Singtel TV compatible Wi-Fi mesh

[xiaofan]

Zenwifi XT8 is not compatible with Singtel TV box. None of the Asus, or TP-Link or D-Link wireless routers are compatible in this way. The only way is to connnect Singtel TV box to the ONR.
ONR -- 3rd party router in AP mode -- Singtel TV bix --> not working for Asus or TP-Link or D-Link

You need to use Netgear Orbi or Linksys E9450 or Singtel provided mesh solutions (which are not godd in general).

Netgear Orbi: you need to set up Orbi in AP mode
https://netgearstore.sg/blogs/knowledge-base/orbi-singtel-tv-vlan-tag

Linksys E9450
https://www.linksys.com/my/support-article?articleNum=317681

 

[Keanan]

Zenwifi XT8 is not compatible with Singtel TV box. None of the Asus, or TP-Link or D-Link wireless routers are compatible in this way. The only way is to connnect Singtel TV box to the ONR.
ONR -- 3rd party router in AP mode -- Singtel TV bix --> not working for Asus or TP-Link or D-Link

You need to use Netgear Orbi or Linksys E9450 or Singtel provided mesh solutions (which are not godd in general).

Netgear Orbi: you need to set up Orbi in AP mode
https://netgearstore.sg/blogs/knowledge-base/orbi-singtel-tv-vlan-tag

Linksys E9450
https://www.linksys.com/my/support-article?articleNum=317681

Thank you for the comprehensive explanation. Much appreciate it. I guess I got to stick to my current set up with the ugly long Lan cable in order to use my XT8.

 

[Dellboy]

Thank you for the comprehensive explanation. Much appreciate it. I guess I got to stick to my current set up with the ugly long Lan cable in order to use my XT8.

Keanan, following the Orbi diagram in this thread, this is my setup:

ONT -> ASUS RT-AX86U (port 4) - wired -> Orbi (AP mode) -- wireless --> Orbi - wired -> Singtel box

This setup works for SIngtel TV and BB broadcasting from AX86U

 

[xiaofan]

Keanan, following the Orbi diagram in this thread, this is my setup:

ONT -> ASUS RT-AX86U (port 4) - wired -> Orbi (AP mode) -- wireless --> Orbi - wired -> Singtel box

This setup works for SIngtel TV and BB broadcasting from AX86U

Thanks. Are you using ONT or ONR? Take note Keanan is using ONR.

If using ONT, then you have to use Singtel VLAN profile, then I think your Orbi becomes just for the Singtel TV and not for internet. Is that correct?

If using ONR, your setup will not work.

 

[xiaofan]

Not exactly for mesh, but there is a way to use 3rd party router in AP mode (need to support IGMP snooping) to work with Singtel ONR.
https://forums.hardwarezone.com.sg/...tel-tv-onr-ac86u-ax23-singtel-tv-box.6681949/
I am not so sure if this solution can be extended to support wireless bridge connection of Singtel TV, meaning the following.

Singtel ONR -- 3rd party AP with IGMP snooping support like RT-AX86U or RT-AC86U (connect LAN port to ONR LAN port) --> wireless --> mesh node (eg: AIMesh node RT-AX55 or RT-AC68U) --> Singtel TV box

I am not so sure if the following wired connection can work. If it works, just set up the two AP to use same wireless SSID and password to form a poor man's mesh.
Singtel ONR -- 3rd party in generic AP mode with IGMP snooping support (connect LAN port to ONR LAN port) --> wired connection --> another 3rd party router with IGMP snooping support in special AP mode (connect LAN port to main AP LAN port) --> Singtel TV box

 

[xiaofan]

@Keanan
If you want to try out the above solution, maybe you can try the following.

Singtel ONR --> Zenwifi XT8 in special AP mode (connect LAN port to ONR LAN port) -- wireless -- Zenwifi XT8 in AImesh node mode.

Setup the main Zenwifi 8 in normal AIMesh router mode, but disable DHCP, enable IGMP snooping.
Set up the mesh Zenwifi 8 in AImesh mesh node, enable IGMP snooping.

