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Using a 3rd party Router

raphavipe — Sat, 04 Sep 2021 12:05:16 GMT

Hi everyone, I'm looking into replacing BT's SmartHub for a Wi-Fi 6 (or 6E preferably) compatible one since most of my wireless devices uses the new Wi-Fi standard.

Can you guys please recommend what are our current options? I know BT requires a specific router with xDSL connection but finding quite difficult to google and finding options.

Thank you in advance.

Re: Using a 3rd party Router

licquorice — Sat, 04 Sep 2021 15:10:36 GMT

BT doesn't require anything specific at all. You just need an appropriate device for the type of service you have. If you have FTTC, you just need a VDSL modem/ router.

Re: Using a 3rd party Router

raphavipe — Sat, 04 Sep 2021 15:20:57 GMT

Makes sense thank you. Going back to my question then, any options available currently with WiFi 6/6e?

Re: Using a 3rd party Router

imjolly — Sat, 04 Sep 2021 15:29:42 GMT

Just try using Google search for modem/router and wfi6. Then up to you on sped and facilities you want

Re: Using a 3rd party Router

raphavipe — Sat, 04 Sep 2021 15:39:50 GMT

Please... do you really think I haven't tried that? Follow your own advice and let me know if you can find that information easily.

Re: Using a 3rd party Router

licquorice — Sat, 04 Sep 2021 15:45:12 GMT

If you Google WiFi 6 modem router combo you will find countless to choose from. We don't know what your requirements or budget are, only you can decide.

It's like going on a motoring forum and asking for a recommendation for a car.

Re: Using a 3rd party Router

TimCurtis — Sat, 04 Sep 2021 17:23:42 GMT

Out of interest what speeds are you getting from your fibre connection?

I ask because there might not be much point of WiFi 6 unless your speeds are in excess of ,say, 250Mbps.

I will stress I've not looked at what advantage WiFi 6 will give other than speed.

Re: Using a 3rd party Router

imjolly — Sat, 04 Sep 2021 17:23:47 GMT

@raphavipe wrote:

Please... do you really think I haven't tried that? Follow your own advice and let me know if you can find that information easily.

as already posted there are numerous to choose from just do the search work yourself then make choice

Re: Using a 3rd party Router

supertedster — Sat, 04 Sep 2021 17:35:45 GMT

People get good results with TP Link products. Maybe add one of their mesh systems too?

Re: Using a 3rd party Router

spile — Sun, 05 Sep 2021 07:03:06 GMT

Have you considered turning off Wireless on your BT router and adding a better wireless system? I use a repurposed router as a wireless extender but prefer to let the smarthub do the routing and it also allows digital voice.

Re: Using a 3rd party Router

Stu_H — Thu, 09 Sep 2021 07:46:19 GMT

Depending on the router, the firmware and chipset will dictate what benefits you see.
A fully featured WiFi 6 will have advantages in congested areas, will have PMF for a more secure WiFi connection if devices fully support this, lower latency, better battery life on devices and so on.

There is a WiFi 6E mesh system U.K. spec I know off under test now but release date is way off.

When you see a router marked as WiFi 6 you have to do research to insure it’s the one that will fit your needs. There are plenty of routers out there advertising WiFi 6 yet they don’t fully support all the features so careful picking is required. 6E is still in its early infancy so it pays to let that play out as we will see improvements as time goes on.

Wifi 6 and finding out what a manufacturer supports in conjunction with the chipset and firmware is a nightmare. At least most chipsets now support all the features unlike the earlier drafts.