This topic

Smart Hub 2 - DECT extenders

yorkley — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 14:21:12 GMT

Is there a DECT extender that will work with the BT Smart Hub.

A lot of people are asking the same question but there is no answer generally given.

Whilst the Smart Hub is capable of connecting to Wifi extenders is it also capable of connecting to DECT extenders.

BT do a DECT extender but there is no mention of whether it will work with a Smart Hub 2.

A definitive answer would be appreciated.

Re: Smart Hub 2 - DECT extenders

Carlusha — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 14:45:35 GMT

I believe the answer is that the task of the repeater is to boost the base station signal strength and has nothing to do with the Smart Hub.

https://shop.bt.com/products/bt-dect-repeater-064550-7SS9.html

"Boosts the range of your existing compatible DECT telephone base station by up to an extra 50 m (indoors) and 300 m (outdoors)"

Re: Smart Hub 2 - DECT extenders

licquorice — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 14:57:00 GMT

That is just a standard DECT repeater and should in theory be compatible with the DECT base station of the SH2. It doesn't 'boost' anything, it just acts as a repeater. However, the key word is 'should'.

Re: Smart Hub 2 - DECT extenders

Keith_Beddoe — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 15:04:05 GMT

That is an expensive device, no wonder its unavailable. Must be easier to move the smart hub 2 to a better location,

Re: Smart Hub 2 - DECT extenders

licquorice — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 15:08:40 GMT

DECT repeaters appear to be around that price.

Re: Smart Hub 2 - DECT extenders

Keith_Beddoe — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 15:19:26 GMT

@licquorice wrote:

DECT repeaters appear to be around that price.

Cheaper to buy an additional DECT phone system with just a single handset, and plug the base unit into the DV adapter which can be located about halfway to the area that has no DECT coverage. That would extend the range that a phone could be used.

Re: Smart Hub 2 - DECT extenders

licquorice — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 15:21:27 GMT

True, but that would result in 2 DECT networks rather than the one if an extender were used.

Re: Smart Hub 2 - DECT extenders

yorkley — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 15:23:40 GMT

The BT DECT repeater user guide states - When registered to the telephone base station, the Repeater’s coverage area overlaps the coverage area of the base station, the base can hand-off calls to the Repeater as the user moves from one coverage area to another.

Digital Voice must have been field trialed and I would expect that somebody would have tried DECT extenders or noticed that the range required extenders.

BT Tech support must know about this and it may benficial for somebody to ask them?

Re: Smart Hub 2 - DECT extenders

licquorice — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 15:27:24 GMT

@yorkley Are you actually experiencing a problem with the range of the hub DECT base station or are you crossing bridges before getting to them?

The range of a DECT signal is much greater than wifi.

I would surmise that the requirement for a DECT repeater in a domestic environment is very much a niche market.

Re: Smart Hub 2 - DECT extenders

yorkley — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 15:27:15 GMT

Whilst one could connect another DECT system via an extender that defeats the object of the DECT on the Smart Hub.

You cannot switch off the DECT on the hub either because the adaptor would not work then.

Lets hear from BT tech support on this please.

Re: Smart Hub 2 - DECT extenders

licquorice — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 15:29:28 GMT

@yorkley wrote:

Lets hear from BT tech support on this please.

BT techs don't monitor this forum, however, I will ask the mods if they can get a definitive answer, but don't hold your breath.

Re: Smart Hub 2 - DECT extenders

yorkley — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 15:29:33 GMT

I am crossing bridges and also have a friend in the situation where he has no signal in part of his premises.

So I have been on a couple of forums and there appears to be no answer to the quesion.

Re: Smart Hub 2 - DECT extenders

yorkley — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 15:34:42 GMT

licquorice - thanks for that.

There should be a route into the tech support group.

Sometimes forums bring up questions that are actually software bugs or unknown issues etc and tech support involvement is imperative.

Re: Smart Hub 2 - DECT extenders

yorkley — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 10:17:01 GMT

Has BT support responded to the question yet?

This should have been spotted during the two field trial roll outs.

So the support guys should have an answer one way or the other.

Thanks

Bob

Re: Smart Hub 2 - DECT extenders

Keith_Beddoe — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 10:28:26 GMT

@yorkley wrote:

I am crossing bridges and also have a friend in the situation where he has no signal in part of his premises.

How did they manage before digital voice?

Re: Smart Hub 2 - DECT extenders

yorkley — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 10:44:28 GMT

Didn't use DECT then.

Had they known the DECT on the Smart Hub was a bit naff, they would have had the fibre bought into another part of the premises.

Re: Smart Hub 2 - DECT extenders

licquorice — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 11:56:32 GMT

Once the mods get an an answer they will post on this thread.

Re: Smart Hub 2 - DECT extenders

yorkley — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 23:44:18 GMT

I have investigated this further.

It looks like there should be a setting in the DECT area for "Repeater Mode".

I have checked a phone and have also seen snapshots of a working DECT setup and cannot see any mention of this.

Maybe it's hidden.

Cheers

Bob

Re: Smart Hub 2 - DECT extenders

yorkley — Sat, 18 Dec 2021 16:50:19 GMT

Still waiting for a reply from BT Tech support.

Do they really exist?

You would not believe they have customers out there.

Re: Smart Hub 2 - DECT extenders

licquorice — Sat, 18 Dec 2021 18:06:45 GMT

BT tech support is an oxymoron.