Replacement Router

[PGTree]

Hi All,

First time poster.  I've seen there are some knowledgeable people who use this site, so I'm hoping I'll be able to get some advice please....

I regularly have BTOR out to look at my connection as my router is prone to regular reboots.  I'm not on full fibre and the exchange is 1000 metres away but I get a reasonable download speed of 20Mbs.  BTOR have on the last few visits said the Smart Hub routers aren't very good and that it would be a good idea for me to buy a better router to give me a more stable connection.

1.  Is this good advice?  If so any suggestions on the best router please?

2. Is the set up straightforward enough for a layman to do?

3, I have an Eero Mesh set up for the parts of my house with limited signal, will this still work ok?

Thanks

[XRaySpeX]

What is the name of the EE BB plan are you on including its speed? What EE router & WiFi extenders do you have (read label or post a pix)?

[PGTree]

I'm on fibre broadband.  Not sure on the speed, but it's definitely not limiting me.

The extender is the Eero Mess 3.  I'm on v 6.53.0 (32)

The EE router is a standard smart hub.

[XRaySpeX]

That's all very well but it gives us no idea what type of BB you have. There are no standard SHs; they are many models.

[PGTree]

Hope this helps re the router.  

My broadband is partial fibre.  Fibre to the exchange, then copper to my house.  The final journey is around 1000 metres, hence the question on whether replacing the router might help.  It's a stable service I am looking for rather than searching for improved speeds.  I do have the best package possible for my location.  

[XRaySpeX]

Yes, that's the original (not current) EE Smart Hub. Unless it's faulty there'll be no point in replacing it. You are probably on ADSL BB.

If you would like help with your BB speed or connection issues, please would you carry out the following steps for starters, which will enable us to diagnose the problem and advise you further. Do not restart your router to do these tests:

1. Post your full router stats:

• For a SmartHub: login and go to Advanced Settings > Technical Log > Information. Obscure your names & any numbers in the BB Username & also the SSIDs. Also post the Home > Status page.
• For a BrightBox: login and go to Advanced Settings > System > DSL Status. Also post 'System Uptime' from top of System Log page.
• For other routers: login to it according to the label on it as the admin user & navigate looking for its router/connection statistics.

Full router stats are key to any speed & connection issues.

2. Try a speedtest, preferably wired using an Ethernet cable supplied with the router, here http://www.thinkbroadband.com/speedtest.html . Click on the "Results Page" button at the bottom of the graph you first see and then copy to here just the "Link to this result:" link that you see below the next main graph.

3. What does BT Wholesale Broadband Availability Checker estimate for your phone number? Post just the whole table and the line above it, blanking out your phone number. If it doesn't recognise your phone number or you don't have one, use the Address Checker, not the Postcode Checker.

[PGTree]

Afraid I got an error 404 when clicking on the speed test results page.

[XRaySpeX]

Thanks! You are running right at the bottom end of your expected range of speeds 😞 . I can't see a replacement router getting away from that.

Locate the hidden test socket that is revealed when you remove the bottom half of the split faceplate (2 screws or press tabs) of your master socket. Only do this if you have a split faceplate. Do you have any extension sockets in the home even if unused? Are there any wires connected to back of faceplate of master socket?

Only if you have an active landline, try the BT Quiet Line Test (QLT), dial 17070 Opt 2, preferably with a corded phone, in the test socket with the router disconnected. If there is any noise, report it to your landline provider as a voice fault (don't mention Broadband). Often sorting out voice faults will fix the Broadband as well.

Reboot the router & plug it into the test socket using a DSL dangly micro-filter. Post the full router stats & System Uptime when plugged into test socket.

Is the issue any better?

[PGTree]

Hi, thanks for your response.

There are no extension sockets connected to the back of my 5c.  I've plugged a microfilter into the test socket and re-booted.  No change to speed but I'll monitor and see how I go with stability.

I don't have a landline so cannot check that side.

[XRaySpeX]

Thanks. Would you post the Advanced Settings > Technical Log > Information page from the test socket? It has more useful info.