SR203 replacement - DSL-AC88U?

[ChrisKJ]

I'm starting to use Home Assistant & am finding the SR203 hardware &/or software restrictive.

I have FTTP & I use the VoiP landline phone.

From what I can understand, I need a router with a fast modem.

I've been looking at the ASUS DSL-AC88U, but it's a bit out of my budget.

Are there any other compatable routers I could use?

Many thanks.

[ChrisKJ]

*I seem to have found an ASUS DSL-AC88U within budget, hopefully it's compatable.

Can anyone confirm this, please?

[jamesn123]

@ChrisKJ 

If your using the Sky landline then you can't replace the Sky hub as its required to connect to the voip services

[ChrisKJ]

@jamesn123 

Can I use the ASUS DSL-AC88U as well as my SR203?

Just plug the ASUS DSL-AC88U into the SR203, keeping the SR203 for the landline?

[ChrisKJ]

@jamesn123 

So there is no 3rd party router/modem that will allow the use of the FTTP & the Sky landline?

[jamesn123]

@ChrisKJ 

You can use the Sky hub & Asus router at the same time yes but you may find that some of its features, especially trying to use home assistant may become complicated or unworkable when running it through two different routers.

There is no 3rd party solution that allows the use of a Sky Voip landline through it because the connection parameters & unique software for the voip system to work through Sky's servers is hardcoded into the Sky hubs. 

[ChrisKJ]

@jamesn123 

So am I misunderstanding "Option 61"?

[jamesn123]

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@ChrisKJ wrote:

@jamesn123 

So am I misunderstanding "Option 61"?

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No idea what you mean by this in context? Option 61 is the authentication method used on Sky Fibre lines in the UK. If you are replacing the Sky hub you need a router which can authenticate via DHCP Option 61. This however does not cover the Sky voip landline which like I said is impossible to use unless you keep the Sky hub in place. 

[ChrisKJ]

@jamesn123 

Ahh, I get you, I thought option 61 meant the landline would work.

So, how about plugging the AC88U into the ONT, then the SR203 (with WiFi off) into the AC88U?

Would that retain the landline?

[TomThumb5ive]

@ChrisKJ  Unfortunately there is no workaround for sky talk when provisioned as voip. 

The sky router needs to be the gateway connected to your ont.

You could of course run a 2nd router in a double Nat configuration,

Or use a standalone AP (Access Point) or the AP mode of a suitable router.

Tom...

[ChrisKJ]

@TomThumb5ive 

So, ONT>SR203 (with VoIP & no WiFi)>AC88U.

Then use the AC88U  for my home WAN/LAN?

[TomThumb5ive]

@ChrisKJ  I'm sure the AC88U is a combo modem - router, if so? there are more suitable options available for a FTTP connection.

Do you use sky Q by chance,

as this could cause potential connection issues down the line!

Tom...

[ChrisKJ]

@TomThumb5ive 

No Sky Q, we don't watch any TV at all, & never will.

I'm wanting a router with more software options for my LAN/WAN configurations with Home Assistant. 

I can keep my SR203 just for thr VoIP.

Can you recommend a router, under £150?

[TomThumb5ive]

@ChrisKJ  Having never run Home Assistant, I couldn't give any reassurance on what would / wouldn't work when running it over a double Nat set up.

So your question might best be posted on HA forums.

 The need to keep your SR203 in situ for voip limits your options,

I don't think a dedicated AP would give you the customisation you need, as the SR2203 is calling the shots.

Runing a 3rd party router behind sky's SR203 in a double Nat config is doable,  giving you the customisation you need, but it can cause a few minor issues.

but running HA behind a double Nat is deffo unknown territory for me.

Tom...

[jamesn123 · Accepted solution]

@ChrisKJ 

I have to recommend against using double routers/NAT when tinkering with things like home assistant. It basically creates double the work and double the headaches. Additionally if you buy just an AP then your still going to be stuck with the limited options on the Sky hub.

I am afraid your only real option is to consider a different solution to your Sky VOIP line so you can get rid of it.