Replacement for NowTv hub

RedQueenie

Hiya, I'm hoping someone may be able to offer some advice.
My sister is currently with Nowtv broadband part fibre (not powered by sky) and has the old hub 2 which is no longer receiving security updates. It has made her a bit worried so I thought a new router might settle her mind.
Now tv has been unhelpful so I'm hoping someone on here may be able to help. A friend has offered a BT Smart hub 2, but from what I've read so far it might not work/be compatible
I've seen some Tp link routers but she is not keen on the antennas?? (I know, it's daft)
The TP-Link Deco X10 Router WiFi 6 AX1500Mbps Mesh System looks better but I'm unsure if it will just plug straight into the existing BT master socket or if it needs to go through the Nowtv hub.
Any advise would be great.

flaneurs_lobster

Only negative observation here I'm afraid - the BT Smart Hub 2 will only work for BT supplied broadband.

TadleyBaggie

RedQueenie said:

I've seen some Tp link routers but she is not keen on the antennas?? (I know, it's daft)
The TP-Link Deco X10 Router WiFi 6 AX1500Mbps Mesh System looks better but I'm unsure if it will just plug straight into the existing BT master socket or if it needs to go through the Nowtv hub.
Any advise would be great.

.I have that system, it needs to plug into an existing router as it has no "telephone" type connection available

RedQueenie

Would that make the existing router 'safe'?

TadleyBaggie

RedQueenie said:

Would that make the existing router 'safe'?

Just because it is no longer getting updates, doesn't make it unsafe.

RedQueenie

This is where I'm confused.
The email we had from Now said 'The NOW Broadband Hub will no longer receive software updates, including security patches, as of 2025' From what I have read this can make the hub more vulnerable to attacks as it is no longer getting 'Security Patches'

flaneurs_lobster

RedQueenie said:

Would that make the existing router 'safe'?

Not really, no.

What if the existing router were to "break"? Wouldn't Now Broadband have to supply a replacement, even if there's a cost?

flaneurs_lobster

RedQueenie said:

This is where I'm confused.
The email we had from Now said 'The NOW Broadband Hub will no longer receive software updates, including security patches, as of 2025' From what I have read this can make the hub more vulnerable to attacks as it is no longer getting 'Security Patches'

This is where I'm confused.

Why would Now inform you of a security concern with your Now equipment without giving some way of fixing the problem (like replacing it with a newer router).

Or is this a (not very) subtle marketing ploy to get your sister to upgrade to full-fibre or somesuch.

TadleyBaggie

RedQueenie said:

This is where I'm confused.
The email we had from Now said 'The NOW Broadband Hub will no longer receive software updates, including security patches, as of 2025' From what I have read this can make the hub more vulnerable to attacks as it is no longer getting 'Security Patches'

It doesn't suddenly become vulnerable because there are no updates. If it was not vulnerable after the last update, unless something new is discovered it remains not vulnerable. The router is the probably the least likely hacker target when you are connected to the internet.

RedQueenie

Now tv will not replace the router just offer to terminate the contract. My sister has had to stay with now as it is one of the only providers that still offer landline anytime calls which is needed for our 85 year old mother who refuses to use a mobile.

RedQueenie

flaneurs_lobster said:

RedQueenie said:

This is where I'm confused.
The email we had from Now said 'The NOW Broadband Hub will no longer receive software updates, including security patches, as of 2025' From what I have read this can make the hub more vulnerable to attacks as it is no longer getting 'Security Patches'

This is where I'm confused.

Why would Now inform you of a security concern with your Now equipment without giving some way of fixing the problem (like replacing it with a newer router).

Or is this a (not very) subtle marketing ploy to get your sister to upgrade to full-fibre or somesuch.

An email was sent out last year. Frustratingly my sister has only just told me about it. Here's an extract

Extract from NOW TV’s Customer EmailChanges from March 2025Please note, your Hub is no longer receiving security and service updates, or will stop receiving security updates by 2025. However, your Hub will continue to work as normal and will keep you connected to the internet.We recommend, as a minimum, changing your Hub admin password to reduce the risk of security threats. This won’t change your WiFi password, just the password used to check your Hub details … From July 31st 2025, should your Hub develop a fault, we unfortunately won’t be able to provide a replacement. If this happens, don’t worry, you’ll be able to end your service immediately without any termination fees.