I want to connect the hub to router via ethernet and the minis to wifi , how do I do this?

[ChrisGid]

I'm fed up of the main Sky box losing connection and then having hassle with the 3 miniboxes we have. So, I want to connect the Main box to the router with an ethernet cable and have all the miniboxes connect to that via wifi. I've had a run through and the miniboxes aren't connecting. I'm not on Sky broadband. Any guidance please? 

[ThePope27]

Hi @ChrisGid,

As you are not with Sky Broadband, the mini boxes won't connect to your WiFi network directly, they will always connect to your Main Q boxes hidden "mesh" network which is why even though your connected via Ethernet you will see a random "SKYXXXXXX" SSID in the network setup screen

In any case I would recommend resetting the network settings on your Main Q box by going into Settings > Status > Network Connection > Network setup > Reset

This will then allow the box to connect to Ethernet if it isn't already.

Then on the Q mini boxes go to Settings > Status > Connectiom to Sky Q box > Reactivate > Confirm

This will reboot your Mini Box and it should ask you to click the ok button once it boots, once you have done that it should ask you to then press and hold the WPS button on the Main Q box, follow the same process on all the other Mini boxes you have.

[ChrisGid]

Thanks, I'll give it a go and let you know how I get on.

[ChrisGid]

Sorry, further question. I take it that rather than join via my home network the mini boxes will join the "secret" network. I figured that might be the case but then was thinking that that would mean no security and though very unlikely anyone with a sky q mini box could join my network. Highly unlikely, I know, but is it theoretically possible?

[ThePope27]

Hi, 

Even though it's a hidden network it is still as secure as any other Non hidden network as it has a WiFi password (WPA2/WPA3), although you can't find out what the WiFi password is.

[Leasty]

If you try and connect you get a response along the lines of "The access point is full" and you can get no further.

I've run for years with the main Q box connected by cabled  ethernet with the two minis running wi-fi and had no issues. Am using BT as my ISP.

[ThePope27]

@Leasty 

It doesn't use your Non Sky wireless network for transmission of the TV. It will always use the built in "Mesh" regardless if you are connected to the "Mesh or your non sky router.

[ChrisGid]

I take it the mini boxes will have access to the internet via this secret system? BTW I've seen all these Sky SSIDS in my TalkTalk router portal, I've often thought of disabling them but figured that that's what they were. I'm going to wait until I've got no one in the house watching telly...it's too much hassle otherwise. Just as a matter of interest do you guys have or did you have the problem? 

[ThePope27]

Q: I take it the mini boxes will have access to the internet via this secret system?

A: If you have sky broadband it can connect directly to the WiFi network, If you don't have sky broadband it will use the hidden network to connect the mini boxes

Q: Just as a matter of interest do you guys have or did you have the problem? 

Yes, I've got Brsk Broadband with Plume Pods (Mesh System) and it played up, I had to hardwire all my Mini Boxes but it wasnt a big issue as I have a 48 port switch in my loft from which another 8 port switch runs off that into my mini boxes

[oldfella]

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@ChrisGid wrote:

I take it the mini boxes will have access to the internet via this secret system? BTW I've seen all these Sky SSIDS in my TalkTalk router portal, I've often thought of disabling them but figured that that's what they were. I'm going to wait until I've got no one in the house watching telly...it's too much hassle otherwise. Just as a matter of interest do you guys have or did you have the problem? 

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Hi @ChrisGid 

Another option when using Ethernet to your Q box is also to use Ethernet connected to router on all Q boxes including minis. This can done either directly or through simple unmanaged Ethernet switches.  
If full Ethernet is not practical on your mini you can use Powerline units.  One connected to you router directly (or any Q box that is already connected to your router by Ethernet) and one connected to the minis).

Powerline success does depend on the complexity and condition of your mains wiring.

Using Powerline successfully here on two minis with main Q box and a further mini on full Ethernet.

When all Q boxes are connected to a 3rd party router by Ethernet or Powerline the WiFi can be turned off on all boxes.

[ThePope27]

@ChrisGid 

I wouldnt recommend going down the route of Powerlines as they are quite flakey and not best practise, Overall mini boxes do not work amazingly well with third party internet service providers. have heard from a sky engineer that TP Link DECO mesh system works relitively well with Sky Q minis but I dont use TP Links DECO mesh so I can't say from personal experience

Sky also provide a "Sky Q Booster" that you put half way between your Main Q box and the mini boxes, Again I don't have a "Sky Q Booster" so can't say will provide any benifit in your use case

[oldfella]

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@ThePope27 wrote:

@ChrisGid 

I wouldnt recommend going down the route of Powerlines as they are quite flakey and not best practise, Overall mini boxes do not work amazingly well with third party internet service providers. have heard from a sky engineer that TP Link DECO mesh system works relitively well with Sky Q minis but I dont use TP Links DECO mesh so I can't say from personal experience

Sky also provide a "Sky Q Booster" that you put half way between your Main Q box and the mini boxes, Again I don't have a "Sky Q Booster" so can't say will provide any benifit in your use case

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Hi @ChrisGid 

Using Devolo  Powerline units here for 8 years without issues I can recommend them to try.

[ChrisGid]

just out of interest, and I thought I'd check it out (with all due respect to everyone who's offered their invaluable advice) I have a spare TP link plug and I've (out of curiosity) plugged it into one of the miniboxes. I haven't changed any settings on the minibox...how would one go about switching from the wifi to the wired on the minibox?

[oldfella]

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@ChrisGid wrote:

just out of interest, and I thought I'd check it out (with all due respect to everyone who's offered their invaluable advice) I have a spare TP link plug and I've (out of curiosity) plugged it into one of the miniboxes. I haven't changed any settings on the minibox...how would one go about switching from the wifi to the wired on the minibox?

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Hi @ChrisGid 

Assuming you have another TP link link connected to the router.

Probably best if you turn all the other minis off

Carry out network reset  in the Mini Home menu with the Ethernet connected. Again do not do any WPS and just wait for it to connect.
Once it is connected go into the mini hidden menu and turn off both bands of WiFi. Confirm before exit.