@SCSCSCSC Sky wont comment in the forum.However their stated policy is that the hubs they provide are suitable for the majority of domestic users are heavily locked down. The reason for use of the app is driven by two main things firstly to improve support for the average customer and scondly to overcome an inceasing issue with browsers refusing to open sites without security certificates. You will find other isps and router manufacturers making similar moves.
I have been active on the forum for 9 years and have had a number of chances to interact with Sky's senior engineers and product managers who are quite open they do not target the small minority of users who want greater control of their routers. You are free to use your own routers if you want but Sky will not provide support directly but do provide this forum where other users can often help.. Forum superusers have a back channel where we can get informal support with issues raised.
The SR213 hardware is basically an adaptation of a unit supplied by Comcast (the US group that own Sky) to their Xfiniity customers in the US but there are multiple modifications to the firmware for the UK market. That the hub could offer a bridge mode is one of those features not carried over but is line with Sky's UK policy so is unlikely to have been allowed even if the web interface was active. Given the move over to full fibre the provision of bridge mode is increasingly irrelevant and only of use for the very small % of sers who want to use their own router and keep tge voice line.
As a mass market isp Sky like EE, Talk Talk very much work on the principle that you get what you are given. If you want a more flexible ISP there are many smaller companies who offered that which maybe a better match for your needs.
=========================================================
65inch Sky Glass, 3 Sky Streaming Pucks, Sky Ultrafast + and Sky SR213(white Wifi Max hub) main Wifi from 3 TP-Link Deco M4 units in access point mode
