EE Smart Hub Plus poor range and connection strengh compared to BT Smart Hub 2

[Monaco24]

Our BT broadband contract came to an end so we've moved fully to EE now and been sent out an EE Smart Hub Plus to replace our BT Smart Hub 2. There seems to be a considerable reduction in range with the new EE box and an unstable or poor wifi connection in parts of the house that were fine with the BT box. All in all it feels like a downgrade, has anyone else had similar issues with the EE boxes? 

I'm tempted just to send it back and stick with the older BT box but not sure if that will cause any issues down the line..

Thanks

[ICAll]

As an update to my earlier post, EE have agreed that there is an issue with my configuration and are sending an engineer out to diagnose and fix (hopefully) the problem. To be fair to them I’m prepared to give them the benefit of the doubt until they convince me otherwise. Until then, fingers crossed.

[ICAll]

It’s the Smart Hub Plus. Since my post I have spoken with EE again who accept that there is a problem and are sending out an engineer to look at the configuration and hopefully to fix the issue. To be fair to them I’m prepared to give them the benefit of the doubt. I’ll keep you posted.

[JimM11]

@ICAll You will find the Power and wireless strength a little lower on the Smart Extenders, compaired to the Router itself, it can be a design feature, will copy some light reading on a link if you wish to have a look. Keep the forum posted to your findings and hope it gets sorted.👍

https://www.highspeedinternet.com/resources/how-to-set-up-mesh-network#:~:text=You%E2%80%99ll%20only....

[NatalieBark]

Same here! Or replace them with TP Link. Gives better range then useless Smart Wi-Fi discs

[jon_1103]

I finally got a new router last week and connected it up to replace the EE Smart Hub Plus, the coverage and speed inside my property has vastly improved. I'm finally happy again and the Smart Hub is back in the box!

I ended up purchasing the TP-Link AXE5400 (Tri-Band Wi-Fi 6E Router) and will add the TP-Link RE815XE if needed. However, following a scope of my house the coverage is decent enough, it only drops off in my garden, and seeing as I won't be spending much time in there over the next 6 months I may wait! 😅

[NatalieBark]

@jon_1103 but if you replace EE Smart Hub how do you keep the provider? I mean if EE is your provider…

[XRaySpeX]

@NatalieBark : You are free to use any suitable router on EE BB. You are not tied to the EE SH+.

[Mustrum]

Hey @NatalieBark  using a third party router on EE is very easy with the right router, and following your earlier questions, choosing a suitable matching Mesh network could be the best way forward for you.

Have a look at the RR Third Party roter Help page, and do let us know if you have any questions. https://ee.co.uk/help/broadband/getting-started/using-and-configuring-a-third-party-router  

Do not try mixing and matching would be my top tip!

[jon_1103]

@NatalieBark as the others have said, you’re free to use another router. I wanted the extras that a 3rd router can offer, albeit at an extra cost, I also work in IT so setting one up is straight forward to me.

[JimM11]

@NatalieBark ? Is the change of router something that you are interested in doing, reason i ask is due to your previous post's that you were advised on regarding the EE Smartwi-fi, then mixing with Tp-Link RE, and also as you stated the size of your property. Your old BT wholehome wi-fi that you have, etc. And as @Mustrum pointed out your mix/match is NOT the ideal way forward. If you do change the router then the EE Smartwifi devices WILL NOT work, do keep this in mind.