This topic

Archer VR600 V3 to replace Smart Hub 2

SteveBB — Tue, 12 Apr 2022 20:37:12 GMT

Long story short I have had connection issues for years. I have problem had about 20 engineers out in this time, sometimes they found issues and fixed them, but mostly they tell me they don't know what's wrong even though my connection is dropping constantly. I can go days, weeks or occasionally months without dropping connection a single time at my max speed of around 35-37mbps but then it'll keep dropping over and over, and every time it drops my sync speed drops and I need to reconnect to recover my speed.

I have replaced the network card, all cables, had a replacement SH2 and done a fresh install of Windows just to be safe. I have also done a quiet line test which discovered an issue that was fixed.

My main question is, how is the Archer VR600 V3 vs the SH2? Is it a hardware upgrade, downgrade or about the same? Could I possibly see a stability increase? I figured it was worth a shot as I can just send it back to Amazon anyway.

I mostly use my PC via Ethernet but also use my phone/tablet wirelessly. I'm currently on Infinity 2 as I can't get FTTP.

https://www.tp-link.com/uk/home-networking/dsl-modem-router/archer-vr600/

Re: Archer VR600 V3 to replace Smart Hub 2

gg30340 — Tue, 12 Apr 2022 20:48:22 GMT

Given that you have already "replaced the network card, all cables, had a replacement SH2 and done a fresh install of Windows just to be safe". It points to a problem other than the equipment in your property so if there is a fault with your line it won't matter which router you are using, the fault will still be there.

Re: Archer VR600 V3 to replace Smart Hub 2

SteveBB — Tue, 12 Apr 2022 20:54:35 GMT

What are my options then? As I said I have had countless engineers out who all tell me the same thing, they can't find a problem. But obviously if my connection and speed is dropping constantly then something has to be wrong. The last time I reported a fault they just sent me a home tech, not even a proper engineer so he couldn't do anything (he literally just came upstairs, saw that the router was connected properly and left). I don't know why BT would send a home tech to a customer who has a long standing intermittent fault but there you go.

Re: Archer VR600 V3 to replace Smart Hub 2

gg30340 — Tue, 12 Apr 2022 21:20:21 GMT

Your options are to get BT to fix the fault.

You have stated that your "connection is dropping constantly " Then you go on to state " I can go days, weeks or occasionally months without dropping connection a single time at my max speed of around 35-37mbps".

This would appear that it is a very intermittent fault and as you are no doubt aware that those types of fault are very difficult to track down.

It could be that some piece electrical equipment in your house has an intermittent fault/connection that is causing electrical interference that is causing the problem or some outside electrical source could be causing electrical interference.

This type of interference is called REIN or SHINE and can be very difficult but not impossible to track down.

Obviously I have no idea if that is the cause of your problem but it is worth considering and mentioning the next time you complain to BT about the problem.

See link

Broadband: Understanding REIN and SHINE (adsl, broadband, interferrence, intermittent, rein, shine) (zen.co.uk)

Re: Archer VR600 V3 to replace Smart Hub 2

SteveBB — Tue, 12 Apr 2022 22:35:36 GMT

The best connection I had was 6 months absolutely rock solid after they replaced the cables going from the pole to my house, that was an all day job and my connection was amazing after. But ever since I maybe get a few weeks where it's good, then it'll become really bad, they'll do a lift and shift which seems to help again for a few weeks then the problem comes back, rinse and repeat. It's very intermittent, it goes from working great to awful in waves.

Maybe a mod here can help me? I don't want to be sent another home tech as it's just a waste of everyone's time.

Re: Archer VR600 V3 to replace Smart Hub 2

Les-Gibson — Tue, 12 Apr 2022 22:44:26 GMT

It may be worth thinking about your usage, this could explain why the problem is both long standing and intermittent.

For example, with a max speed of 37 you would be pushing the envelope a bit if you were trying to watch a 4k film on BT TV whilst someone else in the house was playing online games.

Re: Archer VR600 V3 to replace Smart Hub 2

SteveBB — Tue, 12 Apr 2022 23:32:50 GMT

I just have the standard Netflix which is 1080p and it's only me in the house, so the connection is barely being used. Most of the time I'm just gaming which uses almost nothing.

Re: Archer VR600 V3 to replace Smart Hub 2

MandyF — Wed, 13 Apr 2022 08:38:18 GMT

Hi @SteveBB,

I'm sorry for the issues you're having with your broadband connection, we can certainly take a look into this for you.

