Thinking of using a 3rd party router

[#1]

Thanks for the replies, all. I'll see how it goes with the Hub One. I can always use my Smart Hub 6 instead if necessary.

[#2]

I would suggest that the Smart Hub 6 would be the best choice. The Hub one is a previous generation rebadged BT Home Hub 5A, probably surplus to BT Retail requirements because it has an inferior modem chipset.

[#3]

To add some clarity here, the Hub One *cannot* be configured in bridge mode, not without elevated access anyway.
Yes, it's possible to daisy chain an access point via one of the LAN ports, however this isn't the same thing.

[#4]

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@SammyM wrote:

We have heard cases where some customers have successfully changed the Hub one settings in order for it to be used as a modem only.

Only by flashing new firmware and voiding any warranty

[#5]

Thank you @bobpullen for clarifying the point I made in post 2 that we (as normal end users) cannot set the Plusnet Hub One to a "bridge mode"

[#6]

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@champ388 wrote:
Thanks for the replies, all. I'll see how it goes with the Hub One. I can always use my Smart Hub 6 instead if necessary.

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This report compares the wireless performance of a Smarthub against a Hub One. https://www.businessdirect.bt.com/content/uni2/documentation/c6nx/bt_smart_hub_test_report.pdf

This report indicates that the one to use is a no brainer but it would be interesting to hear how your comparison goes.

[#7]

Thanks for the clarification Bob.
I’ve learned something new today.

[#8]

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@champ388 wrote:

I didn't think of that option, I'll use the Smart Hub 6 that BT gave me. Although the wireless range isn't brilliant, so I might still consider purchasing the Asus modem/router as apparently that has a much superior range.

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If you’re having problems with the Smarthub WiFi range it could be because you have the 2.4 and 5GHz channels synced. These can be separated by going into the router advanced WiFi settings.

[#9]

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@Baldrick1 wrote:

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@champ388 wrote:

I didn't think of that option, I'll use the Smart Hub 6 that BT gave me. Although the wireless range isn't brilliant, so I might still consider purchasing the Asus modem/router as apparently that has a much superior range.

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If you’re having problems with the Smarthub WiFi range it could be because you have the 2.4 and 5GHz channels synced. These can be separated by going into the router advanced WiFi settings.

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I'll give that a try tonight, thank you. Even in my bedroom which is above my living room, the WiFi signal drops a bit, and does the same when I'm in the back bedroom.

[#10]

That’s surprising as mine easily cover our whole house. However wireless performance will suffer if you have a modern house with foil covered insulation panels in the floor or walls. Reinforced concrete buildings can also kill WiFi.

When you go into the router advanced WiFi settings you need to change the Sync Channels option to No this will automatically add -5 to the 5GHz channel SSID. You then obviously have to try both channels on your devices and use the best.

[#11]

How come separating the channels would make a difference? I thought my device would automatically select the best channel even if they are synchronised.

[#12]

Hi @champ388

Devices should continuously monitor for the best wireless frequency and switch automatically - this normally produces good results. However, in situations where a device doesn't do this effectively, it can be detrimental. Therefore, forcing a device to connect to a specific frequency can help to resolve connection issues.

[#13]

Some devices get confused and seem to oscillate.between the two channels. I have two IPads, one copes fine the other shows abysmal speeds with this scenario. I have also heard of Android devices that also suffer.