I really want a router with bandwidth control but don’t want to sacrifice on performance by getting an old router so here’s my plan.
I’m hoping to use my current BT Smart Hub 2 as a modem and turning off the WiFi function, I’m going to connect my primary TP-Link Archer AX55 router via the WAN ports to the Smart Hub 2. To get bandwidth control I’m planning to buy an old TP-Link Archer VR400 V1, I’m going to connect the VR400 to my primary TP-Link Archer AX55. Of course I’m planning to have different WiFi names on the AX55 and the VR400.
Is it possible to have all these 3 routers connected and working fine? Or would there be an issue?
No reason why not assuming dhcp is off and I would give each repurposed router as a wireless point a static IP address.
The SH2 doesn't have a modem mode, it will still be routing and natting. If you are connecting the the 2 extra routers via their WAN ports rather than configuring them as wireless access points, you will be double natting and each extra router needs to be on its own sub-network. Probably best to turn off DHCP on the SH2, give the 2 extra routers a static IP address and gateway 192.168.1.254 and enable DHCP on them for 2 discrete subnets.
Not exactly sure what you mean by not wishing to sacrifice performance.
I want the Smart Hub as a acting modem with wireless off. I want the TP-Link AX55 to be the primary router, the other cheaper £10 router is meant for guests. The AX55 and the cheaper router both have different SSID and password.
Both routers are connecting to the Smart Hub, I should I turn off DHCP on the 2 routers and keep it on the Smart Hub? I kind of want all traffic to flow through the Smart Hub then to the 2 individual routers connected.
What broadband connection do you have , if it's FTTP then do away with the SmartHub completely and use the TP-Link AX55 connected directly to the ONT?
FTTC sadly and I have no modem so I have to use Smart Hub 2 with the wireless capability off.
Or get a Huwaei HG612 modem off of ebay for a small amount of money (£10-20 probably) and then use your preferred router. They may be old but they still work well. Don't bother about an unlocked one as if you need it unlocking it's a simple process anyway.
@spile on which router should I turn DHCP off?
BT is going to be an acting modem, TP-Link AX55 as primary router, low-end TP-Link TL-WR841N router for guests.
Both TP-Link are connected to the Smart Hub via ethernet.
Your ONT is the modem.
SH2 is the router
All slave repurposed routers as wireless points have DCHP off and I would give them a static ip.