Asus ZenWiFi XT8 - initial set up steps

[stonehond]

Hi

I've read several posts on the settings to use when setting up the XT8 to replace an existing Sky router (in my case the SR203). However, what I'm not entirely clear on, is the exact process I should follow before I start to input the settings previously discussed in this post: 

https://helpforum.sky.com/t5/Broadband/DHCP-settings-for-Sky-FTTP-ONT-with-Asus-ZenWifi-AX-XT8/m-p/3...

In summary, I plan to replace my SR203 with an XT8 and run an ethernet cable from this XT8 (which I'll call nr1) and XT8 nr2 which will be in the loft. This should cover the whole house. I also plan add a mini XD4 in the garage which will be connected to XT8 n1 via ethernet (and via a couple of gigabit switches).

I have SkyBroadband Superfast (not fibre).

In terms of the logical way to set this up, should I follow the below process:

• first set up XT8 nr1 by connecting it to the SR203 via ethernet and updating the firware if necessary.
• then connect XT8 n2 to XT8 n1 and XD4 to XT8 n1 to get them all working before moving them to their final locations.
• Once they're all working, should i then remove the SR203 and plug XT8 nr into the Openreach socket and then follow the steps set out in the DHCP setting post above?

I just want to make sure the transition is as smooth as possible without any unexpected hiccups. Of note, I have Sky Q with two mini boxes but these are all hardwired with wifi switched off on all boxes.

Thanks.

[jamesn123]

@stonehond 

How do you plan on connecting the XT8 to the internet if your removing the Sky hub? The XT8 doesnt have a modem built in and you arent on full fibre

[TimmyBGood]

---

@jamesn123 wrote:

@stonehond 

The XT8 doesnt have a modem built in and you arent on full fibre

---

Good spot ; )

RJ45 for 2.5G BaseT for WAN x 1

RJ45 for Gigabits BaseT for LAN x 3
USB 3.1 Gen 1 x 1

https://www.asus.com/Networking-IoT-Servers/Whole-Home-Mesh-WiFi-System/ZenWiFi-WiFi-Systems/ASUS-Ze... 

[TimmyBGood]

@stonehond 

As @jamesn123 indicates, the previous post you linked to was an FTTP user, so they'd have an ethernet port on their ONT to plug the ethernet WAN port on the XT8 into.  As you're on FTTC, you'd require an external modem to do the transition from VDSL ('phone line') to ethernet: the Draytek Vigor 130 is most often mentioned in this context.  You can't "remove the SR203 and plug XT8 nr into the Openreach socket " as it's just not the right format of signal: any simple lead which appears to have the appropriate connectors to fit the sockets will not work.

[mae-3]

@stonehond 

Additionally for VDSL2 FTTC, you'll need to set a VLAN ID of 101. Select LAN->IPTV and select the manual profile and fill in the screen as follows on the XT8 that connects to the VDSL2 modem.

[stonehond]

Thanks @jamesn123 @TimmyBGood @mae-3 Much appreciated.

I'm glad i posted on here otherwise I'd have been scratching my head. 

I'm now wondering, given my VDSL set up and the speed I'm currently limited to (60Mbs), if there is a more cost efficient solution rather than 2 x XT8s, an XD4 and the Draytek which will come in at the best part of £600.

[jamesn123]

@stonehond 
Probably just a router that has a modem built in or a mesh system plugged into the Sky hub

[stonehond]

@jamesn123 

Thanks. Would the second option of a mesh system plugged into the Sky hub give me a double NAT issue?

[jamesn123]

@stonehond 

If its run in router mode instead of AP mode yea

[TomThumb5ive]

---

@mae-3 wrote:

@stonehond 

Additionally for VDSL2 FTTC, you'll need to set a VLAN ID of 101. Select LAN->IPTV and select the manual profile and fill in the screen as follows on the XT8 that connects to the VDSL2 modem.

---

@mae-3   Can you clarify the need for the IPTV setting on the XT8?

 I've recently setup a pair of XT8's behind a TP-Link TD-W9970 in bridge mode on Sky's fttc without issue & without any change's to iptv on the xt8.

The reason for clarification: is upon entering the above info on the iptv tab, it kills the wan connection on the xt8 !

Also If anyone can offer an insight!

I'm getting a daily change to my external IP address,  is this normal ? or have I missed a setting somewhere? as the > wan connection type > automatic ip

TIA

Tom...

[mae-3]

@TomThumb5ive 

Does the TD-W9970 have a VLAN setting, otherwise it should need a VLAN on the internet bit on the Asus XT8? If the TD-9970 does have a VLAN setting then the Asus won't need it.

[TomThumb5ive]

Cheers @mae-3 for the info, that makes sense now 👍

Tom...

[Paulheg2]

@mae-3 Sorry to dig up an old thread but i've a similar set up the the OP. I am still waiting for fibre to the home which should be in the next three months but i grew tired of waiting to set up my Asus XT8 pair and so set up them wired to the Sky SR203 Router. I turned off the wifi and WPS on the SR203 for both 2.3ghz and 5ghz. Is there anything else i need to do? I tried the above setting for VLAN ID of 101 but when i did that nothing worked so could be some difference to how the Irish side is set up perhaps? I changed it back to default and its all working again. 

My wifi appears to be operating (i'm on a slow 7 mb line for now until i get the full 500mb) and everything seems as smooth as you'd expect from a 7mb line BUT my sky q minis keep disconnecting randomly and then coming back online. This rarely happened with the old sky set up and i've reset up everything with the new WIFI.  Any idea whats going on?