To set up TP-link router to sky broadband make sure that you select the option in the ISP list, TP-link support Sky fibre. Most ISP use PPOE to authenticate the VDSL connection, while Sky uses MER or Option 61. Note that new Sky connections will be issued Dynamic IP addresses, and as another alternative setup is to configure your TP-link unit, this will act as a bridge unit behind Sky Hub. If you are using a unit that does not state the Sky Fibre, you need to update the firmware. You can use any router with Sky broadband provided it supports MER. But how do you connect TP-link to Sky broadband?
How to connect TP-link router to Sky broadband
- To connect TP-link to Sky broadband you have to first enter your time zone and location,
- Then click “next”,
- On the ISP list select “Sky (MER)_VDSL (for Sky Fibre)
- Enter the Username and password
- Then click “Next” and now you can set up your wireless network
- The TP-link will now test your internet connection
- A success message should appear, if not allow the DSL to stop flashing the try the process again.
But before you try TP-link router setup, use your Sky hub so you can get support from Sky, then once you have successfully set it up, you can change to your TP-link router.
It is best to know if any router you intend to use will work with your current internet connection before getting one. For example, if you are currently using an old-style ADSL connection, then you need a router with ADLS2 with a built-in modem.
Difference between a wireless router and a mesh system unit
One of the main differences between wireless routers and mesh is the mesh system is decentralized while the traditional router is centralized. The old router relies on a single point or access, when a router is connected to ADSL or NBN connection then pass the connectivity to connected devices. The closer the devices the better the service, the further the devices the less service they get.
With the Mesh WiFi you get multiple points of access, it allows mesh-based network offer speed and best coverage to the most case. Even though mesh WiFi can be effective and efficient, it does have slow processors and fewer antennas compared to other modern routers. The effectiveness and efficiency of mesh WiFi in managing and handling multiple device connections can have negative effects on performance.
Which is better, traditional WiFi routers vs mesh WiFi?
Mesh WiFi works better for a home with multiple users, you will benefit from the multiple point access with speed, setup, ease to use, and convenience. But if you live alone, want 4K streaming, speed, or gaming, then the traditional router will be better.
What to look for in a router?
When scouting for a router, look for one with high RAM and multi-core processor, a dual-band router or more, a newer router with WiFi 6, speed, a router with an app, USB port, quality of service (QoS), smart system, mesh WiFi, and finally with firewall, VPN and antivirus.
What router is compatible with Sky?
The Sky router should be fine except you want something more like having parental control, functionality, advanced VPN features, better and faster signal, the TP-link router is ideal especially for Sky fibre.
What router will replace the Sky router?
If you want to replace the Sky router with any other router you will need a router that can easily link to Sky lines and uses an authentication system different from other ISPs like the Billion and Netgear router. Other countless routers are compatible with Sky but they do need firmware changed.
Can I use my Sky router with another provider?
Yes, you can use Sky router with other providers, but the router Sky supplied to you will not work with other ISPs because they supply you with an already setup router for their services. To use Sky router for another internet provider the router needs to be flashed and set up for the new ISPs.
MER DHCP Option 61 compatible routers
Here is my list of some of the compatible MER DHCP Option 61 routers.
- The Netgear D7000-200UKS Nighthawk: It uses WiFi 802.11ac, 2.4GHz + 5GHZ. It has DSL, LAN, and USB 3.0 ports. It is IPv6 ready and also supports ADSL2+, VDSL2, and Sky MER.
- The TP-link AC1900: It uses WiFi 802.11ac, 2.4GHz + 5GHZ. It has DSL, WAN, LAN, and USB 3.0 ports. It is IPv6 Ready and supports ADSL2+, VDSL2, and Sky MER.
- The Billion BiPAC 8800AXL R2: It uses WiFi 802.11ac, 2.4GHz + 5GHZ. It has DSL, WAN, LAN, and USB 2.0 ports. It is IPv6 Ready and supports ADSL2+, VDSL2, and Sky MER.
- The DrayTek Vigor 2762ac: It uses WiFi 802.11ac, 2.4GHz + 5GHZ. It has DSL, LAN, WAN), USB 2.0, and phone sockets. It is IPv6 Ready and supports ADSL2+, VDSL2, and Sky MER.
How do I extend my WiFi range?
- To extend your WiFi range you should choose to place your access point or router in the right location like in the center of your home or office.
- Avoid using signal repeaters that cause you to change network every time you change positions, instead use a unified management system or a controller.
- Use the right equipment if you are going to be dealing with multiple devices, like having the right amount of access points to spread the love (eg office setting).
- Use a unified management system for those who want to extend their wireless system so all access points so it can broadcast from the same wireless network.
- Another way is to properly configure your equipment to avoid interference from unwanted signals like microwaves, opt for 5 GHz.
- Using cables if you are trying to extend the wireless network can be efficient in getting a stable connection, using the right materials, and ensure they are installed properly.
- Using a wireless bridge if you are trying to extend to other buildings and avoiding obstructions, also using some wireless equipment like network switches.
What can you do with an old router?
There are several things you can do with an old router rather than selling it off on eBay. You can easily reuse it as a wireless repeater, internet radio, network switch, wireless bridge, web server, VPN router, and as a guest WiFi connection.
What is the difference between a WiFi booster and a WiFi extender?
WiFi booster is a term used for devices that extends WiFi signal, wireless repeaters are used to re-broadcast WiFi signal received to a finite localized area, while WiFi network extenders are used to boost WiFi consistency, reliability, and speed to every corner or floor of the house. WiFi booster is more like a general term for WiFi repeater, WiFi range extender, and WiFi extender.
