topic Re: Replacement Router in Broadband & Landline

Replacement Router

PGTree — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 15:50:31 GMT

Hi All,

First time poster. I've seen there are some knowledgeable people who use this site, so I'm hoping I'll be able to get some advice please....

I regularly have BTOR out to look at my connection as my router is prone to regular reboots. I'm not on full fibre and the exchange is 1000 metres away but I get a reasonable download speed of 20Mbs. BTOR have on the last few visits said the Smart Hub routers aren't very good and that it would be a good idea for me to buy a better router to give me a more stable connection.

1. Is this good advice? If so any suggestions on the best router please?

2. Is the set up straightforward enough for a layman to do?

3, I have an Eero Mesh set up for the parts of my house with limited signal, will this still work ok?

Thanks

Re: Replacement Router

XRaySpeX — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 16:04:46 GMT

What is the name of the EE BB plan are you on including its speed? What EE router & WiFi extenders do you have (read label or post a pix)?

Re: Replacement Router

PGTree — Sat, 08 Mar 2025 17:12:17 GMT

I'm on fibre broadband. Not sure on the speed, but it's definitely not limiting me.

The extender is the Eero Mess 3. I'm on v 6.53.0 (32)

The EE router is a standard smart hub.

Re: Replacement Router

XRaySpeX — Sat, 08 Mar 2025 17:17:09 GMT

That's all very well but it gives us no idea what type of BB you have. There are no standard SHs; they are many models.

Re: Replacement Router

PGTree — Sun, 09 Mar 2025 10:57:28 GMT

Hope this helps re the router.

My broadband is partial fibre. Fibre to the exchange, then copper to my house. The final journey is around 1000 metres, hence the question on whether replacing the router might help. It's a stable service I am looking for rather than searching for improved speeds. I do have the best package possible for my location.

Re: Replacement Router

XRaySpeX — Sun, 09 Mar 2025 11:47:59 GMT

Yes, that's the original (not current) EE Smart Hub. Unless it's faulty there'll be no point in replacing it. You are probably on ADSL BB.

If you would like help with your BB speed or connection issues, please would you carry out the following steps for starters, which will enable us to diagnose the problem and advise you further. Do not restart your router to do these tests:

1. Post your full router stats:

For a SmartHub: login and go to Advanced Settings > Technical Log > Information. Obscure your names & any numbers in the BB Username & also the SSIDs. Also post the Home > Status page.
For a BrightBox: login and go to Advanced Settings > System > DSL Status. Also post 'System Uptime' from top of System Log page.
For other routers: login to it according to the label on it as the admin user & navigate looking for its router/connection statistics.

Full router stats are key to any speed & connection issues.

2. Try a speedtest, preferably wired using an Ethernet cable supplied with the router, here http://www.thinkbroadband.com/speedtest.html . Click on the "Results Page" button at the bottom of the graph you first see and then copy to here just the "Link to this result:" link that you see below the next main graph.

3. What does BT Wholesale Broadband Availability Checker estimate for your phone number? Post just the whole table and the line above it, blanking out your phone number. If it doesn't recognise your phone number or you don't have one, use the Address Checker, not the Postcode Checker.

Re: Replacement Router

PGTree — Sun, 09 Mar 2025 12:29:13 GMT

Afraid I got an error 404 when clicking on the speed test results page.

Re: Replacement Router

XRaySpeX — Sun, 09 Mar 2025 18:30:47 GMT

Thanks! You are running right at the bottom end of your expected range of speeds 😞 . I can't see a replacement router getting away from that.

Locate the hidden test socket that is revealed when you remove the bottom half of the split faceplate (2 screws or press tabs) of your master socket. Only do this if you have a split faceplate. Do you have any extension sockets in the home even if unused? Are there any wires connected to back of faceplate of master socket?

Only if you have an active landline, try the BT Quiet Line Test (QLT), dial 17070 Opt 2, preferably with a corded phone, in the test socket with the router disconnected. If there is any noise, report it to your landline provider as a voice fault (don't mention Broadband). Often sorting out voice faults will fix the Broadband as well.

Reboot the router & plug it into the test socket using a DSL dangly micro-filter. Post the full router stats & System Uptime when plugged into test socket.

Is the issue any better?

Re: Replacement Router

PGTree — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 09:26:54 GMT

Hi, thanks for your response.

There are no extension sockets connected to the back of my 5c. I've plugged a microfilter into the test socket and re-booted. No change to speed but I'll monitor and see how I go with stability.

I don't have a landline so cannot check that side.

Re: Replacement Router

XRaySpeX — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 11:23:42 GMT

Thanks. Would you post the Advanced Settings > Technical Log > Information page from the test socket? It has more useful info.

Re: Replacement Router

PGTree — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 11:29:45 GMT

Here you go thanks,

Re: Replacement Router

XRaySpeX — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 12:04:38 GMT

You'll need to remove your BB username from that, like you did before, before it can be approved.

Anyway there was no significant change in the stats at the test socket. So, I see no leeway for improvement.

Re: Replacement Router

PGTree — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 14:20:34 GMT

User name now redacted.

Appreciate you taking the time to look into this. So the BTOR engineer advice is incorrect, my system would be no more stable if I replaced the router?

Re: Replacement Router

XRaySpeX — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 14:46:00 GMT

I can't see that it would but you might never know until you suck it & see.

I think the issue lies in your line's connection to the cab. There's some sort of port swap ("Lift and Shift") that engs. can do at the cab. You might ask for that next time.

Re: Replacement Router

PGTree — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 15:45:09 GMT

I'll request that next time.

Thanks for looking into this.