24 Jun 2020
The Sky OEM router is fine for the vast majority of cases, but if you want more functionality, better signal strength, or advanced features like VPN support or parental controls, you’re going to want to use a TP-Link router with Sky fibre.
In this article I’ll be showing you how you can replace the OEM Sky router with a much better, TP-Link device.
To my knowledge, this process does NOT work with NowTV broadband. This is a completely different service that I have never used. Please do not email me asking to help you troubleshoot issues with your NowTV connection.
The OEM Sky router is fine for most uses, but some people want more functionality than what “normal” routers can offer. Or, maybe your router is simply swamped in a sea of wireless networks from your neighbours, and you want a better signal strength.
Whichever it is, an after-market router is generally a much better alternative to the OEM routers that are made as cheaply as possible so they can be given to thousands of people for free.
After having a lot of issues with wireless myself, I decided to replace my OEM Sky router with a TP-Link VR400 for my Sky fibre connection. I’m so glad I did!
June 2020 update: I’ve since upgraded my Wi-Fi network with a TP-Link Deco M5 mesh Wi-Fi system which has vastly improved my wireless network.
Setting up the TP-Link router with Sky fibre is extremely simple. Whilst it’s not quite plug and play, the process is pretty straightforward:
http://192.168.1.1
.abcdefgh@skydsl
1234567890abcdef
Now you have your new router connected, you can start to have a look around the admin interface and change the settings as needed. Here are some of the changes I made:
Overall, I’m very happy with the TP-Link VR200. The connection has been rock solid and it has served me well for over 3 years now.
Using a TP-Link router with Sky fibre has many advantages and it’s an extremely well priced router compared to the functionality it offers. The only downside is that it is a lot bigger than the OEM Sky router. But I can live with that for the additional functionality it offers.
I have had feedback from hundreds of people that this process works, but if you’re struggling I would suggest the Sky fibre forums or Stack Overflow.
A number of people have also contacted me asking if this will work with Sky Q. The answer is yes.