Help - Replace Sky Router with NUC

[MattJKilo88]

Hi all,

I’m in the process of replacing my Sky router with a custom setup that includes a mini PC acting as a dedicated router with advanced features like VPN, traffic shaping, and device-level split tunnelling.

To get internet access working, I understand Sky uses MER (DHCP Option 61) authentication rather than PPPoE. I’m looking for help with the Client Identifier (Option 61 string) required to authenticate the new device on Sky Fibre.

My situation:

• I’m on Sky Fibre (FTTP) and use the Sky ONT/modem.
• My existing Sky router works fine when connected directly to the ONT.
• I’ve set up my new device with a properly configured DHCP client, but need the correct Option 61 credentials.
• I’ve read that the format should be something like abcdefgh@skydsl|password, but I don’t have access to the specific string used by my existing router.

Questions:

1. Is there a generic Client ID string that works for most Sky users?
2. Is there a way to extract the Option 61 string from the Sky router itself (firmware or config file)?
3. Alternatively, has anyone successfully used Wireshark or similar tools to capture the DHCP discover request and extract the string?

I’m happy to share more details if needed. I’m not trying to bypass anything — just want to make full use of the connection I pay for with more advanced home networking features.

Thanks in advance for any help you can offer!

Best regards,

Matthew

[JimM1]

@MattJKilo88 Mer option 61 may not be required, try wan as automatic IP and see if you have a iPv6 PD option, do not use mer at all with Asus XT8 connected! Also see if this old link helps you!

https://helpforum.sky.com/t5/Broadband/Has-Sky-removed-the-Option-61-requirement-from-non-Sky-router...

[Chrisee]

@MattJKilo88 to authenticate any Sky UK Openreaxh connection with DHCPv4 Option21 you need to use a string in the form "anything@skydsl|anything" the | is a pipe symbol splitting the user name from the password the "anything" can be any random string you prefer. Any online sources suggesting using fireshark etc are woefully out of date.