IGMP snooping: Asus router -- wireless -- professional -- Enable IGMP Snooping --> select Enable

 

[Dellboy]

Thanks. Are you using ONT or ONR? Take note Keanan is using ONR.

If using ONT, then you have to use Singtel VLAN profile, then I think your Orbi becomes just for the Singtel TV and not for internet. Is that correct?

If using ONR, your setup will not work.

Using ONT. Orbi solely for SingTel TV in lieu of network cable.

 

[xiaofan]

Using ONT. Orbi solely for SingTel TV in lieu of network cable.

Thanks for the confirmation.

 

[Keanan]

@Keanan
If you want to try out the above solution, maybe you can try the following.

Singtel ONR --> Zenwifi XT8 in special AP mode (connect LAN port to ONR LAN port) -- wireless -- Zenwifi XT8 in AImesh node mode.

Setup the main Zenwifi 8 in normal AIMesh router mode, but disable DHCP, enable IGMP snooping.
Set up the mesh Zenwifi 8 in AImesh mesh node, enable IGMP snooping.

IGMP snooping: Asus router -- wireless -- professional -- Enable IGMP Snooping --> select Enable

Hmmm… am not really tech savvy, don’t quite know how to disable DHCP, enable IGMP snooping. I’ll do some research online to see if I can get an answer from asus web

 

[reyorz]

Hijacking this thread- I’m just wondering if I can connect a xd6 node wirelessly to a asus AX3000?
So essentially a singtel ONT, to AX3000 and then to a XD6 node in another room?

 

[xiaofan]

Hijacking this thread- I’m just wondering if I can connect a xd6 node wirelessly to a asus AX3000?
So essentially a singtel ONT, to AX3000 and then to a XD6 node in another room?

Yes you should be able to do that by following the Asus AImesh setup guide. But you may have performance issues if the mesh node is too far away (or with thick walls) from the main node.
Ref: https://www.asus.com/sg/support/FAQ/1035087/

 

[reyorz]

Thanks Xiaofan! And I reckon it’s pointless for me to get a triband node especially if my current router is a dual band router?

 

[xiaofan]

Thanks Xiaofan! And I reckon it’s pointless for me to get a triband node especially if my current router is a dual band router?

Not as a node but useful as the main AImesh router. Then you can use your current one as a node.

 

[takafan]

Sorry to revive this thread. Was thinking of changing to this setup, but wondering if it will work. Googled but wasn't able to find an answer regarding such a setup.

SingTel ONT --> Asus XT8 Main --> (Wireless) Asus XT8 Node --> (Wireless) Asus RT-AC68U --> (Wired) SingTel TV Box

The Asus RT-AC68U is just there to add into the AImesh network for the purpose of running MIO TV. Not sure if this setup will work(if SingTel TV can work i mean), and how do I configure the VLAN tagging? Do i configure it at the main XT8 or go into the AC68U to do it?

 

[xiaofan]

Sorry to revive this thread. Was thinking of changing to this setup, but wondering if it will work. Googled but wasn't able to find an answer regarding such a setup.

SingTel ONT --> Asus XT8 Main --> (Wireless) Asus XT8 Node --> (Wireless) Asus RT-AC68U --> (Wired) SingTel TV Box

The Asus RT-AC68U is just there to add into the AImesh network for the purpose of running MIO TV. Not sure if this setup will work(if SingTel TV can work i mean), and how do I configure the VLAN tagging? Do i configure it at the main XT8 or go into the AC68U to do it?

No, it will not work.

1) This will work.
SingTel ONT --> Asus XT8 Main (with VLAN settings) --> (Wired) SingTel TV Box

2) This will not work already,
SingTel ONT --> Asus XT8 Main (with VLAN settings) --> (Wireless) Asus XT8 Node --> (Wired) SingTel TV Box

3) Your configuration will for sure not work.
SingTel ONT --> Asus XT8 Main (with VLAN settings) --> (Wireless) Asus XT8 Node --> (Wireless) Asus RT-AC68U --> (Wired) SingTel TV Box

4) To support wireless connection to Singtel TV box (any of the intermediate using wireless) for ONT users, you have to use Singtel issued router and SingTel supported Mesh solution (eg: the lousy Singtel Airties or Askey, or Singtel Mesh Extender).

