3rd party router replacing Sky Max Hub

[Ricoh]

I have just moved to Sky and received the Sky Max Hub that does not allow me to do even the most simple thing like changing the SSID password or not broadcasting the SSID name. In addition I had expections for a stronger Wifi signal compared to the router I had before. So I have decided to replace the Max Hub and I have identified, as potential replacement, one of the following two routers: Asus  RT-AX82U or Tp-link Archer AX72.

As I have learned that 1) Sky has non standard configurations and 2) I do not want to use an access point, could you please help me with the following questions:
Would one of the two routers mentioned above be able to replace the Max Hub?

If yes, what would you choose?

If you could choose a different one, what would you choose bearing in mind the following priorities: wifi signal strenght, easy configuration, cost around £100-£150?

Final info: I am in UK and I have a FTTP.

Thank you

[Chrisee · Accepted solution]

@Ricoh you should be able to simply change the SSIDand WiFi password on a Sky Wifi Max hub by going into the My Sky app going to Wifi Settings and click on the pencil icon.

Given the transmission power of all routers is strictly regulated the range each unit gives does not vary that much in practice. To get extra range you may need satellite units to extend range to multiple floors. Modern systems, like the Wifi Max pods that form mesh wifi networks are far more efficent than older exrenders. The Wifi Max system uses a triband system when operating with its pods so has a dedicated band fir backhaul traffic.

Router choice depends on the service you buy from Sky and whether you are in the UK or Ireland. If you have full fibre in the UK the Asus is simpler to connect as it supports Sky's DHCPv4 Option61 authentication while the TP-Link does not. Both are dualband units so backhaul traffic uses the same bands as the devices.

[Ricoh]

@Chrisee  Thank you. Your answer makes me feel comfortable with the Asus router. I will go for it. Should I find the signal still weak I will add a satellite unit.
Just for spreading the knowledge ... the Sky Wifi Max hub does not even appear in MySky app. When I contacted Sky Technical Support I was told that all the customisations on the Wifi Max hub had been disabed  for security reasons. These  reasons being ... that there is a Sky firewall in operation and the support cannot share the info. In a few words, when you get the Wifi Max, you get it as it is. If you still want to customise you have to cancel the Wifi Max subscription.
Thanks again 

[Ricoh]

@Chrisee Just an update. You were right. Two days after my cancellation of Wifi Max I am now able to see the Max hub in Mysky app and I am able to change some settings. Still not able to change directly on the hub ... but it's fine.

Thanks again

[NeilB5]

Very interesting and thanks for the info  - but if you cancel your Wifi Max subscription then don't you have to send the white Max hub back to Sky - then Sky replace with the standard black router ? 

[TimmyBGood]

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@NeilB5 wrote:

if you cancel your Wifi Max subscription then don't you have to send the white Max hub back to Sky 

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For Ultrafast the Max Hub is now default hardware. It appears that users cancelling WiFi Max keep the Hub but lose the additional services and use of any pods.

[IanWarren]

For info I have the Sky Wifi Max hub (SR213) and I can see it in the My Sky app and change wifi setting on it there.

I dropped the encryption from WPA3-T, lovely, new and secure but not supported by by lots of Devices including the Wifi Stick I use to connect a Dell MFF Mini PC (For Sky Go use) or my Samsung TV which I connect for YouTube and other apps on the TV, and last but by no means least my Arlo Video Doorbell.

Straight in on the My Sky app....

Tap Broadband on the bottom bar....

Wifi Settings...

Advanced Settings....

and droped down the WPA3-T option and selected WPA2 instead !

[Baran1]

@Chrisee I have upgraded to full fibre and looking for 3rd party router.  As you mentioned TP link doesn't support. Please advise ASUS which model supports Sky's DHCPv4 Option61 authentication?

I look forward to hear from you. 

[Chrisee]

As far as I am aware all of the current Asus routers do but given the huge range of prices and specifications why not look for a model that meets your needs and post the model number before ordering?