EE Smart Hub Plus and Wirelesss Extenders

[DavidF9]

I currently have BT Broadband 70MB delivered over copper. The circuit is delivered from a telegraph pole into my loft extension eaves, where the router and a switch is placed. I then distribute hard wired ethernet connections via a patch panel to data points throughout the house for optimum performance as I live in an old house spread over 3 floors and which has solid brick walls.

I am having EE Full Fibre installed this week and I have a few questions that I would appreciate some help with. The fibre is due to be delivered from the pole and I am hoping we can get it to the same position where the current router is, to use the distribution system. 

The wifi is currently delivered using 3 White Disc BT Whole Home Wifi units (one on each floor). Each one has a static IP address, and same SSID and connects back via an ethernet connection to the router. Wifi is turned OFF on the router itself. I have read that the black discs do not work with the EE Smart Hub Plus but that the white discs may work. 

Could someone please inform me if I can use the white discs. If so is the setup the same or does wifi need to be turned on, on the router itself and are there any other changes that need to be made.

I have also been sent 1 Smart Wifi Plus wireless extender. This has an ethernet port in the back. Can it be used in a similar way to the White Disc Whole Home Wifi where it connects back to the router via ethernet.  Can it be given a static IP address. Does it have a web interface to configure it?  I know if I have to use these boxes I will need more than one but I am also worried that if they are only making wifi mesh connections back to the router then performance may be worse. 

Thank you for your help

[XRaySpeX]

The white "High St." Whole Home discs do work with the EE Smart Hub Plus (SH+) router. It's the black BT Complete WiFi discs that doesn't!

If they're connected back to the router by Ethernet the router's WiFi does not need to be ON. 

The EE Smart Wifi Plus extender should be similar.

[JimM11]

@DavidF9 Personally have the Fibre delivered to the exact same spot, and have the ONT installed there, you need to get the OR Installation team to play ball with you. Keep all your existing equipment BT Router and whole home disk's, send all the EE stuff back, you will have a lot less issues.

[XRaySpeX]

At the loss of WiFi6.

[JimM11]

@XRaySpeX zero speed loss.

[DavidF9]

Hi Jim

Thanks for the heads up. I was preparing for a battle with them as I don't want my garden dug up or cables strung outside the house, and I must be able to use the distribution panel which is located next to the router.

I was planning to have the ONT installed there like my existing Openreach BB box.

You suggested keeping my current router. But it does not have an RJ45 ethernet WAN connection, only an RJ11. Also it does not have digital voice. So I fear I will have to use the EE router. 

I have already reconfigured the LAN side of the EE router, so when it is plugged in to the new WAN service I am hoping the Whole Home Wifi connects, and all devices (hardwired and wifi connected) all just work.

[XRaySpeX]

Which BT router do you have at present?

[Mustrum]

@DavidF9   have a good study of the Openreach Guide https://www.openreach.com/help-and-support/full-fibre-broadband-installation-checklist 

Generaly speaking Openreach prefer to fit on the ground floor as they cannot splice the fibre from the top of the ladder. They also will not go anywhere near an unhoarded loft.

With plenty of cups of tea/coffee chocky biscuits and maybe even bacon baps they may offer a degree of flexibility, but it will all depend on who you get on the day and what is possible/practical.

All that said, the router does not have to be next to the ONT, if you have good quality ethernet connections you could put it where you want.

[DavidF9]

Smartswitch 2, I believe

1 RJ11 WAN port, 4 ethernet LAN ports, 1 USB and one covered up digital voice connector

[JimM11]

@DavidF9 With you so far, got it all, you would therefore be better to ditch all your BT Home hub smart wireless and get the extra 2 EE Smart wireless unit's. Wired backhaul is estimated to work with the units. Patch your DV Voice from the back of the Smarthub+ ATA connector out to a connected socket to take care off the voice side.

If you can do the prep work before with regards to the cable run from the Eaves to the ONT location ie drill the hole for the cable to come in, up the joist, NO sharp bends for the cable and a power socket for the ONT then nice OR engineer will do, if you feel it is unsafe, then they get the same feeling not going to happen, but as you have it already setup do not think there will be the slightest issue.....

If you wish to open up PM and send me a message will discuss the virtues of the whole home wifi.