Can I connect my BT Hub to my Asus RT-AC86U?

[paulieflynn]

We recently bought an Asus RT-AC86U as a third party router for gaming, tried setting it up and could not access out BT WiFi off of it, even tho it was hard wired (using a WAN cable). After many calls today I was then instructed to turn to the BT community for more info, has anyone done this previously? If so is the BT we've got able to do so or are we needing to upgrade the Asus Router.

Thankyou

[Keith_Beddoe]

@paulieflynn 

Welcome to this user forum.

You would not be able to use that as a router, as the home hub cannot operate as a modem, and you will damage it if you connect it directly to your phone line.

All you could use it for would be a very expensive wireless access point if connected to the home hub.. This seems to be a very common mistake made by many forum members. You need one suitable for a DSL connection.

What you needed to do if you wanted to use a different router, would be to use on of these.

https://www.asus.com/uk/Networking/xDSL-Modem-Routers-Products/

The alternative would be to buy a separate modem, and connect that to your existing Asus router.

If you have an ultrafast connection (G.Fast), then your options are very limited.

You may be able to exchange what you have, for the correct one.

I am assuming that you do not have an FTTP (Direct Fibre into your property) connection.

[Ipswich]

I have the same router and assuming you are on FTTC, you could try what is posted here https://community.bt.com/t5/Archive-Staging/How-to-connect-ASUS-RT-AC68U-Router-to-BT-Infinity/td-p/...  (haven't tried this).

If you can't exchange your router for a DSL one (or don't want to), you could do what I did and buy a cheap Openreach modem for under £20 to connect to your Asus. Plenty to shop around for, and two models available (ECI or Huawei). The latter (Huawei HG612 model 3B) seems recommended, especially since it can be unlocked (more info here https://support.aa.net.uk/Router_-_EchoLife_HG612 ).  These are all used or refurbished.

[Ipswich]

Apologies, my first hyperlink is wrong and should be https://community.bt.com/t5/Home-setup-Wi-Fi-network/Smart-Hub-2-as-a-Modem/td-p/1922978 .