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Red WAN Cable connection issues

Chunk66 — Sun, 23 May 2021 11:42:45 GMT

My fledgeling dip into 'I will do it myself' attitude has hit a speed bump. I've just received my new smart hub in the post and it has a RED WAN connection as well as a Red ended cable included. I can see where the red connection goes on the new hub but I'm at a loss as to where the other end of the red cable goes.

Re: Red WAN Cable connection issues

Keith_Beddoe — Sun, 23 May 2021 11:46:05 GMT

@Chunk66

What type of broadband connection do you have?

Do you have a direct optical fibre into the house, or does your broadband come down the phone line?

Re: Red WAN Cable connection issues

Chunk66 — Sun, 23 May 2021 11:45:57 GMT

Sorry to sound dumb, but what do you mean type?

Re: Red WAN Cable connection issues

Chunk66 — Sun, 23 May 2021 11:46:41 GMT

Ahh, phone line.

Re: Red WAN Cable connection issues

Keith_Beddoe — Sun, 23 May 2021 11:47:24 GMT

@Chunk66 wrote:

Sorry to sound dumb, but what do you mean type?

Direct optical fibre, with an Openreach unit on the wall, with lights on it. Or just a phone socket on the wall.

Re: Red WAN Cable connection issues

Keith_Beddoe — Sun, 23 May 2021 11:50:53 GMT

@Chunk66 wrote:

Ahh, phone line.

Then you do not use that red lead at all, you use the grey RJ11 lead, and connect it to your phone line.

I think BT are sending the same smart hub for both fibre and copper services.

Connect it up as shown below.

Re: Red WAN Cable connection issues

Chunk66 — Sun, 23 May 2021 11:51:38 GMT

Double socket set up with internet on the left and phone on the right.

Re: Red WAN Cable connection issues

Chunk66 — Sun, 23 May 2021 11:53:35 GMT

Thanks Keith as the whole red cable issue had me convinced i was missing out on a connection.

Re: Red WAN Cable connection issues

Keith_Beddoe — Sun, 23 May 2021 11:59:10 GMT

@Chunk66 wrote:

Thanks Keith as the whole red cable issue had me convinced i was missing out on a connection.

The red cable is used to connect to an Openreach optical modem, similar to this.

These are now being installed in most new build properties, and where there is a very slow broadband connection.

BT have been sending out two types, but I suspect they are now just sending out the one type, with an option to use the WAN connection, as a normal Ethernet port.

Saves making two types, and easier to upgrade customers to fibre.