Changing BT Homehub 3 to Homehub 5 with ND5XS

Posted by: Chris G on 13 October 2014

I am about to upgrade to a BT infinity package, getting the Homehub 5.  Last year I tried to swap my current router (a Homehub 3) to a Homehub 4 and couldn't get my ND5XS to work with it - either wirelessly, or via ethernet cables and Devolo plugs through the house electrical circuit.  I gave up and re-installed the Homehub 3 which has worked fine since.  I have subsequently had my ND5XS upgraded (latest software) and am about to order infinity with HHb 5 - Has anyone else got this combination working OK, and if there were difficulties how were they overcome please?

Posted on: 23 October 2014 by Phil Harris
Originally Posted by ChrisSU:

Phil, I only have my Unitiserve on a static ip address, which seemed to be the key to solving my connectivity problem, but I just pinched the first available number in the range. So I've left my isp configured router as 192.168.1.1, my US is 1.2, and the remaining 1.3 to 1.254 are for DHCP, with around a dozen devices that connect regularly. I'm not aware that this is causing any problems, but I could easily change the US static address if you think it would help? All other devices, including Superuniti, remain on DHCP.

Is there any particular reason for an 8 hour lease time, mine is set to 24?

 

Cheers, Chris

 

The shorter lease time simply ensures that IP addresses are returned back to the available DHCP pool more quickly when a device leaves my network.

 

As long as your static addresses aren't set in your DHCP range then you'll be fine ... how you organise them is completely up to you.

 

Phil

Posted on: 23 October 2014 by ChrisSU

Thanks Phil. My point about the static ip address I set is that I 'stole' it from the range available for DHCP. So I could try changing it to one outside the range available for DHCP, or I could edit the range available for DHCP to exclude it?

 

Sorry if I seem to be making a meal of it here, but you never know when the law of unintended consequences might kick in!

Posted on: 23 October 2014 by Mike-B

Folks before we all get wound up over this,  I was only passing on some tips I got from a BT guy for BT HH's on small home systems & for peeps who are not IT savvy.

I originally had it set up as per Phil with numbers outside the DHCP range.  But when I changed HH3 to HH4 in May I've had it set the "simple" way since. Meanwhile I have kept a regular eye on it. The DHCP allocated numbers have not changed except when I did a sequential restart after a holiday. The new allocated numbers where the same as before but to different devices.  My static numbers (within the HH DHCP range) remained the same.

Posted on: 23 October 2014 by Phil Harris
Originally Posted by ChrisSU:

Thanks Phil. My point about the static ip address I set is that I 'stole' it from the range available for DHCP. So I could try changing it to one outside the range available for DHCP, or I could edit the range available for DHCP to exclude it?

 

Sorry if I seem to be making a meal of it here, but you never know when the law of unintended consequences might kick in!

 

If you have set it as a static address on the device itself then you should change the DHCP range of your router (or change the static address on the device) so that the DHCP range and the static address do not clash.

 

However if you have *RESERVED* the IP address for the device on the router then that's fine as the routers DHCP server will simply keep that IP address free for that device and that device alone.

 

Cheers

 

Phil

Posted on: 23 October 2014 by ChrisSU

Phil, I only set this on my router. I did look into setting it at the Naim device end, but if I remember rightly you need a PC to do this, so as a Mac user, I couldn't.

Posted on: 23 October 2014 by Chris G
Thanks Mike B for the further information. The ND5XS is still working this evening so I am now tempted to  leave well alone. I have to say much of what's followed makes me realise how little I know of this subject . I will read through the thread in a quiet room!
Posted on: 23 October 2014 by Mike-B

100% Chris,  if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

 

Did u finally get a network switch ???

 

 

Posted on: 23 October 2014 by Chris G
Hi Mike Yes I got the Netgear GS105 you suggested. I'm just concentrating on getting things working. The next hurdle is the Sonos. I intend to introduce the switch soon. Thanks again for your help and input. Regards Chris
Posted on: 23 October 2014 by Chris G
Although off topic, now the router is in the same room as the hi-fi I am considering linking the router &  ND5XS with an ethernet cable - the  distance is c20 feet. As I'm often streaming HR recordings what make &  spec cable should I use?
Posted on: 23 October 2014 by Mike-B

Hi Chris, I am not sure what SQ benefits, if any,  high spec ethernet will bring on the router (HH5) branch .  I have shielded CAT7 but its because some of my ethernet cable routing is around mains cables (also shielded) & it keeps my RFI concerns in check.

 

In your case, for domestic environments,  CAT5e is OK but CAT6 has higher/better bandwidth.

As you now have a switch, I would go for CAT6 from router to switch & the same from NAS to switch & switch to ND5XS.   

Posted on: 23 October 2014 by Chris G
Thanks Mike I'm going to look at cabling and it makes sense to go for the best. I've got to work out the best plugs to use to keep all the  wires tidy before introducing the switch. Watch this space!
Posted on: 27 October 2014 by Chris G

to Mike B.  Sorted, for the time being.  I have the switch in place now, linking the Devolo, Sonos and NAS drive with the HH5. All seems to be working well and with a cat 6 ethernet cable running from the switch direct in to the ND5XS.  Thanks to everyone for their input and help.

Posted on: 27 October 2014 by Mike-B

Adding a switch to an ISP hub is the only way Chris. 

Next step = all ethernet

............. meanwhile enjoy