Alternative routers that work with Sky full fibre

[matic]

Hi,

My Sky Max router has a terrible range. Both me and my partner work only about 6 or 7 metres from the hub and even at that short distance the WiFi RSSI is -70 thus causing buffering on video calls. I bought Sk Max and had an extender sent to me but it failed to connect. I spoke to a Sky representative who said they'd call me back at a specific time to arrange an engineer visit. The call never came.

It's so depressing coughing up to get full fibre only for it to be useable if sat next to the router. 

So my question is it possible to buy a decent router that I can just plug into the fibre that's ran into my home and will work with the Sky Stream puck as well? 

Many thanks,

Simon

[JimM1]

@matic Asus router's, and are you prepared to lose the landline option, when you disconnect the sky Max hub!

If you use the sky app, go set the sky Max down to wpa2-psk wireless operation, ditch the pod presently until the hub settles!

Sky Max change settings link.
https://www.sky.com/help/articles/change-wifi-max-hub-settings-a

[Chrisee]

@matic alternstively to buying a thitd party router consider instead buying a third party wiFi system like TP-Link's Deco range or Netgear's Orbi range which give multiple wifi sources. The first unit is connected by Ethernet to the Sky hub whose wifi is turned off. If configured in Access Point mode the new set up should provide  good wifi speeds through out your home. This setup means you keep the digital voice line which you lose if you change the router.

WiFi speeds are affected by the layout and type of construction of your home 6 to 7 metres should present no issue if it is open plan  however throw in a brick wall or two and speeds will inevitably fall. -70dBm is not wonderful but should be usable - more on wifi strengths here https://www.metageek.com/training/resources/wifi-signal-strength-basics/

[matic]

Thanks for the reply. We've already ditched landline so that's no issue. I've read in older discussions about issues with Sky's authorisation system, so I was interested if that was still an issue or not. I'm reasonably technical but don't know much about Internet protocols so just wanted that would connect ok and distribute WiFi and stream tv.

[matic]

That a neat idea. Our downstairs is open plan and the Max hub can't even make it about 6 metres to the end of the house to present on teams without freezing. I'm sat here now and the RSSI is -76! It's good enough for web browsing but the issue is holding a stream at that distance. Thanks for the suggestions. I'll definitely look into this. 

[icesteelman]

Hi @matic 

I would recommend @Chrisee 's solution, ie. switch off the Sky Hub wi-fi and use a third party mesh system to get better/full coverage. I went with Eero as I got a good deal at the time and have had no issues across the whole of our bungalow since, but the other suppliers suggested will be equally good and possibly cheaper.

Mesh systems are an additional cost but they do give you a system that will work even if you move away from Sky to another provider.

Good luck however you chose to proceed.