3rd Party Router

Xybz · 27 Sep 2022 at 19:02

Hi
My current ISP is EE and I’m looking to swap out their router for a 3rd party one. However, after trying a TP-Link VDSL modem/router combi that didn’t work I’m confused as to what I need.

I don’t have a DSL phone line so couldn’t connect the TP-Link to the phone outlet so I tried connecting WAN to WAN on the Openreach box but couldn’t connect to the internet. I’m sure I used the correct username/password (I believe EE username is the one that starts with PRODUCTIONXXX).

So I’m a bit lost as to:

- What type of router I need
- How I should connect and maybe what settings to use

so would appreciate any advice.

These are the connections I have on my Openreach box:

ChrisD. · 27 Sep 2022 at 19:18

What specific model are you using?

Xybz · 27 Sep 2022 at 20:04

I’m not now as I returned it but it was TP-Link AC2100.

TP-Link AC2100

Xybz · 27 Sep 2022 at 20:06

Should have said I want another but not sure what to get and what would be compatible

ChrisD. · 27 Sep 2022 at 20:25

Did you follow these two articles?

How to install TP-Link wireless router to work with a DSL Modem (PPPoE)

www.tp-link.com

How Do I Use My Own Router for EE Home Broadband? | Help | EE

Learn how to set up and configure a third-party router with EE broadband. This article ensures compatibility and optimal performance for your internet connection.

ee.co.uk

Although I don't see anything on the product page that specifically calls out FTTP.

AC2100 Wireless MU-MIMO VDSL/ADSL Modem Router

Equipped with the latest VDSL2 tech, Archer VR2100 lets you enjoy a total WiFi speed of up to 2.1 Gbps, eliminating latency and buffering from your HD streams and online games.

www.tp-link.com

Xybz · 27 Sep 2022 at 20:37

ChrisD. said:
Did you follow these two articles?

How to install TP-Link wireless router to work with a DSL Modem (PPPoE)

How to install TP-Link wireless router to work with a DSL Modem (PPPoE)

www.tp-link.com

How Do I Use My Own Router for EE Home Broadband? | Help | EE

Learn how to set up and configure a third-party router with EE broadband. This article ensures compatibility and optimal performance for your internet connection.

ee.co.uk

Although I don't see anything on the product page that specifically calls out FTTP.

AC2100 Wireless MU-MIMO VDSL/ADSL Modem Router

Equipped with the latest VDSL2 tech, Archer VR2100 lets you enjoy a total WiFi speed of up to 2.1 Gbps, eliminating latency and buffering from your HD streams and online games.

www.tp-link.com

That first article is interesting as the instructions included in the box didn’t mention half of that.

I still have the TP-Link boxed back up waiting to go back to Amazon so I may give it a go using those instructions first and see if it works.

Not sure I trust TP-Link though as they seem to want all their products linked to the internet (eg the router manager offers more options if you use the app instead browser). It was a decent price so I thought I’d give it a try.

I’ve had some of their smart home devices and they were problematic to remove from the internet.

Thanks for the help. I’ll try it again later this week when I’ve got time.