Will a new router work / be better for signal?

Zeebedy

Zeebedy

Zeebedy

Soldato
Joined
28 Jan 2011
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hey guys,

Got my BT fibre setup in the new house.

The problem is that the fibre modem / box is in the downstairs cupboard, so my router needs to go there.

The BT smart hub 2 seems ok..but, signal isn’t the greatest.

Can I buy a new router, and will it work on the BT infrastructure? And would it help my connection and signal strength upstairs?

Also to add - I bought a BT wi-fi booster, but, according to Speedtest, my speed goes from around 290mbs to 170mbs :eek: with the booster?


Any advice appreciated guys, thanks.
 
What sort of connection is it (obviously not VDSL)? If you aren't sure post pictures of what you've got.

You really need to be prepared to relocate the router or add an additional wireless router/access point. That'll most likely require running some Ethernet to somewhere that isn't inside a cupboard.
 
bremen1874 said:
What sort of connection is it (obviously not VDSL)? If you aren't sure post pictures of what you've got.

You really need to be prepared to relocate the router or add an additional wireless router/access point. That'll most likely require running some Ethernet to somewhere that isn't inside a cupboard.
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Not at the property atm, but will try and update with photos tomorrow.

Hyburnate said:
Is this FTTH with the termination point within a cupboard?
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Yes, the service is FTTH. And the downstairs access point houses the fuse box and electricity points etc..
 
If it's FTTH the BT router should be connected to the incoming broadband with an Ethernet cable. Replace that cable with one that'll allow you to place the router somewhere sensible.
 
bremen1874 said:
If it's FTTH the BT router should be connected to the incoming broadband with an Ethernet cable. Replace that cable with one that'll allow you to place the router somewhere sensible.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I’m going to get a flat cable cat7 Ethernet, run it upstairs before the carpets go down next week and then relocate the router there.

Cheers.
 
Flat Ethernet cables are a liability, and Cat7 is completely unnecessary.

You'd be better off with a normal Cat5e cable. There should be room for it behind the gripper rods.
 
They often don't work properly because of their construction, especially at longer lengths.

If you must use one test it properly before the carpet goes down.

If I was doing it I'd install network faceplates at both ends (preferably flush mounted) with solid core cable between them.
 
Yep I'd echo the above and get some nice solid cable between two wall mounted faceplates. I did mine a while back and popped in a few extras incase I damaged one in the future too. Avoid the flat stuff.
 
rip-the-jacker said:
Would a 1000mbps powerline kit be any good?

I’m in a new house build so I’m guessing wiring should all be up to scratch?
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They can be good or can be terrible, I have had 1000mbps and I barely got 40 down, ran a cat5e direct and it was 200+.

Definitely worth a go, I ordered mine off the amazon and just sent them back when I didnt quite get the performance.
 
I did the powerline thing for 6 months or so when we moved in - it did a job, but was a bit of a pain e.g. if one of the devices froze up then I'd have to go round turn them all off, restart switches, until it all worked again. As soon as I had the chance to get to the floor boards (when we ripped up the old carpet) if was a pretty quick/easy job to light some boards, drill a few holes and pull the cables. Once it's done, zero maintenance, with lots of speed and reliability :)
 
rip-the-jacker said:
Would a 1000mbps powerline kit be any good?

I’m in a new house build so I’m guessing wiring should all be up to scratch?
Click to expand...

As said Powerline is pretty hit and miss, it would be an absolute miracle if you got 200Mb out of it.

Since you have a nice 300Mb connection you should go the extra mile and do it probably so your devices can actually use the bandwidth as in lay a Ethernet cable to a central place and mount a WiFi Access Point such a Ubiquiti UAP AC Lite or LR and never have to worry about WiFi again.
 
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Because if we're talking about cat5e there's no reason not use the STP variety in a domestic environment. It's hardly any more expensive per metre
 
STP is just so unnecessary and pointless domestically and for the most part commercially. You should be looking for a reason why it's necessary, not just using it because it's available.
 
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