Is it possible to use my BT home hub even though I have a different broadband provider?
Question by alex: Is it possible to use my BT home hub even though I have a different broadband provider?
I have recently acquired a BT home hub and am wondering what to do with it…! If not actually using it for internet purposes then what else are they capable of…? Please help…!
Best answer:
Answer by Seán Mac Aodha
BT home hub. Well usualy theyre used for BT services but on some occassions, the hardware, ie the “Hub” or router given out by ISPs can be used with other providers.
However, like the Eircom Routers here in Ireland, they cant.
Check it out with BT. Some Tech Support guys are nice and they’ll talk you though what you have to do. (change settings etc)
Other then being an internet gateway, they route internal network traffic between all the computers connected to them. Hence the term routers.
I think BT hubs also connect your wireless DECT phones together too? Not sure, we dont have this service on this side of the irish sea.
Give your answer to this question below!
A Hub is a simple connection device which allows multiple computers to connect together in a network with or without an Internet connection. When it comes to hubs I doubt it matters which brand you use. Hubs are not complicated devices and are not programmed for one particular ISP. Now, if you were asking about a modem I would say you would not be able to use it with a different service provider. A router could go either way.
There is a lot of hardware on the market. The hardware can be and is used with many different providers. For example, the Lynksys or D-Link or Belkin all have hubs and routers. These can be used with multiple ISP services; are not built for just one in mind as that would be limiting. As you purchased your hub from BT I would bet you can use it with any service provider you wish.
Just hook it up and see what happens. All you need to do is plug your cables in and then hook it up to either your router or modem. If it works you are good to go if not you have your answer. Good luck!
To be very explicit on what a Hub does, it is a Networking device used to connect computers together to form a network. This network can be without an Internet connection. A Hub is not used as often in small office or home networks since the routers have become so popular. You see, a Router is a device which is actually up to four devices combined into one easy to use piece of hardware. Usually, a Router combines a Hub, Switch, Router, and WiFi. Now, a Router can have just the first three, and some people prefer this because a Router without Wireless is far less expensive.
Without getting into too long of a discussion on how these hardware devices work lets just say that a Hub is the simplest of all the devices and is the most restricted on what it can do. A Switch is a better choice, and a Router is better yet. A Wireless Router is best if you have a need or desire to create a WiFi section of your network. Even if you do not have an immediate need for WiFi it is a good idea to buy a Wireless Router because they are not really much more expensive and guests who bring a laptop can gain a connection to the Internet while visiting.