Using own router with Sky Fibre

daninthemix · 9 Dec 2015 at 14:32

I'm really confused about this. Can I use any cable router (e.g. this one http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00PK0JLCI) plugged into the existing BT modem? Do I have to replace the BT modem? Do I need a VDSL router?

Any clarity would be much appreciated! (also, anyone have specific recommendations for a model that plays nicely with Sky and has 802.11ac?)

bremen1874 · 9 Dec 2015 at 14:37

You can keep the modem.

You need to find a router that supports MER (rather than just standard PPPoE). I believe the Asus RT range will work if flashed with Merlin's modified firmware.

The Sky forums are great for help on this subject, and there have been many identical threads on this forum if you search.

daninthemix · 9 Dec 2015 at 14:40

I'm trying to understand what exactly is the benefit of using your own router vs just using an 802.11ac access point plugged into the Sky Hub. I mean, in both cases I'm ultimately limited by the 100MB fast ethernet port between the modem and the router? (and of course the 80MB of the line itself)

bremen1874 · 9 Dec 2015 at 14:49

People use their LANs for more than simple internet access. If you're transferring data around your network then you can benefit from Gigabit and improved wireless. Third-party routers also tend to offer additional features that some people find useful.

If you're just after better wireless than you can just add a WAP (or router configured as one) to the existing setup. It'll be limited by the Ethernet but that's still faster than the WAN connection. The main downside is that you end up with three devices plugged in.

If you want less plugged in then either replace the Sky Hub with something better, or get a compatible router with an internal VDSL modem for a single box solution. It's mainly down to person choice and cost.

daninthemix · 9 Dec 2015 at 14:53

Our devices don't talk to each other, everything goes straight out to the web. Would we even benefit from going to 5Gz wireless, bearing in mind the WAN will probably be the limiting factor then?

bremen1874 · 9 Dec 2015 at 14:56

5GHz should be faster but won't travel as far. It's much more easily blocked by walls and furniture.

How fast is the wireless at the moment?

Is the existing speed a limiting factor for your usage?

daninthemix · 9 Dec 2015 at 14:59

No. I mean sometimes Netflix buffers or whatever but who's to say that isn't a fault on the WAN or beyond? I think the Sky Hub is 802.11n, so is that sufficient for 70MB fibre? The furthest device from the Hub is two rooms away.

EDIT: also I didn't know that about 5Ghz. Thanks for the info.
EDIT: reason I'm asking about this now is I've just upgraded from normal to 'Pro' fibre which is potentially twice the speed. I don't want wireless to then become a limiting factor.

bremen1874 · 9 Dec 2015 at 15:11

Your best bet is to test the connection using http://www.speedtest.net. Try a few different servers to find one that provides consistent results.

Compare what you get over wireless compared to a wired connection. You can then see what if anything you're loosing and decide whether it's worth upgrading.

FWIW my Netflix buffers occasionally on my Amazon FireTV Stick. Amazon's own streaming content never has a problem.

daninthemix · 9 Dec 2015 at 15:12

Cool, will use that to test the speed when Pro goes live. I have a Fire stick too! Although, when I used a PS3 for Netflix that would also buffer even on a wired connection.

stoofa · 9 Dec 2015 at 15:28

bremen1874 said:
Your best bet is to test the connection using http://www.speedtest.net. Try a few different servers to find one that provides consistent results.

Compare what you get over wireless compared to a wired connection. You can then see what if anything you're loosing and decide whether it's worth upgrading.

FWIW my Netflix buffers occasionally on my Amazon FireTV Stick. Amazon's own streaming content never has a problem.

Just make sure you try more than 1 "speed test". In the main Infinity/Fibre thread, my brother tested his new fibre connection against speedtest.net and was alarmed to find a reported 8mb on his new "up to 80mb" connection. Two further tests against other checkers revealed reported speeds of around the 74mb/75mb mark.

Gangster · 9 Dec 2015 at 22:04

I have Pro, and wifi is limiting factor (wired 65mb, wifi I get 30). Trying to find the cheapest option to get the full potential. Tried the netgear plug in WPS thing and sent it back - gave a stronger signal but 24mb!! Useless.

daninthemix · 10 Dec 2015 at 08:43

Gangster said:
I have Pro, and wifi is limiting factor (wired 65mb, wifi I get 30). Trying to find the cheapest option to get the full potential. Tried the netgear plug in WPS thing and sent it back - gave a stronger signal but 24mb!! Useless.

Let me know what you find. Seems like all 802.11ac wireless devices are fairly expensive. Although not cheap, one thing I was looking at was a TP-LINK VR900 router which would replace both Sky Hub and BT modem and with fast wireless (and gigabit ports).

Avalon · 10 Dec 2015 at 09:26

Wifi is something best handled by a decent AP in a central location, usually not in the hallway or room closest to the line entry point by your ISP supplied router that's built to a price/spec point rather than a desire to make a decent product. A decent AP means if you do upgrade your router or change ISP you can always move it over, same way a decent router will do the same job on cable or fiber with a dedicated modem. The fashion may be for a you to have a nice neat box that does everything, but the reality is sometimes people would be better off with separate devices.