Hi guys I'm looking to replace the BT Home Hub 5 we're currently using at home. We purchased it in Jan '16 and it worked fined until around Jan of this year. Issue is when we browse to a website we'll get a "page cannot be displayed" error and this occurs on any browser and all devices over LAN/Wi-Fi. When I've run the Troubleshooter in IE it mentioned the DNS server wasn't responding which tallies with my own research on the matter. The only workaround is to go into the IPV4 settings on the ethernet adapter and enter the preferred and alternative address for Google servers. I understand this is a common thing for the Home Hub routers. I've found the following router: TP-Link AC2600 (Archer VR2600) TP Link Archer VR2600 It seems fine and has very positive reviews on Amazon. Is the router above a good replacement? Or are there better alternatives? Cheers!
I doubt I'm breaking any rules by mentioning a sister magazine to CustomPC, but PCPro have a "replace your ISP's router" group test in their August 2017 issue (may not be on shelves for non-subscribers, yet) - worth a read, IMO.
Managed to convince the parents to upgrade from their Bt HH5 to a Archer C7 (AC1750) and it's a lot better for speeds and range. Not sure how the one you found compares, but it's an option..
For that price, you could future-proof your setup. Get a separate router, switch (if necessary), and WiFi Access Point. That way you can incrementally upgrade any bits that need replacing (e.g. new WiFi standard becomes common), place parts where convenient (Router near the cable entry point, switch in a cupboard or wherever it's convenient for all the network cables to end up, WiFi AP in the middle of the building for best coverage), and generally have more solid kit. You can also do things like add extra access points for expand the coverage without mucking about with multiple WiFi networks. For example: - Ubiquiti Edgerouter-X ~£55 - Unifi AP AC ~£75 - Gigabit switch (if you need more ports than the Edgerouter's 4) ~£10
I believe you'll need to throw in a PPPoE VDSL (or ADSL as appropriate) modem. You could use the Hub 5 still for this purpose but it would mean some of the routing etc is still handled on the hub rather than the separate router, as such you may still have the same problem you're having now.
+ a modem as has been mentioned, so cable hell compared to single device solution. Personally I binned my homehub for an Asus DSL-AC68U, never had a single problem with it. If the option to upgrade bits and bobs in the network is really worth it is questionable since there is no chance of the UK getting proper internet any time soon.
I was forced to do this myself last weekend as our BT SmartHub decided it would like to pack it all in and not bother. So far i've been really impressed with the Asus AC68U. Its got VDSL/ADSL modems built in so if you have to switch ISP down the line, you should be good to go. I'm a fan of Asus routers; in the past and they've never missed a beat for me and my family. One Asus DSL-N55U was on 24/7 for 5 years without an issue at my parent's house. It only failed in the end because a drink was spilled on it.
