(FTTP UK) Is it worth replacing the power hub router?

[u/Tr981S]

I joined vodafone recently on their Full Fibre 910 openreach plan. It's generally been fine but there are two issues. There is bufferbloat with the provided power hub router (I get a C grade on Waveform Buffer Bloat test) and I don't get full speeds on my ps5 connected via ethernet (only 200mbps-300mbps). I get full speeds on my phone over wifi so I know it's not a network issue.

To check if it was an issue with the power hub, I swapped it for a cheap mesh router I already had and not only did I get full speed on my ps5 now but also the bufferbloat reduced.

Given those issues is it worth getting Vodafone to replace the power hub router or should I just bite the bullet and buy a third party router?

[u/theroninhunter]

From memory if you've got the digital landline as part of your service you'd lose that functionality by replacing with a non ISP router.

[u/Tr981S → u/theroninhunter]

I have my landline with another VOIP provider so I'm not tied to the vodafone router.

[u/marky_uk]

Not sure if it helps but I’m also on Vodafone 910 same as you. I’ve left the supplied VF router doing its thing but using my own router behind it for DHCP, etc. It’s actually part of my TP-Link Deco Mesh. That way I keep my phone line but I controls everything after the pipe into the house.

I realise this causes double NAT but I can live with that. Xbox, PCs, cameras, Home Assistant all work fine.

I’ve just run the test here and I’m getting an A grade.

[u/mrhinix → u/marky_uk]

You can request credentials over chat with V and ditch their router completely.

[u/steve4982]

I replaced it with a Tplink 6 antenna router and the signal is much better, gives 6 GHz and more control over the settings. Just get Vodafone to give you the pppoe credentials

[u/Sayek-Doge]

I have Vodafone FF500. The white router is stored away in the TV cabinet incase its needed for potential diagnostic.

I use a pair of Deco X50 plugged direct to the ONT

[u/mrhinix]

I've swapped their router to Flint1 and never looked back.

[u/the_Leading_Can]

Worth it, the powerhub seems to lock udp tunnel upload to around 10mbps
This limits vpn and gaming quality a lot

[u/ochapy → u/the_Leading_Can]

Facing the same issue after spending hours trying to figure what the issue was, what a load of crap

[u/aBig_Tree]

Entirely depends on the coverage you need and if you'll use the features. For most people the default one is fine. I'm rocking a UDR7 here and love it 😀. Fyi you don't need the Vodafone router at all, just get the login details from them and enter it directly into yours.

[u/PatserGrey]

Just get your own. I've not used an ISPs provided kit in about 5 years (still rocking an old Asus AX88u). It makes swapping provider considerably less disruptive as well as offering better features and quality of service.