Alternative Router/Modem with WiFi Button for Full Fibre

[Dinosaur2]

Can anyone give me some suggestions for an alternative router/modem for Full Fibre that has a physical WiFi button on?

We don't usually use WiFi in the house (Ethernet connections for most things) and it's a nuisance to have to switch on the computer to turn the WiFi on or off when someone visits. In fact, I wonder what many elderly people do who have to have an internet connection installed as they will be needing it when copper landlines are switched off in the future, and who may not use computers themselves and wish to turn off WiFi?

I have the Sagemcom FAST 5464 at the moment.

[Dinosaur2]

My contract finished in late 2023, and now it just rolls over (but is only £26 a month, so that's fine). The package is called "Fibre 65 VoIP"

[KeithFrench]

From what I have heard @Dinosaur2 the answer is no. You should get one, though, if you take out a new contract. This is all between you & the Better Value Team, I can't say what you will be able to negotiate.

[Gliwmaeden2]

Usually not, @Dinosaur2.

The price that @KeithFrench quoted is if you request a replacement router more than 4 months before the end of your contract, unless the current one actually develops a fault.

When does your contract end?

[Dinosaur2]

Did TalkTalk provide you with that device, or did you have to buy it through the "Better Value Team" that you mentioned? I don't want to have to spend a lot of money if possible (OAP!!)

[KeithFrench]

Hi @Dinosaur2 

That is because you do not have the WiFi Hub 3 at all; you have the WiFi Hub 2. The WiFi Hub 3 is a different, newer router than your old one. 

[Dinosaur2]

So if I request one, will they replace it free of charge?

[Dinosaur2]

Yes, it seems it's not what I first said (which is what the instruction manual that came with it said!!) but it still doesn't have a physical WiFi button.

[Billx]

OK, sorry about that, @ferguson 

[KeithFrench]

Yes, @ferguson, but for some reason you do not have the correct version of the WiFi Hub 3. There have been quite a few different ones out there.

[ferguson]

Hi @Billx 

And I replied that I have a WiFi Hub 3 which does not have a switch on the side. 

[KeithFrench]

Hi @Dinosaur2 

If you want a WiFi Hub 3, then you can buy one at a 50% reduction from the Better Value Team for £80, probably plus delivery.

To contact the Better Value Team (old Legacy Dept), please call:  0345 1725157. 

Opening hours:-
Monday to Friday 9AM to 7PM
Saturday 9AM to 6PM
Sunday Closed

[KeithFrench]

Hi @Dinosaur2 

So the link in your previous post was not that router, you have the WiFi Hub 2, the 5464.

[Billx]

Hi, @Dinosaur2 

@KeithFrench already answered. TalkTalk can provide a newer router, the Wi-fi Hub 3, which has such a switch on the side.

Bill

[Dinosaur2]

I have had a look and it says, under "Hardware" - FAST5464 (so not the one I thought in my OP).

This is the device that TalkTalk fitted when they installed Full Fibre. This one has no WiFi button anywhere (as in the link I sent you)

[KeithFrench]

As I said, the correct WiFi Hub 3, does exactly what you want, press the button once & all WiFi networks stop. Press it again & they start broadcasting again. 

[ferguson]

Ah OK, fair enough. 

[Dinosaur2]

We have a family member who is electrosensitive, so prefer to keep it off as much as possible.

[ferguson]

@Dinosaur2 

My bad, I did misunderstand. So why not just leave it on in any event? 

[KeithFrench]

Hi @Dinosaur2 

That is not a WiFi Hub 3, that is the much older WiFi Hub 1 (FAST5364).

[KeithFrench]

There are several versions of the Hub 3 out there, some from an original trial, some Shell or old Shell/TalkTalk Business ones and maybe a few others.

According to the manager of the forum staff on here & perhaps more crucially, the TalkTalk Devices team, I do have the correct WiFi Hub 3.

Points to note whether you have the correct one is to go into Advanced Settings > My Router > Device Info. Then in the Hardware Version field, it should list it as:-

FAST5359 with nothing else.

It also has the "TalkTalk for everyone branding", plus it has the WiFi toggle switch above the WPS button on the side of it.