EE Smart Hub WAN Activate Router Only

IanB1971 · ‎18-02-2023

Hi, I have a ee smart router (white box with single circle) with WiFi discs, and want to keep the WiFi discs working. Port 4 WAN does not work, with no function to activate it, dumbed down box?

So, if I buy a ee smart hub (black box) does this have WAN functionality to use as router only? If so, is it automatic or are their settings I need to activate?

My reason for switch, can’t get fibre broadband above 12mb/sec but have got Starlink in bypass mode (Modem) ready to go into a WAN port of a router.

Thanks, Ian.

@XRaySpeX be grateful for you advice.

Mustrum · ‎18-02-2023

OK, but you have used your phone and images don't say a lot.

Going back to my first post, what does Starlink need to connect you to the internet - not your EE username and password the EE router is set up to provide over a PPOE connection I suspect?

IanB1971 · ‎19-02-2023

Please click on screen shots to make them legible.

Status Page BB Connection to EE BB only:

BB Product:

Fibre Broadband without landline (Fibre is to the cabinet, copper runs at least 1500yds)

BTw Checker:

XRaySpeX · ‎19-02-2023

Blimey, Fibre BB at ADSL2+ speeds! No wonder you are looking at another source of BB.

While the Smart Router auto-senses the WAN, as you noticed from the logs, & the Smart Hub needs a setting to be made, both choose which one WAN to use. Have you tried the Starlink on its own, taking account of the fact that the router is set up with the EE BB creds while, as @Mustrum pointed out, the Starlink will need its own creds & maybe other settings of its own?

If you think I helped please feel free to hit the "Thumbs Up" button below.

To phone EE CS: Dial Freephone +44 800 079 8586 - Option 1 for Home Broadband & Home Phone or Option 2 for Mobile Phone & Mobile Broadband

ISPs: 1999: Freeserve 48K Dial-Up > 2005: Wanadoo 1 Meg BB > 2007: Orange 2 Meg BB > 2008: Orange 8 Meg LLU > 2010: Orange 16 Meg LLU > 2011: Orange 20 Meg WBC > 2014: EE 20 Meg WBC > 2020: EE 40 Meg FTTC > 2022:EE 80 Meg FTTC SoGEA > 2025 EE 150 Meg FTTP

bobpullen · ‎22-02-2023

The WAN port on the Smart Router does work, however the hub is configured to use PPPoE for broadband connectivity so that's the only configuration it will work in.

If connecting to a Starlink network, I believe the WAN interface would need switching to DHCP mode. This is not supported by the hub firmware.

Mustrum · ‎22-02-2023

Thanks @bobpullen for the confirmation.

IanB1971 · ‎22-02-2023

Thanks to you all for your help.

Smart Hub 2 and Discs x 6 are side lined for a TP Link Mesh Network with Starlink, working well, getting > 100Mbsec. 🤓

See when FTTP rocks up in the Welsh hills!