topic Re: Can I replace the smart hub? in Archived Posts

Can I replace the smart hub?

DaveR21 — Tue, 27 Jul 2021 19:18:53 GMT

Hi all, I need to have a router that just passes on all the security and IP addressing tasks to my Ubiquity dream machine, what can I replace the EE router with?

Re: Can I replace the smart hub?

XRaySpeX — Tue, 27 Jul 2021 20:06:13 GMT

Yes, with any VDSL/ADSL modem router such as the ASUS DSL-AC68U.

In Home Broadband settings you'll find almost everything you need to set up your own router. What's missing for Fibre is:

VLAN ID = 101.

Re: Can I replace the smart hub?

mikeliuk — Tue, 27 Jul 2021 20:27:52 GMT

Hi @DaveR21 ,

The UniFi Dream Machine (UDM) is designed to work with a service provider's modem or router so it is not mandatory to replace the EE router. https://help.ui.com/hc/en-us/articles/360056846954-UniFi-Set-up-a-UniFi-Dream-Machine

If you have FTTP and an OpenReach ONT https://www.bt.com/help/broadband/whats-an-openreach-modem-ont there should be no need for any additional device at all as the UDM should support PPPoE on the RJ45 WAN (worth checking the manual and for online guides).

If you have FTTC https://www.bt.com/help/broadband/getting-set-up/home-networks/a-wired-home-network/what-type-of-master-socket-have-i-got- you can pick a modem from https://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.php/2018/10/latest-uk-openreach-approved-list-of-vdsl-modems-and-routers.html

The only benefit you will get from removing the EE router is to remove one layer of NAT. You could also do this with a router which supports bridge mode, or get something slightly less with a router which supports IP passthrough. Typically a router which supports bridge mode or IP passthrough would be wasted in such a role.

Re: Can I replace the smart hub?

pip11 — Tue, 27 Jul 2021 20:59:58 GMT

You could just get an Openreach VDSL modem off Ebay.