New customers of budget ISP TalkTalk look set to start receiving a faster and much more capable broadband router with their orders, which comes after ISPreview.co.uk discovered the existence of a new Wi-Fi Hub. At this stage we don’t have a lot of detail to share but we do know the core specifications. At present if you sign-up to one of TalkTalk’s UK “fibre” based (FTTC) broadband packages then you’re most likely to receive a so-called “Super Router” which, depending upon your package, could be based off either the Huawei HG633, HG635 or a D-Link 3782 device. However last month we became aware that the provider was also conducting closed trials of a new router from Sagemcom, which we initially assumed would be launched alongside their G.fast based 150Mbps and 300Mbps capable broadband packages (here). In the end this didn’t happen and instead the ISP continued to bundle their HG635 with the new service. Fast forward to the end of last week and one of the ISP’s customers kindly pointed us toward some new images on the TalkTalk web server (pictured above), which revealed a router that we hadn’t seen before. The provider has now confirmed that a new router is due to be launched, although the full details aren’t expected to be released until sometime today. In the meantime we can confirm that the new kit will include the following core specification. TalkTalk’s New Wi-Fi Hub Specification No. of antennas = 7 Wi-Fi bands (2.4GHz and 5GHz) = Dual Next generation AC Wi-Fi 2.4GHz Wi-Fi band = 3×3 11b/g/n/ac 5GHz Wi-Fi band [MU-MIMO] = 4×4 11a/n/ac Wave 2 Wi-Fi Connections = 4 x gigabit Ethernet ports / 1 x RJ11 xDSL port / 1x Gigabit WAN port Detachable Wi-Fi settings card = Yes Customised Web GUI = Yes Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS) = Yes UPNP = Yes, with port forwarding and mapping The Wave 2 AC standard suggests that this router will be a lot more capable than their previous devices, although we won’t know how much better until later today (expect an update). We also don’t know precisely which customers will be able to receive it, although we’ve seen it being promoted alongside their FTTC (VDSL2) packages and it would also make a good fit for G.fast and possibly even their “full fibre” FTTH/P service. UPDATE 11:20am We can now confirm that the new router (‘TalkTalk Wi-Fi Hub‘) is a Sagemcom model and the ISP claims that its “next generation Wi-Fi technology [offers] twice the speed of [our] existing Super Router.” Phil Amy, Director of Product at TalkTalk, told ISPreview.co.uk: “We’ve developed our most sophisticated router ever, packed with the latest technology so customers can enjoy even stronger connectivity in more corners of the home and on more devices. Developed with customer feedback, everything from its attractive design, to the ease of set up and speed, means this Wi-Fi Hub is our fastest, strongest and most reliable router yet.” Officially the TalkTalk Wi-Fi Hub retails at £120 and is compatible with all of of their existing broadband and fibre products. The Hub is now available as standard for new customers who sign up to their ‘Faster Fibre Broadband’ plan and from £30 for new ‘Fast Broadband’ (ADSL2+) and existing customers. The device also features an integrated ADSL2+ and VDSL2 modem. Now here’s a backside view (note the lack of USB ports). UPDATE 11:36am Some text from the official launch announcement. TalkTalk Wi-Fi Hub Launch Announcement With beamforming technology, the router is able to automatically adjust the level of signal to prioritise high-signal-demanding devices. The Wi-Fi Hub includes the latest 4×4 Multi-User MIMO ac chipset, allowing up to 50 devices to connect to Wi-Fi at the same time without compromising connectivity quality. To guarantee the best possible performance, the Wi-Fi Hub is exclusively optimised for the TalkTalk network; and simultaneous dual-band W-Fi ensures less interference so TalkTalk customers can enjoy a stronger and faster connection. Set-up has never been simpler. Customers simply need to plug the router in, switch it on and the Wi-Fi Hub is ready to go. The Wi-Fi Hub also comes with a detachable Wi-Fi settings card making it even easier to find and connect wireless devices. Customers won’t need to enter a password1 to connect devices to the Internet – all it takes is the push of a button with the One-Touch Wi-Fi Protected Setup. The Wi-Fi Hub’s attractive design means it’s less likely to be hidden by a plant pot or behind a TV, increasing the chance of getting a strong, clear Wi-Fi signal throughout the home. Created to fit through most standard letter boxes, the Wi-Fi Hub has the added convenience of easy delivery. UPDATE 22nd May 2018 We’ve been informed that the top Wi-Fi speed of the device is AC2200 combined (2.4GHz = 217Mbps + 5GHz = 1733Mbps), which is good. The dimensions of the Hub are also: H = 170mm W = 260mm D = 50mm. Power, in operation is 11 Watts. Finally, we can confirm that it’s based off the Sagemcom F@st 5364 model.
TalkTalk is set to launch a broadband router that the company says is twice as fast as its existing Super Router. The Sagemcom hub will be offered as standard for new customers, will cost £30 ($40) for existing customers and retails for £120. The router can connect 50 devices without compromising signal quality, TalkTalk said. It can automatically adjust the signal level to prioritise high-demand devices.