Can you please reply to the PM I've sent you, with the required details and we'll be in touch as soon as we can.

Thanks

MandyF

Re: Archer VR600 V3 to replace Smart Hub 2

SteveBB — Wed, 13 Apr 2022 09:24:36 GMT

Thank you for responding, I have sent all the information that you have requested.

Re: Archer VR600 V3 to replace Smart Hub 2

NorthernNico — Wed, 13 Apr 2022 09:36:07 GMT

Regarding the Tp-Link Archer VR600 V3. I replaced my BT Smart Hub 2 with this exact modem router device and can confirm that it has worked flalessly ever since I made the change a year ago for my FTTC connection. Prior to that I was getting devices dropping off the network and other issues.

Initially I thought it was one of my wirless devices that was causing the issue but after getting a replacement smart Hub 2 sent out and the same issues continuing to happen I decided to do away with the Smart Hub 2 and opted for the Archer VR600 V3 and have never looked back.

I hope this helps

Re: Archer VR600 V3 to replace Smart Hub 2

SteveBB — Wed, 13 Apr 2022 09:41:39 GMT

I have just finished setting it up and I'm impressed so far, it definitely has more features than the SH2 and it's a very sleek bit of kit. And I was in the same exact boat, I was sent a new SH2 and the issues persisted so I decided to buy a 3rd party upgrade as a last ditch effort. Hopefully I will have the same good news as you.

Re: Archer VR600 V3 to replace Smart Hub 2

SteveBB — Fri, 15 Apr 2022 04:05:53 GMT

I'm sad to say the new router lasted a day before my first disconnection. While I await @MandyF and her team to contact me I thought I'd look into what you posted. @gg30340

I bought an AM radio and went around my room looking for interference and I think I may have found something, but I'm not sure if it's normal or not? The radio goes nuts when it's near the lamp, but stops when I turn it off. I know LCD monitors produce a noise which is normal, but I have no idea about lamps?

https://youtube.com/shorts/24qusQA3rfI

It's much more audible in real life but hopefully you can still hear it, the video doesn't do it justice. I should also note the BT master socket is right next to the cabinet that the lamp sits on.

Re: Archer VR600 V3 to replace Smart Hub 2

Anonymous — Fri, 15 Apr 2022 07:39:54 GMT

It certainly is possible for a lamp to cause interference.

What type of bulb does it have in it - ie LED, Compact Fluorescent or old tungsten filament etc?

It could also be that the lamp's bulb holder has dirty contacts and is causing a bad contact with the bulb.

Are you able to either unplug the lamp completely for a few days, or at least move it as far away from the master socket, SmartHub and the cables that connect to the hub as possible?

Re: Archer VR600 V3 to replace Smart Hub 2

SteveBB — Fri, 15 Apr 2022 08:33:16 GMT

I'm not sure on the bulb (it's not LED) but I've removed it and put it into storage just to rule it out if nothing else. It's a long shot and I'm hoping the mods will actually find something but at this point I'll try anything.

Re: Archer VR600 V3 to replace Smart Hub 2

gg30340 — Fri, 15 Apr 2022 11:49:00 GMT

As has been suggested, I would unplug the lamp for a few days to see if things improve. If they do then all well and good, if not you have lost nothing.

Re: Archer VR600 V3 to replace Smart Hub 2

SteveBB — Sun, 17 Apr 2022 00:00:43 GMT

My bad luck continues, apparently the router I bought has a firmware issue where after 12 hours the router starts building errors and the connection gets worse and worse until it cuts out. I just experienced this in Overwatch where I constantly had connection issue icon on my screen. I'm now trying the beta firmware they recommend but if that doesn't work I'll have to return it for a refund. I just want stable Internet lol, I have spent so much time and money trying to get it working properly and I'm just so exhausted.

Re: Archer VR600 V3 to replace Smart Hub 2

SteveBB — Tue, 19 Apr 2022 13:16:07 GMT

@MandyF I spoke with one of your colleagues on Friday who said they'd call me on Tuesday but I've not heard anything yet. Can you look into if that's still on the cards. I completely forgot the gentleman's name as I had just woken up from a nap and my head was very foggy.

I've noticed my connection has been capped to 30mbps after the issues with the new router I bought (had to turn it off a few times) so I'm hoping I can get a reset. Things were stable for a couple of days after switching back to the Hub and it only just disconnected yesterday but that was a firmware update.