topic Re: Smart Hub Plus - DNS and DHCP in Broadband & Landline

Smart Hub Plus - DNS and DHCP

Salt11 — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 14:42:57 GMT

I am considering switching to EE Broadband (Full Fibre 150) but before doing wanted to check the features of the Smart Hub Plus. I have spoken to EE but "the technical department can't answer your question" so hoping someone here can help.

Firstly, I believe EE do not allow users to change the DNS servers. Is that correct?

Is it possible to disable the DHCP server within the router?

By way of background I run PiHole / Unbound as a local ad blocking DNS server so want all devices on my network to use this. If I cannot change the DNS to point to my PiHole server then disabling the DHCP server (and running my own) will give me back this control - this is what I currently do with my BT Home Hub.

Re: Smart Hub Plus - DNS and DHCP

Mustrum — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 15:55:42 GMT

@Salt11 Yes you can change DNS with EE.

Not sure if you will get the Smart Hub plus at that speed though, or if you can switch off DHCP, but you could carry on using your BT Hub.

Re: Smart Hub Plus - DNS and DHCP

Stuart-H — Thu, 23 Nov 2023 18:59:51 GMT

Hi @Salt11

Thanks for posting and welcome to the Community.

This a great question and one that others may search for in the future.

I want to ensure we get a good answer to cover all points for you. I've sent you a private message asking for some more details if that's ok with you. It will be really helpful.

Thanks

Stuart

Re: Smart Hub Plus - DNS and DHCP

bobpullen — Fri, 24 Nov 2023 09:29:07 GMT

@Salt11 wrote:
Firstly, I believe EE do not allow users to change the DNS servers. Is that correct?

Whilst I think this is possible with the majority of EE hubs, it's not currently an option within the Smart Hub Plus GUI.

Is it possible to disable the DHCP server within the router?

Yes.

By way of background I run PiHole / Unbound as a local ad blocking DNS server so want all devices on my network to use this. If I cannot change the DNS to point to my PiHole server then disabling the DHCP server (and running my own) will give me back this control - this is what I currently do with my BT Home Hub.

I use the Smart Hub Plus in exactly the same setup. Pihole/Unbound with Pihole looking after DHCP. The only frustration I've encounted is the fact that the DHCP server re-enables itself after a firmware upgrade. I understand that this will be fixed at some point but it's one to keep an eye on if you make the switch.

Re: Smart Hub Plus - DNS and DHCP

conormahony — Fri, 15 Dec 2023 10:39:33 GMT

I have update my DNS settings to OpenDNS and saved them (auto DNS Servers is now off), however when restarting my router, the broadband still shows the defaults (that can't be edited). When going back to my network IPV4configuration screen, I see my DNS settings are still saved as I wanted.

Re: Smart Hub Plus - DNS and DHCP

conormahony — Fri, 15 Dec 2023 11:41:25 GMT

I have been upgraded to Full Fibre 150 but I wanted openDNS settings which I can't put back in (regardless of what I update in IPV4 configuration). Can I use my previous router instead?

Re: Smart Hub Plus - DNS and DHCP

XRaySpeX — Fri, 15 Dec 2023 14:34:18 GMT

@conormahony : Which EE router do you have? You posted in 2 threads; this 1 about the EE Smart Router which allows the DNS to be changed & the other about the EE Smart Hub Plus which doesn't.

Re: Smart Hub Plus - DNS and DHCP

conormahony — Fri, 15 Dec 2023 15:28:46 GMT

I was upgraded to the faster hence the confusion. I was able to used the dynamic dns settings and create an account in openDnS.

I still think it's silly to expose the dns settings when they were just ignored in the smart hub plus.

Re: Smart Hub Plus - DNS and DHCP

XRaySpeX — Fri, 15 Dec 2023 16:11:03 GMT

Yes, @conormahony , now you've been switched from a legacy BB Smart Hub to a New EE BB Smart Hub Plus you can no longer set your own DNS settings or select a DDNS.

Re: Smart Hub Plus - DNS and DHCP

DeltaCharlie62 — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 09:56:33 GMT

Hi there, I have a similar issue (I want to change the DNS), so my first question to you is, why not?

The second is, when will you update the Smart Hub Plus GUI to allow such adjustments? Thanks.

Re: Smart Hub Plus - DNS and DHCP

XRaySpeX — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 13:42:52 GMT

@DeltaCharlie62 : That's just the way it is with the SH+. I don't provide updates to routers. I'm just a user like you! You'll need to apply to CS with any suggestions you might have.

Re: Smart Hub Plus - DNS and DHCP

DeltaCharlie62 — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 16:14:56 GMT

Thanks for the kind response, and sorry, I did not realise you are a "user" so thanks for this and all the work you are doing here and across the forums. It is much appreciated.(DeltaCharlie62).