topic Re: EE Router is hiding from my Manhattan T3-r PVR in Broadband & Landline

EE Router is hiding from my Manhattan T3-r PVR

flyhighest — Wed, 27 May 2026 08:21:06 GMT

I've just moved from PlusNet to EE as part of the former's migration away from landline provision.

Initially I successfully paired everything to the new Router (TVx1, phonex2, PVRx1, computersx2 - one ethernet the rest wi-fi).

But after a few days, whilst watching TV, a PVR message flashed up saying 'disconnected from wi-fi'. I was unable to reestablish the connection - the EE router no longer appeared on the PVR as an available network. The EE router knew of its existence because it said that the PVR had been disconnected for five days (by the time I found that it said such things), so the EE router did know of its existence. Why is the EE router hiding from the PVR?

An EE article suggested setting up a Compatible WiFi network. Didthat - didn't make any difference.
An EE article suggested switching off 5GHz for that Compatible network. Did that (while the PVR was on) and somehow the PVR re-connected by itself but it used the main Network. But everything else effectively stopped - a message appeared on the phone saying something about a spotty connection.
So I switched 5GHz back on. The PVR continued connected. Put PVR on standby and back on again - and it reconnected - but will the router throw it off the network again?

I hesitate to try switching the PVR off at the mains to see if it'll reconnect, because of a buggy router. What do I do or can I do to make the PVR properly and permanently visible again?

Re: EE Router is hiding from my Manhattan T3-r PVR

JimM11 — Wed, 27 May 2026 08:51:21 GMT

@flyhighest The PVR that you have it just may not like the Main EE WiFi network with it using the WPA3-T as the protocol, when you setup the Comp network, you need to go connect the PVR to that instead, it uses WPA2-PSK as the wireless which is more stable with older devices.....

It's an old device from around 2021, so more than likely wpa2 on wireless. See that it also has an Ethernet port and that would be the best connection but all depends were you EE hub is placed regarding the PVR position.

Linked below about the EE Hubs so you can see what you have got. Assuming you have at least the 6 Plus as you mention compatible network feature.

https://ee.co.uk/help/broadband/getting-started/compare-our-range-of-broadband-hubs

Re: EE Router is hiding from my Manhattan T3-r PVR

flyhighest — Wed, 27 May 2026 10:02:39 GMT

Thanks for replying. Yes, Smart Hub 6 Plus.

First, when trying out this morning, no EE network was visible to the PVR when trying to 'connect to wifi' (I set up the Comp network last night). When trying to 'search for wifi', the main EE network did show up (but not the Comp one) but so did various neighbourly networks and the PVR just slowly cycled around them in a loop with no option to choose.

As I said, at some point the PVR miraculously reconnected to the main EE network.

Now, having brought the PVR out of standby, it is still connected to main EE. I tried the 'change wi-fi' network function - and it now showed both main and Comp EE Networks. I did not change to EE Comp.

So, my conclusion is that the PVR does like 'the Main EE WiFi network with it using the WPA3-T as the protocol'. I also conclude that it's the router playing silly devils. I looked at the Event Log - it seems to do nothing except drop out and in, and reset itself every other day. I'll be charitable and assume this is the new part-fibre broadband settling down (previously we were good old-fashioned copper all the way - worked perfectly, the telegraph pole outside being 75 years old now).

As you suggest, I could use ethernet using TP Link (the router is a long way from the PVR) as I already do with a PC 'far-far-away'. But I am critical that backward compatibility seems unachievable with new whizzy gubbins. I know what you're saying, but if it is thought by the industry (as you point out) that something made in 2021 is old (and hence obsolete, decrepit, unworthy of support), then just let them wait until they get as old as I am. I have been 'persuaded' to change from PlusNet to EE in order to keep my landline (of over 50 years). Our oldest (inherited) phone has got to be also 50 years old. Funny how the router can handle THAT backward compatibility with ease but not something made 5 years ago. The 'too old' moniker is no more than an excuse.