Full fibre offer

[Steveee]

Hi, I currently have a FTTC solution using an RJ11 cable under my flooring to a BT Smarthub 2. I’ve reconfigured the WAN port so I have 4 x LAN ports. All of these LAN ports are used and needed. The smarthub has been positioned so that it’s colocated with all the equipment that need the LAN ports.

I’ve been offered a free upgrade to FTTP which I assume will provide an Ethernet port on the outside wall (where the existing connection is) that will use an Ethernet cable to a BT Smarthub 2 and plug into the WAN port which reduces LAN ports to 3 which for me is unsatisfactory. As I’m mid terrace, there’s no option to deliver the Ethernet port nearer to where I need it. There’s also a hidden threat in the BT offer that the FTTC solution will be removed in the next year so I need a solution that doesn’t require me to lift all my flooring to run in a new cable..

Is there anyway I can convert the Ethernet port into an RJ11 port so I don’t have to rip up my flooring, reuse existing RJLL cable and retain the 4 x LAN ports?

[imjolly]

Can you just not  use a 4 port switch and save all the hassle probably cost £10/15

[Steveee]

Why do I have to pay for more equipment when BT is forcing me to switch, and it doesn’t resolve the cabling issue. 

[imjolly]

It may be that the installation of FTTP the ONT may be in a different location to your existing master socket

[gg30340]

---

@Steveee wrote:

Why do I have to pay for more equipment when BT is forcing me to switch, and it doesn’t resolve the cabling issue. 

---

You are not being forced to do anything. You are being offered a free upgrade. If you don't want it because you will lose the use of an Ethernet port and you are not prepared to buy a solution for £10 to your internal home network don't take up the offer.

[Steveee]

I won’t have an option but to accept the ONT as “the FTTC solution will be removed in the next year”. 

[gg30340]

---

@Steveee wrote:

I won’t have an option but to accept the ONT as “the FTTC solution will be removed in the next year”. 

---

If that is the case then just spend £10 and move on because your options will then be have FTTP or don't have Internet access.

[Steveee]

Still doesn’t fix the main problem is cabling. I don’t want Ethernet cable across my flooring when I’ve a perfectly usable RJ11 cable under the floor. Any suggestions to fix that?

[gg30340]

Obviously I have no idea how you fitted your RJ11 cable but you may be able to use it to pull through an Ethernet cable.

Alternatively connect your Smarthub to the ONT by the use of Powerline adaptors and use one of your Smarthubs LAN ports to connect an Ethernet switch with as many Ethernet ports that you require. That will obviously incur expense.

The slight speed loss that you may experience using Powerline adaptors will probably be more than made up with the extra speed you will get by being on a FTTP connection.

Consult with the FTTP installer to see if the ONT can be placed in a location where you want it. It does not need to be where your present telephone master socket is located.

In any event you will need to work out what best suits your situation as only you know what that will be.

[iniltous]

The FTTC option won’t be removed for years , for some it will remain the only Openreach option for quite some time , but if you renew your contract or change provider to someone else using Openreach then taking FTTP will be required.

In your case , if the tiny investment in a Ethernet switch is too much , stay as you are , when outside the minimum term , don’t renew and remain as you are for the foreseeable future , however , the chances are one or two months paying the difference between the higher ‘out of contract’ price compared to the re-contract price would pay for the unmanaged Ethernet switch