if this matters.

Brian

[#7]

I also sometimes use one of those adaptors that use the house electricity to somehow transfer the internet signal. So presumably I can still use that?

@sheilajlister be wary of the claimed speed of these devices! They may well claim to be 1000Mb capable but in reality they will achieve nothing like that! For example , I have a set of 1000AV adaptors, when connected on the same electrical circuit they will max out at around 150Mb, on different circuits they can be as low as 25Mb!

[#8 · Accepted solution]

That is fascinating Brian and really helpful. I really didn't know what those intials stand for and I certainly don't want to loose my phone line.

From the link you gave me, the router I have at the moment is a 2704n

As well as slow internet speeds, another reason I am thinking of fibre is they have been digging up the pavements in my street on both sides for the last two days, but the signs say it for Virgin and O2. So each company has to put in its own fibre cables.

And I don't understand how what they are putting in the pipes under the pavements connects to the houses, as up until now the phone lines are on the telegraph poles.

[#9]

@sheilajlister That router is REALLY old. Have no never renewed your contract, as PN would usually give you the option of a new one at renewal/upgrade time?

The Virgin/02 signs are from an alternative supplier - nothing to do with your current BT/PN connection.

[#10]

Yes I have had it a while - and have been with PlusNet for years and years.  My contract was renewed in July of this year. I'll get in touch with them. Thanks.

[#11]

@sheilajlister 

Alternative suppliers use their own networks. They can use OR infrastructure if they so choose - but it costs them money.

Are you certain it is Full Fibre that PN are offering as an upgrade?

Whatever you do, you will lose your phone service by the end of 2025 or earlier if PN pull the plug on their offering. The BT Group appear to be positioning PN as a low cost internet only provider hence the withdrawal of PN phone services. You don't get offered one if you sign up as a new customer. Nor can you upgrade your internet without the phone going.

As to the future for phones, you will need to either move to an ISP which does both or, once you move to Full Fibre, "port" your number to an independent supplier. There are many to choose from but A&A have a good reputation. As important they have a good FAQ section on VOIP.

https://www.aa.net.uk/voice-and-mobile/voip-information/

Brian

[#12]

Yes it is Full Fibre PlusNet are offering me - for £26.99 a month.

Again thank you for more information I wasn't aware of - in relation to phone lines.

Sheila

[#13]

@sheilajlister 

With regard to phones - do you have a good mobile signal?

You need to think about your phone before you order FF (Full Fibre). You have 30 days from when your service ceases to port the number but it is best done ASAP in case of problems. So knowing beforehand which VOIP provider you want to use helps.

If you have a good mobile signal A&A offer good value. You use mobile for outgoing and A&A for incoming.

You also need to think about your current phone - will it work with VOIP. You may need to accquire an Analogue Telephone Adapter (ATA) which sits between the phone and the router. Power cuts also need some thought- VOIP doesn't work without power.

Brian