Hi,
( and to Help Team maybe useful, quote/delete use as required. )
I asked the original question and apologise for not logging in and reading or replying to some of the posts that followed. But I spent a fair bit of time on the subject, ( in case the problem was me! ) . So if it might help others from wondering why adding one more device causes hassle. I have made a few notes.
Briefly..
a) speed/connection/line etc was all fine and no problems
b) using original router (240 or 270?? forgoton now,) but with Alexa toys and stuff, easy to add 12 devices but number 13 will not connect.
c) remove a device,any will do and the last one will be able to work. But only ever 12 things connected.
d) couple of messages later and Plusnet guys sent out a later router,Hub one.
e) worked perfectly, even `borrowed` devices and adding up to 21 devices, ( then thought thats enough playing)
f) a couple of folks recommended alternative router, BT6 etc But Plusnet has kindly already posted a new unit out to me.
My thoughts on further searching online for info on routers, Alexa stuff and connections.
1) I think the new router `worked` because also had 5gHz band as well as normal 2.4gHz, so devices were not all loaded onto one channel.
2) Later I found online, in some manuals or instructions for Alexa stuff and routers, it mentions some routers have a limit of 12-16 device connections and to check with manufacturer! So an known limit with routers as possible fault cause.
3) Some routers, (tend to be very recent and more expensive one`s) state they can handle 32 devices.
I do not know the lead time from designing the router circuit boards to being in a box to post out at Plusnet office, but likely to be several or more years But the explosion of gadgets and toys for Alexa stuff and others, is fairly new. Even a handful of years ago, the home was more likely to be 1 desktop computer, maybe laptop and mobile phone. With the posh folks having also Ipads and smart tv`s!
Maybe half a dozen devices which any router could cope with at that time.
I doubt this `connection problem` is confined to Plusnet and lucky they sent me a free new router ( PS I am not paying for it now ) but I now do not think the problem rests at their door. As I was the one who bunged in remote lights, speakers and `overloaded` the working at the time router. But at the time did not realise what was the effect going to be.
I am sure some will disagree, so please, thats fine, you really dont have to tell me or troll.
Also as mentioned another alternative is to swap out your own router, with one that has dual channels. A friend/mate, someone who has an old one or even the many pages of Ebay ( or other online seller site!)
So for me having a dual band router and making sure you select the 5ghz band where possible, as some Alexa devices will only use the 2.4ghz band. Will spread the number of connections and maybe double your number of devices possible to connect. Or check the specs on some other routers.
regards
Brian
