Replacing sky sr203 router with TP-Link AC2800 modem/ router.

[Baldylocks911]

Bought one of these Archer VR2800 AC2800 TP-Link modem Routers to replace my Sky SR203 router but despite too many attempts could not connect to the internet, presumably due to some kind of validation thing that Sky use to prevent one from trying to improve one's home internet situation. I tried all combinations of Sky offerings during the setup but it kept asking for username and password and again, tried all the combinations I could muster to no avail,

Any useful suggestions to maybe try again gratefully received.

I'm plugged into split phone socket on half-**bleep** fibre (not FTTP) btw so I believe it's classed as ADSL?

[Chrisee]

@Baldylocks911 far more likely to be VDSL which should connect as I believe the VR2800 has a preset for Sky (MER)- VDSL which should work. 

[Baldylocks911]

@Chrisee Many thanks for your speedy response. The MER in brackets option was the first option I tried on the setup. Absolutely no joy as the internet symbol just remained on red, stubbornly. I'm sure I must have been close to some success as all else worked but when the AC2800 setup asked for the username and password I just couldn't get it to play ball. Tried all the combinations I used in the past even 'admin' and sky etc. without success. According to the script, it's the username and password the ISP issued to me when I first joined some 20 odd years ago!

I tried to speak to a broadband 'techie' at Sky who was worse than useless, he couldn't help just telling me that the SR203 Sky router is already set up for the broadband! No advice as to username and password.

[Chrisee]

@Baldylocks911 depends on what you are trying to access but the router will have its own admin password which should be in the manual or on TP-Links website. However the username password combination for Sky's connection should be part of the settings in the preset but if it isnt it is as follows

Username.   Anything@skydsl.  password is literally anything.

[Baldylocks911]

@Chrisee so grateful for your wisdom and guidance in this matter. I will try again when I have time to rework the installation. At present back on the old Sky SR203.

[h-ricketts]

Baldylocks911 did you get any joy replacing your SR203 with TP-Link Archer AC2800?

[Baldylocks911]

Gave up in the end, unfortunately. I think the retailer just wanted to sell  the TP-Link boxes so told me, without any real support, that it should work. The internet speeds here are atrocious anyway so at best it would have only really improved the WiFi within my house.

Openreach haven't 'reache' us yet!

[Chrisee · Accepted solution]

@h-ricketts if you would like advice tailored to your situation post some details however in general TP-Link routers are a poor match for Sky's services as they lack the necessary connection options. The exception are their modem routers which can connect to Sky's FTTC services.

Any router can be used behind any Sky hub in a double NAT setup as Sky hubs do not have a modem mode however in most set ups Double NAT works well.

[richardgc]

Do you reckon the ethernet from the OTC, into the sr203 eth01, with stuff like wifi and dns server turned off, and A dmz set to say 192.168.0.2 (the real router you want) would work?

[SteveP10]

Got this figured.

Plug in the wire from the wall socket into the LAN4WAN socket

Go into your AC2800 settings (192.168.1.1), choose 'Advanced' and change to 'Wireless Router Mode'. It'll do a restart to put it into this mode.

Back into the router and 'Quick Settings'

Choose your location

Then it asks for the ISP, you have to choose 'Other'

PPPoE settings:

Usename: abcdefgh@skydsl

Password: 1234567890acbdef

Set up your wireless network SSID and password as normal

and away you go....