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Little confusion over Smart Hub 2

Xiderpunk — Sat, 06 Nov 2021 12:32:23 GMT

Hi, I have changed my broadband provider to BT and received the Smart Hub 2 today in the post. I am just trying to work out if I need to use this with my existing network setup. I use an ASUS RT-AC68U wireless router connected with AiMesh to 3 wireless repeaters due to having a rather large property. The WAN connection uses currently an Openreach ECI 1B modem to connect. The connection is FTTC as FTTP is not yet available here.

The ASUS router is pretty important to me, it handles DHCP for my network, along with firewall/routing rules. It also provides dual band 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz across two separate SSID channels. This is important.. I do a lot of embedded systems work at home, so I have many devices connecting to this through various cases (metal/plastic/open pcb).. it is incredibly useful for me to switch between 2.4 and 5 by connecting to either SSID as required.

Now I have plugged in the Smart Hub 2.0.. and connected it just to my network through ethernet. In the settings page.. there are none of the features I would need to consider using this as my main router. Therefore, my confusion is.. can I disable the wifi of the Smart Hub and use it just as a (wan gateway) modem? If not then I guess I will stick with the existing modem.

The connection itself does not switch over until Monday incidentally.

Re: Little confusion over Smart Hub 2

Xiderpunk — Sat, 06 Nov 2021 13:12:06 GMT

Replying to my own post.. but some further details. I have disabled the wifi and disabled DHCP on the Smart Hub. I can disable the WAN on my ASUS RT-AC68U and then set the Smart Hub as a WAN gateway for the network through it's DHCP. So it is looking promising..

Re: Little confusion over Smart Hub 2

licquorice — Sat, 06 Nov 2021 15:42:59 GMT

You don't need to use the hub at all, just continue as you are. You just need to enter the generic BT PPPoE credentials of username bthomehub@btbroadband.com and password BT on the Asus

Re: Little confusion over Smart Hub 2

Keith_Beddoe — Sat, 06 Nov 2021 15:59:39 GMT

@Xiderpunk

You will need to use the Smart Hub 2 if you require a phone service from BT, in future.