topic Re: Connecting 3rd Party Router directly to ONT in Broadband

Connecting 3rd Party Router directly to ONT

TheBigOH15 — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 13:50:28 GMT

I'm looking to upgrade the max router that comes with the gigabit package to make the most of the speeds across our large flat. I've been lurking on these forums to find a direct answer to this, but can't find anything specific on this.

If I were to buy a more superior router range/speed wise, can I just plug it directly into the WAN plug of the Openreach ONT to make use of the FTTP on the new router?

Any considerations I would need to know in terms of the type of router/any details i'll need to procure from the current setup in order to get that working?

Any recs on a decent router for range that would be compatable would also be grand.

Thank you lovely people.

Re: Connecting 3rd Party Router directly to ONT

jamesn123 — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 14:56:24 GMT

Hi @TheBigOH15

Yes you can plug a 3rd party router directly into the ONT providing you get one that is compatible with Sky's authentication. The requirements for this depend on where you live so if you could let us know if you are in the UK or Ireland & if in the Uk whether you are in a CityFibre area or Openreach.

Re: Connecting 3rd Party Router directly to ONT

Osmond — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 15:01:57 GMT

Yes, you can absolutely plug in a different router - all that will happen is you will no longer see the features and functionality within the My Sky app.

Re: Connecting 3rd Party Router directly to ONT

TheBigOH15 — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 15:05:18 GMT

Hi,

Yes i'm in the UK and I have an Openreach ONT in the flat

Re: Connecting 3rd Party Router directly to ONT

jamesn123 — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 15:12:07 GMT

@TheBigOH15

So you'll need a router than can authenticate via DHCP Option 61 or be in an area that supports IPv6 PD. Its hard to say whether you are in an area that supports IPv6 PD as there is no documentation on it. However it is supported on the majority of UK exchanges these days. Personally I would still go with a router that can support DHCP Option 61 just to be safe, plus most do these days.

If you want a recommendation I would aware by the Asus AC/AX etc series.