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We recently ordered BTNet 21CN HE Fibre - 200mb for our small office.
The fibre optic switch is an ADVA and the CPE is a Cisco C8200L-1N-4T.
Would this kit be compatible with our existing BT Business Smart Hub? It is the latest model with the red ethernet WAN port. Ideally we want to use the Smart Hub for DHCP, Wi-Fi and Firewall using the existing IP range of 192.168.1.254.
Does this sound feasible as we've had conflicting advice from the BTNet commissioning team and support team!
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BT Business Smart Hubs are designed as the CPE supplied for FTTP or FTTC based broadband connections, which is possibly why the BTnet commissioning and support teams are struggling slightly…
It’s not really their area of business - which is dedicated Ethernet / leased circuits and the like.
Saying that, and I’m not super familiar with their Smart Hubs - it should work fine, via the managed Cisco box. You’ll need to configure the WAN IP address settings in the S/Hub to reflect what BTnet have assigned you. Switch off any PPPoE etc. should be a matter of correctly assigning the address details you’ve been issued.
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I've not seen anything that would suggest the BT Business Smart Hub can have a static IP configured on the WAN, all the documentation I can find says that it's PPPoE which won't be how BTnet is presented.
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That’s a shame. Are they hard coded on the WAN side?
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Yes they are hard coded to PPPoE
The only thing that can change is username and password
Thanks
Dan
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Currently what is the BT Business Smart Hub being used for? you do know that BT own it? if your going to take it off a service that you're planning on ceasing then it needs to be sent back to BT.
Secondly why on earth would you pay all the money for a leased line to then put a cheap and cheerful piece of kit on it like that.
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To be fair if the SH3 could be setup to do a regular static IP connection on the WAN (which is now evident it can’t) then it would otherwise be able to handle the rigorous 😅 demands of a 200 Mbps symmetric conn. Doesn’t sound like the OP needs bells and whistles.
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OK now it’s clear that the BT Biz Smart Hub you have can’t be configured correctly (or at all) on its WAN interface, then you’re only option is finding another router that can do what you need.
A 200 Mbps connection isn’t really going to stress most modern router gear, with what is likely to be a small number of concurrent users? What’s more important is what skillset you have in house for configuration and ongoing maintenance etc.
If you don’t really have a lot of detailed IT and networking knowledge then I’d suggest you look at something which is relatively simple and intuitive to configure. Possibly something from Ubiquiti. Their WiFi kit is pretty decent too and fairly well priced.
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To be fair if the SH3 could be setup to do a regular static IP connection on the WAN (which is now evident it can’t) then it would otherwise be able to handle the rigorous 😅 demands of a 200 Mbps symmetric conn. Doesn’t sound like the OP needs bells and whistles. Be honest, would you use it instead of the kit you're currently running??
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My suggestion to the OP above. 🙏👍
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I agree or speak to an IT company that can do it for them.
Thanks
Dan
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Secondly why on earth would you pay all the money for a leased line to then put a cheap and cheerful piece of kit on it like that. You see it all the time, customer limited to ADSL or sub-30Mbps FTTC, needs a quicker connection, BT Local Business sell them on the merits of a leased line and a nice short five year contract, provide a proposal document that quite clearly says what they're providing (managed Cisco router) but don't really check the customer understands the implication of this, so they end up with a TP Link Wi-Fi router on the end of it.
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🤣 ...nice short contract indeed.
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Post deleted by adamrcl
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Exactly this.
We were missold the product by BT Local and I have been asked to pick up the pieces. We are negotiating a deal on a managed Meraki router but in the meantime need a stop gap. It looks like the BTB Smart Hub won't allow a static WAN IP.
Thanks for all the replies.
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Primarily for an office of 5 staff using email, Sharepoint, web browsing and printing. I am aware the router is the property of BT but we won't be ending our FTTC contract until the leased line is up and running.
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Doesn’t sound too good. There’s usually other alternatives available these days to getting a dedicated circuit, especially from BT. The horse has bolted however.
Are you trying to get them to give you a Meraki without monthly uplift - or are you being offered a ‘special’ price over the term? If it is a monthly extra over, then you may well be better off providing your own kit.
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The BT local chap has "gone away to see what he can do" on the Meraki option so not holding my breath.
As you say, third party router could be the better option - maybe something like a modern Draytek?
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I know of a company with the same/similar setup. BTNet leased line (oversold and overcharged for!) with a managed Meraki. They have an issue with one site being blocked, but not in the usual Meraki way (with an error message).
Because it is fully managed they are now going to have to rely on BT to understand and fix that error, hopefully without blaming, server, DNS, PC`s, Anti Virus etc etc. Fingers crossed....
I would have my own kit on the end of that line if given a choice. Some don't rate Draytek kit, but although nothing is perfect, I get on fine with it.
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Thanks for the update. I’m definitely a proponent of having and managing your own kit. However I do realise that it’s not for everyone and all situations and capabilities.
It’s a shame that there isn’t enough knowledge and awareness amongst small and medium business people about such practises and the sometimes enormous pricing and value disparities. Still a lot of people getting stung.
But you could equally level the same for any non-core business and/or IT function and expense.
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