Using and configuring a third-party router

You can use your own router with EE Broadband, as long as it’s compatible with your plan. This guide explains what you’ll need, how to set it up, and what to expect if you don’t use an EE or BT Hub.

Need to know

Check that your router supports your broadband type.

To work on the EE Broadband network, your router must support PPPoE. Additionally:

  • for full fibre (FTTP) plans, your router must have an Ethernet WAN port.
  • for part fibre (FTTC or SOGEA) plans, your router must have VDSL support and VLAN tagging.
  • for copper (ADSL or SOADSL) plans, your router must have an integrated ADSL modem.

If you’re using a router from another provider, be aware that some are locked to their original network and may not work on EE.

Setting up your third-party router

Every router is different, so menu names may vary. These steps work for most third‑party routers.

Generic icon of a router

Step 1

Connect to your router

  1. Plug your router in and switch it on
  2. Connect your computer, tablet or phone using WiFi or an Ethernet cable
Devices with a security shield in the middle

Step 2

Open the settings

  1. Open a web browser.
  2. Enter your router’s admin address in the address bar. This is usually:
    • 192.168.1.1
    • 192.168.0.1
    • or a web address printed on the router, such as routerlogin.net
  3. Press Enter.
  4. Enter the router’s admin username and password.
Device with a question mark in the middle

Step 3

Find your broadband settings

Look for a section called something like:

  • internet
  • WAN
  • broadband
  • PPP settings
  • advanced > internet
  • network > WAN

You’re looking for the page where you can enter your connection type and broadband login details.

Circle with an add sign in the middle

Step 4

Add your EE Broadband settings 

Use the details below for your broadband type.

Full fibre

  • Username or login name - bthomehub@btbroadband.com
  • Broadband password - BT or leave blank
  • Authentication - CHAP
  • DNS - auto or obtain from ISP

You don’t need VLAN tagging, modulation, or VPI and VCI settings for full fibre. Connect your router to the ONT using its Ethernet WAN port.

Part fibre

  • Username or login name - bthomehub@btbroadband.com
  • Broadband password - BT or leave blank
  • Authentication - CHAP
  • DNS - auto or obtain from ISP
  • VLAN - active
  • VLAN ID (802.1q) - 101
  • Priority (802.1p) - 0

VLAN tagging is required for part fibre services.

Copper

  • Username or login name - bthomehub@btbroadband.com
  • Broadband password - BT or leave blank
  • Authentication - CHAP
  • DNS - auto or obtain from ISP
  • modulation - G.DMT
  • Virtual path identifier (VPI) - 0
  • Virtual channel identifier (VCI) - 38
  • Multiplexing - VC based or VC‑MUX

You’ll need a router with a built‑in ADSL modem.

Step 5

Save and restart

  1. Select Save, Apply or Update.
  2. Restart the router if it doesn’t do this automatically.
  3. Wait a few minutes, then try loading a webpage.

If it’s not working:

  • restart your router and, if you’re on full fibre, your ONT
  • re‑enter the settings and save them again

Important considerations

Our EE Guides can only support EE or BT Broadband equipment. We can’t help with the set-up or troubleshooting of third party routers.

Some routers from other providers are locked to their original network and may not connect on EE.

To work on the EE Broadband network, your router must support PPPoE. Additionally:

  • for full fibre plans, your router must have an Ethernet WAN port.
  • for part fibre plans, your router must have VDSL support and VLAN tagging.
  • for copper plans, your router must have an integrated ADSL modem.

If you have EE Digital Home Phone, you’ll need to keep your EE or BT hub as your main router. Third‑party routers aren’t compatible with this service.

Some EE services only work with an EE or BT hub, including:

  • EE TV
  • WiFi Extender
  • Connectivity Backup
  • WiFi Optimiser

These may not work if you use a third‑party router.

Using your own router won’t change the broadband speed coming into your home. That’s set by your plan and the line serving your property.

WiFi performance can vary depending on the router you use. If it supports the same WiFi standards as the EE Smart Hub, you should see similar performance, but coverage and reliability may differ.

You can switch back at any time. Using your own router doesn’t change your broadband service.

Just unplug the third‑party router, connect your EE hub, and it’ll get you back online in a few minutes. No extra setup is needed.

If you’re using your EE hub again or want to check everything’s set up correctly, follow our Set up guide.

EE hubs aren’t designed to work on other providers’ networks. If you leave EE, we may ask you to return your hub.

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