Setting up third party router

[Charl20685]

I've just bought a TP-Link AC2100 and I can't get an internet connection. 
Can anyone help advise what I need to do to the settings please to get this to work? Thank you 

[cookiemonsteruk]

@Charl20685 

Is that the tp link vr2100?

What connection do you have ie superfast fibre to the cabinet, ultrafast fttp or ultrafast g.fast?

[Charl20685]

It is a AC2100 but also shows as Archer VR600.

I have super fast broadband, fibre to the cabinet. 

[cookiemonsteruk]

@Charl20685 

Try this :-

1. Open a browser window and navigate to http://192.168.1.1.
2. The TP-Link will ask you to set an admin password – make sure you use something secure.
3. Once in, the TP-Link setup wizard will start:
• Input your location and time zone. Click Next.
• Select Sky(MER)_VDSL from the ISP list. Make sure it’s this one, as this is Sky fibre. The other Sky option in the list is for Sky Broadband and will not work for fibre connections.
• In the username field, enter abcdefgh@skydsl
• In the password field, enter 1234567890abcdef
• Click Next, then set up your wireless network how you see fit.
• The TP-Link will then test the Internet connection and you should see a success message. If you do not, wait for the DSL light to stop flashing and try again – it should work just fine.
4. That’s it! You're now connected to Sky fibre via your new TP-Link router

Its best for initial set up to use a device etherneted to the tp link ie don't use the tether app

[Charl20685]

Thank you so much for your help, I got it working! Thank you 

[thomwise]

Hi. Does this allow you to use a third party router without having to use the Sky router at all?

Thanks in advance!

[Chrisee]

@thomwise yes on a Superfast service over copper unfortunately it doesn't seem to work on a full fibre connection. 

[cookiemonsteruk]

@thomwise 

If you are on a sky superfast fttc connection then the above router should work so long as it has vr in front of the 2100.

If your are fttp then any asus rt ax wifi 6 router should work as well

[thomwise]

Thanks for the replies.

I have Sky Broadband Ultrafast Plus. Fibre through Open Reach. So I'm guessing this means I need the Asus router @cookiemonsteruk ?

I don't suppose you know if the settings are as for the TP-Link router?

Thanks! 😁

[cookiemonsteruk]

@thomwise 

The tp link vr family of routers may work but not guaranteed

The main questions would be your budget and what do you need it for ie better wifi or gaming etc

Do you want to retain your sky internet telephone calls

[thomwise]

cookiemonsteruk I just want to try an alternative to the Sky router for general purposes. Working, streaming mainly. I have had no end of issues since having the Sky fibre installed. I'm hoping an alternative router to the Sky router may help. Budget isn't an issue. An if it doesn't improve I'll just return it.

[cookiemonsteruk]

@thomwise 

The credentials for the tp link vr series are

1. Connect the network cable from the FTTP wall box to port 4 (labelled LAN/WAN)

2. Login to the router and click advanced at the top.

3. Click Operating Mode and change to "Wireless Router Mode" press "Save"

4. Once ready, while on the "Advanced" setting again, go to "Network" -> "Internet"

5. You will see an empty table, click "Add" in the top right above said table

6. Change Internet Connection Type to "Dynamic IP"

7. Ensure IPv4 remains ticked.

8. Tick IPv6 (wont be selected at the moment)

9. Do not clone mac

10. Press Save

11. Wait, it can take a minute or two but should eventually show connected.

12. Enjoy a better wireless experience

But this is dependent on the exchange. Best option would be the asus rt ax family of router

Also take a look at the pinned article about the new sky wifi 6 router

[thomwise]

Thanks @cookiemonsteruk. 

I'll try the Asus. Do you know what the settings are for this router? Same as above?

Your help is much appreciated!

[cookiemonsteruk]

• @thomwise 

The asus rt ax family have a field called client identifier (option 61) which is basically skys authentication and once the asus has been sequentially updated until it doesn't update anymore then you enter something like anything@skydsl|anything in that field

[thomwise]

I got the Asus RT-AX58U v2. Can confirmed it has worked a treat!

Thank you @cookiemonsteruk !! 😀