BT Business Smart Hub 3.0 Compatible with a TP-link AX1800 & TP-link AXE5400?

[Ph0enixUK]

Hi All,

Our Air Cadets Squadron, as a business account finally got fibre 76 with Smart Hub 3.0, Hybrid Connect and Complete Wi-Fi with 6 WiFi discs.

However, as we found quickly after the self-install, the 3 buildings whilst being next to one another, are of metal construction and only a few windows that are covered by metal shutters when not in the building, and drawn open when we are.

Due to this, we were temporarily forced to look for an outdoor extender, to extend the Smart Hub 3's connection which is how we use the TP-link AX1800. Yet, this is still only a small addition that works on the whole.

The biggest let down is the Complete Wi-Fi discs, as they just can't seem to transport the signal from the one small portable office we have the Smart Hub 3.0 in (fibre line-in) and the other two-buildings, which has to be that they are essentially faraday cages somewhat = this is creating us terrible constant on-going headaches, as it means both volunteer uniformed/non-uniformed staff, an more importantly the cadets, cannot successfully and consistently do what they need to do in their syllabus training.

Therefore, my question is;

Is the  BT Business Smart Hub 3.0 Compatible with a TP-link AX1800 (which we already have) & TP-link AXE5400 - where I'm thinking maybe we need to go more down the mesh route, which I do believe is possible with the Smart Hub 3.0 - as the x6 wifi discs we have are as useful as a chocolate fireguard this past year?

I look forward to any input and thoughts, or signposting, as we really must try to make this **bleep** fibre 76 connection ability around the squadron better.

Many Thanks.

[BethM]

Hi Ph0enixUK

Complete Wi-Fi discs only cover your main building as per our Terms and Conditions. As such, we can only support the connection within that building. I can't advise regarding third party equipment compatibility but plenty customers do their own networking for scenarios like this. I hope you find a solution that works for your premises.

[UnifyNetworks]

Good evening Ph0enixUK

Metal constructed buildings will block Wi-Fi almost completely, mesh solutions also – will likely give you a headache and an unstable connection between the three units. The issue isn’t with the Smart Hub 3.0 or the discs, it’s the physical environment.

In situations like this, the most reliable and long term solution is to create a wired link between the buildings.

If the units are close together, running an external grade Cat5e/Cat6 cable between them gives you a solid network backbone, and from there you can install wired access points or wired mesh nodes in each building. That removes the dependency on trying to broadcast Wi-Fi through metal walls.

Your existing TP-Link AX1800 can be used as a wired access point once connected via Ethernet. The AXE5400 would also work in the same way, but it won’t provide a reliable solution unless it’s fed by a cable.

In short:

• Wireless → not reliable between metal buildings
• Wired link → stable network + proper Wi-Fi coverage in each unit

If you want guidance on how to set the devices up in access point mode, feel free to post back.

Unify Networks (Authorised Supplier for BT)