replace the SkyMax router with something more flexible

[Dunc1]

Hi all,

I had Sky Broadband installed today using the SkyMax router on a full fibre (FTTP) connection.

I’ve got a TP-Link Deco EX75 Mesh system, which I think is brilliant — it gives me full control over QoS, reserved IPs, device priority, and so on. Which is now in AP mode. The SkyMax router does allow you to reserve IP addresses, but once you’ve set them, you can’t go back and edit or manage them properly. It’s just too limited for the level of control I need.

i could possibly turn off the WiFi and use DZM allowing the deco to run as a router but I use various vpn, vnc, Tailscale etc and can't be bothered with potential NAT issues 

So I’m looking to replace the SkyMax router with something more flexible.

I need:

• A router that works with Sky Full Fibre (FTTP)
• Support for DHCP Option 61 (MER / client ID)
• Good compatibility with TP-Link Deco EX75 (running in Access Point mode)
• Full access to features like DHCP reservations and QoS

If anyone’s already replaced the SkyMax with a third-party router and got it running smoothly, especially with Option 61 settings, I’d really appreciate hearing what model you used and how you set it up.

Thanks in advance!

[JimM1]

@Dunc1 Question number 1. Do you have a landline phone, need to use the landline phone, or require sky to check your network.?

[Dunc1]

Hi @JimM1 

No, no landline . I’m on full fibre — FTTP. It’s a straight Ethernet connection from the Openreach ONT into the SkyMax router, which then feeds into my Deco EX75 mesh system.

As for Sky checking the network, if they need to, they can, but I don’t have a phone line with them. I do use Sky Stream, but I don’t believe that requires them to dial in — they’d just replace the pucks if anything went wrong.

Cheers,

Dunc

[JimM1]

@Dunc1 The reason i say so is that Sky can only check the network for any problems BUT they have to see the sky Max hub to do so....

I have NO sky hub connected and using my Asus router direct on the ONT, the sky SR203 earlier was on just to check network was fine but dropped it off after 10 weeks once i new it was good, during that whole period the Asus just like your Tp-Link was connected to it, BUT in router operation non of this AP mode dodo, why hinder a perfectly good router by switching it to AP mode. Read and get back. Jim

[Dunc1]

Hi @JimM1 

Appreciate the insights — they’re helpful.

To clarify, the TP-Link Deco EX75 doesn’t support DHCP Option 61 (MER), which is essential for Sky FTTP authentication. This limitation means I can’t connect it directly to the ONT. If it did support Option 61, I’d have it running as the primary router without hesitation.

My main concern with the SkyMax (SR213) is the lack of advanced network controls. While it allows IP reservations, the management is quite restrictive. In contrast, the Deco system excels in handling reserved IPs and QoS settings, offering a user-friendly interface that suits my needs.

I’m considering replacing the SkyMax with a router that:

• Supports DHCP Option 61 for Sky FTTP.
• Provides robust network management features.
• Works seamlessly with the Deco EX75 in Access Point mode.

If Sky ever needs to perform diagnostics, I can temporarily reconnect the SkyMax (SR213) to facilitate that.

Appreciate your guidance.

Best regards,

Dunc

[JimM1]

@Dunc1 PM'd you see your envelope... Jim

[Dunc1]

Cheers @JimM1 ... replied