Getting started: Setting up your Exascale router

Setting up your Exascale broadband router only takes a few minutes. Follow the steps below to get connected to your new full fibre broadband service and make sure you’re getting the best possible Wi-Fi coverage around your home.

1. Unbox your router

Remove your Exascale router, power adapter and supplied Ethernet cable from the box.

Before connecting anything, choose a suitable location for your router. For the best Wi-Fi performance, position it:

• In an open, central location where possible
• Off the floor and preferably on a desk, shelf or cabinet
• Away from large metal objects and thick walls
• Away from other electrical equipment that could cause interference
• Somewhere with good airflow around the router

Avoid hiding your router inside a cupboard or behind a television, as this can significantly reduce Wi-Fi coverage.

2. Connect your router to your full fibre service

If you have a full fibre (FTTP) connection, your home will normally have an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) installed on the wall.

Connect the supplied Ethernet cable from the appropriate Ethernet/LAN port on your ONT to the WAN/Internet port on your Exascale router.

Make sure both ends of the cable are firmly connected.

Your ONT converts the fibre-optic connection entering your property into an Ethernet connection that your router can use.

3. Switch on your router

Connect the router’s power adapter and switch the router on.

The router will now start up and establish a connection to the Exascale network. This can take a few minutes, so don’t worry if you aren’t online immediately.

Allow the router to finish starting before attempting to troubleshoot the connection.

4. Connect to Wi-Fi

You’ll find the default Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and Wi-Fi password supplied with your router.

On your phone, tablet, laptop or other device:

1. Open Wi-Fi settings.
2. Find your Exascale Wi-Fi network.
3. Select the network.
4. Enter the Wi-Fi password.
5. Choose Connect.

Once connected, open a website to confirm that your internet connection is working.

You can repeat these steps for other Wi-Fi devices around your home.

5. Connecting devices with Ethernet

For devices where speed, stability or low latency is particularly important, you may prefer a wired Ethernet connection.

Connect an Ethernet cable from one of the router’s LAN ports directly to your computer, games console, television, network switch or other Ethernet-enabled device.

A wired connection is also useful when testing broadband performance because it removes Wi-Fi conditions from the test.

Where should I put my broadband router?

Router placement can make a surprisingly large difference to Wi-Fi performance.

Wi-Fi signals have to travel through your home, and walls, floors, furniture and electrical equipment can weaken them. Ideally, keep the router somewhere relatively central and out in the open.

Try to avoid placing it:

• On the floor
• Inside a cupboard
• Behind a television
• Next to large electrical appliances
• Behind large metal objects
• In a far corner of the property unless the ONT location makes this unavoidable

If your fibre connection enters the property in an inconvenient location, speak to Exascale about the options available rather than using a very poor router location unnecessarily.

How long should my router take to connect?

After switching the router on, give it a few minutes to start and establish its internet connection.

If you’ve just had a new broadband service installed or your service is being activated that day, it may take a little longer before everything is ready.

Avoid repeatedly restarting the router while it is initially establishing a connection.

My Wi-Fi is connected but I don’t have internet access

If your device has connected to Wi-Fi but websites aren’t loading, first check that:

• Your router is switched on
• Your ONT is powered on
• The Ethernet cable between the ONT and router is securely connected
• The cable is connected to the correct WAN/Internet port on the router
• You’ve allowed the router sufficient time to start

You can also restart the router once by switching it off, waiting around 30 seconds and switching it back on.

If the connection still isn’t working, contact Exascale support and we’ll help you diagnose the problem.

How can I get the best broadband speed?

For the most accurate speed test, connect a compatible computer directly to your router using Ethernet.

Wi-Fi speeds can vary according to the device you’re using, distance from the router, interference, your home’s construction and the Wi-Fi technology supported by your device.

This means a Wi-Fi speed test isn’t always a direct measurement of the speed being delivered to your router.

For the best everyday Wi-Fi experience, keep your router in a suitable location and use modern Wi-Fi-capable devices wherever possible.

Need help setting up your Exascale router?

If you’re having difficulty getting connected, don’t spend hours trying to diagnose it yourself.

Contact the Exascale support team and we’ll help you check your router, connection and service so you can get online as quickly as possible.