Alternative wifi router - Asus

[philjtoh]

I saw some discussion here of improving wifi coverage by using an Asus router instead of the wifi function of the Bright Box 2, but am having trouble setting it up now that I have gone ahead and bought one (RT-AC86U). Any hints for a tidy procedure please? I started by disabling wifi and DHCP on the BB2 and connecting the Asus to the LAN side of the BB2, but that didn't work, and then I had to do a factory reset on the BB2 because it wouldn't talk to my PC (obvs!). The Asus setup talks about using a modem, but I'm not sure what pure modem I would need for the EE fibre connection (other than the BB2). 

[Vixxxxx]

Following this as I also want to set up my Asus ac86u. I currently have an old open reach modem but I don't know what I'll have when I upgrade to full fibre next week. 

[XRaySpeX]

@Vixxxxx : When you get Full Fibre, the ONT is the modem to which you will connect your Asus router. 

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 (but this is handled by the modem).

[Vixxxxx]

Ah that's a relief, thank you! I'd been worried that I'd be sent a combined modem/router. Thank you for you help! 

[XRaySpeX]

@Vixxxxx : Thanks! You're welcome 🙂 ! Glad I could be of assistance & trust it is now sorted.

You have been sent a combined modem/router but you just won't be using the modem component.

[philjtoh]

I can't get full fibre in my road yet so still with BB2. Can I leave DHCP active in my BB2 until Asus is working so I can reconnect to sort out settings if it doesn't work first time? Very tedious reverting if not. 

[XRaySpeX · Accepted solution]

I wouldn't disable the DHCP on the BB2.

Try mimicking Re: To make a 2nd Brightbox as a Routing WAP on your LAN to the main Brightbox where the Asus stands in for the 2nd Brightbox.

[philjtoh]

Thanks. This was very helpful. The settings on the Asus are not the same as the BB2 obviously but I just set the operating mode to access point and I now have working WiFi and internet access from the Asus. Still more work as I need to locate the IP of the Asus so I can put an ext HD on it but I expect I can take it from here. 

[XRaySpeX]

Thanks! You're welcome 🙂 ! Glad I could be of assistance & trust it is now sorted.