Smart Hub Plus SH31b wont connect to Firestick 1st Generation

[vigman]

Well this is embarrassing! I’m a chartered IT professional and a specialist network troubleshooter. However, despite following all advice on the internet, I cannot get apps like Netflix or BBC to run on a first generation firestick via the Smart Hub Plus 31b. 

I have been using an old Brightbox router either with a direct Ethernet connection or via Wi-Fi to fire sticks with no problems. I was advised that I was to be upgraded from copper to fibre and sent a Smart Hub Plus SH31b in preparation. 

Whether by direct Ethernet connection or via Wi-Fi,  the apps show on the firestick (powered from the mains before anyone asks) but won’t run apps like Netflix. Sometimes I get specific network errors eg unable to connect to Netflix servers 2 and 3, sometimes just buffering. 

On the Wi-Fi side, I set up a 2.4Ghz compatible network and selected that on the firestick but same problem. You can’t specifically toggle off IPv6 on this hub)

With direct Ethernet connection, the firestick shows as connected and even gives an internet speed check, but then the apps still fail to run. Change to the old Brightbox router and both direct Ethernet connection and Wi-Fi connections work immediately. 

Unless anyone can help solve this, I am going to cancel the fibre upgrade and stick to the old Brightbox!

TIA

[JimM11]

@vigman First go check your EE Smart Hub 6+ has done and got there version wise especially for the Ethernet port, https://192.168.1.254 web manager to get onto that EE Hub. See link below and what you need to be at.

FW: r4.26.3-R-1923144-PROD-83002 and the gui is at App version 3.14.5 12/06/2026 OP Posted

EE Hub firmware versions - The EE Community

Does you old BrightBox not have a Ethernet Wan port connection on it as well as the DSL Interface? No need to cancel you FTTP install the box connects to both types connection wise..... Landline will be your only issue if you have one in use.

[vigman]

Thanks. I will check versions when I’m back home. I did check that everything was current initially though. 
Yes, landline is the issue, in fact the only reason I am still with EE. When they were Orange they gave me ridiculously good call deals!

Just crazy that I know so many things to try, yet even a simple direct Ethernet connection from the SH31b won’t let apps play on the Firestick?

[JimM11]

@vigman That is why i said check the FW, the EE Ethernet on that hub has been oops for over 2 year's and wifi not much better but now finally fixed last month and user's are saying so, any particular reason you do not wish to update your really old Firestick? 

Your device is wifi n so compatible network and 2.4Ghz connection is for certain wise to do.

If you are not to heavily into the new EE Hub so far, a full factory reset works wonders, but you really need to see it is FW updated first or you will be doing it all the time. Good luck with it all.👍 

[bobpullen]

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@vigman wrote:

You can’t specifically toggle off IPv6 on this hub)

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Yes you can. Advanced > IPv6 > Configuration. If you change the allocation mode there to 'Off' then no devices on your local network will get a publicly routed IPv6 address.

If you don't have to return your Brightbox, then another option would be to configure it as a dumb access point, wire it to the 32B and have your Firesticks continue to connect to that. Devices on the 32B network would still be able to 'talk' to it.

[XRaySpeX]

If you have the upright BrightBox 2, you're not on FF 1.6 Gig & you don't need more than 1 Gig LAN port, you may continue using the BrightBox on FF. I am!

Once FTTP is available at your home you won't be allowed to go back to FTTC.

[JimM11]

@XRaySpeX Landline is required on the connection.

[XRaySpeX]

Maybe the BrightBox can be used as a subsidiary router for the purpose of getting to the Firestick.

[vigman]

Thanks, I thought about that but on my full set up I”m driving a mesh system on it. This was not connected when I have the problems. Mesh, ethernet and firestick on both work fine on the Brightbox.