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Performance with two routers for Digital Voice

Drscoity — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 14:25:25 GMT

Like a number of BT customers I am frustrated that Digital Voice will only work with the Smart Hub 2. I have been really happy with my Netgear Orbi setup for the last couple of years and don’t wish to go backwards to the SH2.

I’ve read the various posts on here explaining how to configure a SH2 in line with your preferred router. Not ideal as I understanding it introduces the issue of double NAT. Has anyone who has tried this setup had any noticeable performance issues?

Re: Performance with two routers for Digital Voice

jac_95 — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 14:32:06 GMT

Hi Drscoity,

Thanks for the post and welcome to the Community.

This is an automated response as I can see you have a question about BT’s Digital Voice service. Rather than waiting for a response from the Community, you may find an answer to your question by using the search bar on the Community homepage. We also have a thread that contains a wealth of info related to BT’s Digital Voice, click this link to take a look, Digital Voice FAQs.

To learn more about the nationwide change to this Internet based voice service visit landlinesgo.digital

If you have already looked for the answer to your question and have not found anything that can help, then please ignore this message. One of our Community members will be along shortly to help you further.

Re: Performance with two routers for Digital Voice

licquorice — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 14:34:26 GMT

If you put the Orbi in bridge mode you won't be double natting.

Double natting is not really a problem although avid gamers don't like it.

Re: Performance with two routers for Digital Voice

Drscoity — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 14:41:41 GMT

Thanks for quick reply. If I do configure this way, I want the network coming from the faster Orbi, so can’t put it in bridge mode. I’d read that SH2 doesn’t have bridge mode, so can’t avoid double NAT?

I’m not an avid online gamer, so not a problem!

Re: Performance with two routers for Digital Voice

licquorice — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 14:43:41 GMT

If you are not an online gamer, or have many port forwards set up, you won't know you are double natting.

Re: Performance with two routers for Digital Voice

TimCurtis — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 15:34:39 GMT

@Drscoity

I've an SH2 to handle DV and my Asus DSL-AC68U does the rest. I don't game so can't comment about that side of things but it all works quite well in truth. The SH2 gets a better download speed than the Asus and that's a positive for me.

Re: Performance with two routers for Digital Voice

stevebrass — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 17:13:28 GMT

I used my existing Netgear Orbi (which had been connected to a modem) with a SH2, using the Orbi in router mode. I had no apparent problems with using that set up. Unless you are a gamer I wouldn't worry about double natting.