Should I get another router to add to the BT router?

[MatrixProfessor]

I've got a TP Link Router.

I bought 18 months ago and never used 🙂 

Is there any advantage of using?

I got because it would allow a few extra controls that I wanted.

But when I researched further, the controls were pants and not much better than BT router defaults.

I was wondering if people here use external routers in addition to the BT router for any reason?

Thanks.

[pippincp]

There are many who use a third party router instead of the BT Hub.

[MatrixProfessor]

I have a TP Link router.

I want to use this instead of the BT router.

How do I disable the BT router and use the TP Link router?

I assume the BT router still needs to be connected?

I assume I need to turn off the BT router being a router?

ALSO if I turn off Wifi, can I still keep my BT internet Hotspot STILL on? Or does Wifi need to be kept on??

Thanks.

[pippincp]

You need a VDSL router or an Openreach modem from ebay otherwise you would just be double NATting.

[MatrixProfessor]

What does double NATting mean?

Is it impossible or highly not recommended to use 2 routers together?

[licquorice]

Using 2 routers together is generally pointless and is normally only done to avoid the expense of extra equipment when one has the items to hand and wish to use one as a makeshift wireless access point.

If you have a suitable third party router, it is not necessary to also use the BT hub.

[MatrixProfessor]

So... I don't need the BT router at all?

If I have a 3rd party router - can I replace the BT router?

My assumption was that I HAD to have the BT router for verifying the BT account or something?

[gg30340]

You have not said which model of router you have or what type of broadband you have. 

Depending on what type of broadband you have will determine what type of router you will need in order for it to work.

[MatrixProfessor]

I've got BT Fibre broadband. Max speed 70MBs I think.

The router I was looking to buy was: TP-Link TL-WR940N.

The one I have already is the TP Link AC750 (C2). I've connected this to the BT router. Can I connect it directly instead?

I wanted to replace the C2 because the parental controls are rubbish.

[Keith_Beddoe]

---

@MatrixProfessor wrote:

I've got BT Fibre broadband. Max speed 70MBs I think.

The router I was looking to buy was: TP-Link TL-WR940N.

The one I have already is the TP Link AC750 (C2). I've connected this to the BT router. Can I connect it directly instead?

I wanted to replace the C2 because the parental controls are rubbish.

---

If your connection comes in on your phone line, then none of those routers will work without a separate modem.

Both these two are suitable alternatives.

This one is very popular, and works with all BT services.

https://www.tp-link.com/uk/home-networking/dsl-modem-router/archer-vr400/v2/

If you only want 2.4GHz then there is a cheaper option, about £35.

https://www.tp-link.com/uk/home-networking/dsl-modem-router/td-w9970/

They are both very easy to configure.