Does my ISP know if i'm using my own router?

NOT_PROVIDED_16 · Nov 13, 2017

Hello, My isp is Post office Broadband Premium what is limted to 17mbps (fastest i get is 7!).
I've tried in the past connecting my own modem/router combo, but i couldn't get it to work. I phoned my isp and they said i can only use the hardware they supply.
I just purchased a TP-LINK ARCHER C20I brand new only £7.30 on eBay!!!
(entry level AC ROUTER) it doesn't need to be high end as my download speed is only 7mbps.
i only purchased the router because it was cheap and i knew i could sell it on and double my money.
Can my ISP slow down my broadband if i'm not using their router? the router they provided was an Zyxel AMG1302, this is limited to 300 mbps with no 5ghz. The new router does work fine (can't be sure if its slower or not) i disabled wifi on the isp provided router and ran an ethernet cable to the tp link router.

My ISP: https://goo.gl/kk8PN9

mcconkeymike · Nov 13, 2017

Yes, the ISP can see any device that is connected directly to their hardware. They can NOT see any device that is connected behind your router. I would be surprised if they actually decided to slow your speed just because you connected your own router.

NOT_PROVIDED_16 · Nov 13, 2017

mcconkeymike :

Another question, i think i know the answer but is wireless AC is a bit "overkill" for my broadband speed?

GforceD · Nov 13, 2017

Each device has a MAC address so yes your ISP can tell if you not using their router, if they took note of that address when they setup up your account.
Most ISP's though sell you the hardware either because its compatible with their network or to charge more (product promotion etcetera)
A lot of ISP won't exclude the router from your package, if you where maybe trying to lower the cost of your package, but if you buy their router and swap it with another, they seldom care.

Unless it specifically say in the T&C's, that it's a violation and they will terminate your contact, I wouldn't worry about it.

However, slow speeds are rarely just the router. According to your ISP and if you still on standard broadband (the old copper wires)
then things like contention ratio, distance to the exchange and noise on the line. If you want some faster speed and you don't have access to Fibre in your area look in to Wifi or LTE options.

Broadband speed can vary significantly depending upon your location, phone line, home wiring, time of day, electrical interference and how many people use your network at once. Because of these factors, your speed may be lower than the advertised up to 17Mb/sec for standard broadband, or up to 38Mb/sec or 76Mb/sec for Fibre Broadband or any speed estimate we provide. We'll estimate your download speed when you check availability at your address, but your actual speed could still be slower.
Read more at https://www.postoffice.co.uk/broadband-phone/broadband/unlimited#htiO0oEXd3WD0lO6.99

NOT_PROVIDED_16 · Nov 13, 2017

GforceD :

Each device has a MAC address so yes your ISP can tell if you not using their router, if they took note of that address when they setup up your account.
Most ISP's though sell you the hardware either because its compatible with their network or to charge more (product promotion etcetera)
A lot of ISP won't exclude the router from your package, if you where maybe trying to lower the cost of your package, but if you buy their router and swap it with another, they seldom care.

Unless it specifically say in the T&C's, that it's a violation and they will terminate your contact, I wouldn't worry about it.

However, slow speeds are rarely just the router. According to your ISP and if you still on standard broadband (the old copper wires)
then things like contention ratio, distance to the exchange and noise on the line. If you want some faster speed and you don't have access to Fibre in your area look in to Wifi or LTE options.

Broadband speed can vary significantly depending upon your location, phone line, home wiring, time of day, electrical interference and how many people use your network at once. Because of these factors, your speed may be lower than the advertised up to 17Mb/sec for standard broadband, or up to 38Mb/sec or 76Mb/sec for Fibre Broadband or any speed estimate we provide. We'll estimate your download speed when you check availability at your address, but your actual speed could still be slower.
Read more at https://www.postoffice.co.uk/broadband-phone/broadband/unlimited#htiO0oEXd3WD0lO6.99

I contacted them before they said i can only use the router they supplied, no other modem router would work, as they don't release the username and password. for anyone's connection.

bill001g · Nov 13, 2017

Your first test needs to be connecting via a ethernet cable to the ISP provided router and see what speeds you get. If it is below what you pay for then the ISP needs to fix it.

Since it appears you have a DSL connection the ISP may be using the "UP TO" disclaimer and the phone lines to your house are not good enough to run faster. Not 100% sure though it is not easy to find doc on that router.

The main issue you have using the router you list is it does not contain a modem. There is no way to replace the ISP router even if you wanted to unless there is some variation of that router that contains a dsl modem. Most ISP allow you to swap out a DSL modem but the details on how you do it vary a bit. Some you need a userid and password, other you just need to set certain parameters and some just work on default settings.

If you can not get faster speeds on a ethernet cable then it does not pay to do anything. If you can get faster on ethernet and the problem is just wireless then you could put the router you found behind the ISP router. You would run the device as a AP and turn off the WIFI in the ISP router.

802.11ac may be overkill but it is one supply and demand things. The cost of a dual band router that is 802.11n is about the same price as 802.11ac routers. Having the ability to use 5g either either with 802.11n or 802.11ac helps when you have lots of interference causing slowness on the 2.4g band. Be aware your end device must also support the use of 5g band and 802.11ac

NOT_PROVIDED_16 · Nov 13, 2017

bill001g :

Your first test needs to be connecting via a ethernet cable to the ISP provided router and see what speeds you get. If it is below what you pay for then the ISP needs to fix it.

Since it appears you have a DSL connection the ISP may be using the "UP TO" disclaimer and the phone lines to your house are not good enough to run faster. Not 100% sure though it is not easy to find doc on that router.

The main issue you have using the router you list is it does not contain a modem. There is no way to replace the ISP router even if you wanted to unless there is some variation of that router that contains a dsl modem. Most ISP allow you to swap out a DSL modem but the details on how you do it vary a bit. Some you need a userid and password, other you just need to set certain parameters and some just work on default settings.

If you can not get faster speeds on a ethernet cable then it does not pay to do anything. If you can get faster on ethernet and the problem is just wireless then you could put the router you found behind the ISP router. You would run the device as a AP and turn off the WIFI in the ISP router.

802.11ac may be overkill but it is one supply and demand things. The cost of a dual band router that is 802.11n is about the same price as 802.11ac routers. Having the ability to use 5g either either with 802.11n or 802.11ac helps when you have lots of interference causing slowness on the 2.4g band. Be aware your end device must also support the use of 5g band and 802.11ac

Do you think it's worth keeping the router? It would be ran in bridge mode. But connected via ethernet.

bill001g · Nov 13, 2017

If you can use it as a modem/bridge then it likely is fine. A dsl modem is a pretty simple device so it is unlikely to cause performance issues.

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