Upgrading to WiFi 7

[#1]

It is my understanding that at present no Wifi 7 router has a built in modem therefore one needs to use the Plusnet Hub 2 as the modem and one needs to do some sort of bridging exercise in Advanced settings for the two to connect.  If we instal a VPN on the WiFi 7 router, can we switch to using the Hub two without VPN if necessary?  

Every now and then our Hub two shuts down for no reason, but strangely only when there is no data being passed i.e. we are out and about. To resolve the issue I simply unplug the Hub and plug it in again.  This may happen every few days or even weeks.  When it shuts down, we have no phones.

I am thinking of initially combining the Hub 2 with a WiFi 6e or Wifi 7 with Ethernet port speed up to 2.5Gb to get the initial feel of the two working together before buying a separate modem if the Hub 2 continues to shut down.  More future proofing than anything else.  We have 4K capable TVs and a 4k Firestick.  

Just looking for some input and pointers as I am a total novice at some things.  Thanks.

[#2]

Before splashing cash and being deeply disappointed it is worth reading up to considerably to exceed the novice state.    Having enough Wi-Fi coverage around the home is far more important than having the latests little used standards.

Wi-Fi 6 & beyond were designed to solve problems that are not really present at home, such as serving very high numbers of client devices in public conference halls or in airport departure lounges.

There are many Wi-Fi 6 & 7 Wireless Access points available and you also need to have client devices that support the same standards & bands to even connect at those levels, let alone find benefits.

One trap to be aware of is Wi-Fi 6 ( 802.11ax ) and later on the 2.4Ghz band, this has the potential to not work with Wi-Fi 4 IoTs e.g. CCTV / Smart Switches / Wi-Fi Printers and the like.  Be sure to research what Wi-Fi 6 and later settings would need to be disabled for good backward compatibility with Wi-Fi 4 single band devices.

Truth is Wi-Fi 4 devices enjoy the best compatibility and performance with low cost Wi-Fi 4 Access Points.

Take a look at the type of options on : https://www.broadbandbuyer.com/

Be very clear what problem needs to be solved.

[#3]

Thanks very helpful reply.  Just to explain a bit more.  My laptop is Wifi 6 and also the Firestick 4K Max.  Our main Tv has a direct ethernet connection and is a 4K/UHD TV.  Both our Samsung phones are Wifi 6.  We do not have a phone and use the Hub 2 for calls.  

As said the main reason is the Hub 2 switching off occasionally for no reason and also wifi dropping out on occasion.  With the Wifi dropping out I am not sure whether it is the Wifi or the stream coming from the cabinet as we are FTTC connected.  

[#4]

@Surfer 

PN have always been happy for customers to use their own equipment so if you find a router / modem that suits your needs you can remove the Hub2 from the setup.

Brian

[#5]

@Surfer 

With the Wifi dropping out I am not sure whether it is the Wifi or the stream coming from the cabinet as we are FTTC connected.  

Reviewing the Hub 2 event log will help determining that

[#6]

With FTTC there is zero value to be found past a Wi-Fi 4 / 5 system.

When you say Hub 2 is switching off ... do you mean that literally  i.e. it is a HUB Power Supply issue or an internal fault ?

Solve the Hub 2 issue first.

[#7]

Please clarify how I would access the event log on the router and what would I be looking for?  When the router shuts down, it is as if it is unplugged.  I will disconnect the UPS to which it is plugged into to make sure there is no issue with the UPS as it was a cheapie.  

[#8]

"When the router shuts down, it is as if it is unplugged"

Are we to read this as: .... The lights go out on the Hub 2 ?

[#9]

@Surfer You will find the event log on the page displayed in the attached screenshot.

[#10]

---

@Surfer wrote:
  Just to explain a bit more.  My laptop is Wifi 6 and also the Firestick 4K Max.  Our main Tv has a direct ethernet connection and is a 4K/UHD TV.  Both our Samsung phones are Wifi 6.  We do not have a phone and use the Hub 2 for calls.  

---

To get this into context, streaming 4K/UHD needs no more than 30Mbps. Decent WiFi distribution is more important than an extremely fast single router. Spend your money on a WiFi 5/6 mesh setup.

[#11]

Taking into account all the valuable information received, I think it would be best to replace the possibly faulty Plusnet WiFi5 router with a decent reliable Wifi 6 router and forget about VPN on the router.  Probably best to have the VPN on the laptop only.  Now need to find a decent Wifi 6 router.

Just to add, when the current router shuts down, it is totally dead i.e. no power until I unplug it and then plug it in again.  I have removed the cheapie UPS out of circuit to see if this is affecting the router?  However it could take days or even weeks before I will know.

[#12]

As said  above, @Surfer , sight of the full event log would be extremely useful, although it sounds like a PSU issue.

[#13]

@jab1 

Are you able to post the URL for the PN Hub 2 menu and give the navigation to the event log ?

If needed, where is the Hub 2 password found - is there a sticker or similar ?

[#14]

@PhilipHeyes Sorry, I have never used a Hub2 - I left a Plusnet   ADSL connection for FTTC with another ISP. 

The URL and all other required details for access to the management interface are provided on a pull-out card supplied with the Hub.

I would have thought anyone should be able to navigate from the Hubs 'Home'/overview page.

[#15]

Flint 2 (only wifi 6) or the newer v3 which is wifi 7.

Wait until the 20th and see what is on amazon, price wise