5) The other possibility is probably to have dedicated wireless mesh just for the Singtel TV box. It might work (no guarantee).

SingTel ONT --> Asus XT8 Main --> (Wireless) Asus XT8 Node for internet
SingTel ONT --> Asus XT8 Main -- LAN port for Singtel TV --> RT-AC68U (wired) in AP mode, not for internet -->RT-AC68U (wireless) not for Internet --> Singtel TV box

6) Potential other solution using Power Line adapter (no guarantee but likely to work)
SingTel ONT --> Asus XT8 Main --> (Wireless) Asus XT8 Node for internet
SingTel ONT --> Asus XT8 Main -- LAN port for Singtel TV --> Power Line adapter --> Power Line adapter --> Singtel TV box

7) Potential solution using VLAN capable switch -- hopefully others can help here.

8) Option 5 may work but you may have better chance to use Netgear Orbi which was proved in the earlier post.

Keanan, following the Orbi diagram in this thread, this is my setup:

ONT -> ASUS RT-AX86U (port 4) - wired -> Orbi (AP mode) -- wireless --> Orbi - wired -> Singtel box

This setup works for SIngtel TV and BB broadcasting from AX86U

Using ONT. Orbi solely for SingTel TV in lieu of network cable.

 

[Aaron_soh80]

Hi,

I am using Singtel's provided router to connect to my Singtel TV since it's need the VLAN functionality. Currently I'm using 4 x Apple 802.11ac routers across my house with ethernet backhaul, and all the Apple Wi-Fi routers are in bridge mode.

What are the good Wi-fi routers I should consider? I'll need to run it in bridge mode, since the main Singtel router is going to do the NAT etc. I'm looking for best performance in each room where the 4 Wi-Fi devices are.

Thanks!

I prefer netgear RBK 753 onwards..

 

[takafan]

Thanks xiaofan for your comprehensive reply, appreciate it.

I am geared towards option 6 in the worst case. My experience from powerline adapters were that they usually generate a lot of heat(extremely hot to the touch). But that was more than 5 years ago, not sure if that is still the case for recent powerline adapters.

 

[xiaofan]

Thanks xiaofan for your comprehensive reply, appreciate it.

I am geared towards option 6 in the worst case. My experience from powerline adapters were that they usually generate a lot of heat(extremely hot to the touch). But that was more than 5 years ago, not sure if that is still the case for recent powerline adapters.

My experiences with the Powerline adapter is okay, my 4 units of D-Link DAP (DHP-P701AV AV2000, bought in 2017/2018) are only a bit warm and not hot at all. It is no longer in the market though and I do not really use them much now. Speed is only 100-250Mbps, but should be more than enough for the Singtel TV box if it works (as mentioned no guarantee it will work, as this is not supported by Singtel).

Ref: https://www.dlink.com.sg/product/powerline-av2-2000-gigabit-passthrough-starter-kit/
Review of similar DHP-701AV (without passthrough):
https://www.cnet.com/reviews/d-link...igabit-network-extender-kit-dhp-701av-review/
Nowadays, powerline adapters are not popular but you should still be able to get TP-Link brands.

 

[rohitntu]

If your DB box sealed or it is kind of open? Wireless signal does not penetrate walls well. And since the weak Singtel AC Elite is the main router, I feel it is wasted to buy GT-AX11000 or RT-AX88U or RT-AX86U as AP, since the strong CPU is kind of wasterd.

But it is okay to buy GT-AX11000 if your DB box is not that sealed. As mentioned a few times, please post your floor plan.

FYI Courts has promotion from time to time for the RT-AX88U (around S$400+), RT-AX86U (around S$320) and RT-AX82U (around S$240).

Finally pulled the trigger on this, and so far have got a RT-AX82U and 2 units of XD6, so a total of 3 units. They are all setup in Access Point mode, and one of the XD6 units is the AiMesh master. They are all connected via wired backhaul to the LAN ports of the Singtel router in the DB Box.

The wired backhaul has been very unstable, and often needs rebooting the XD6 unit in the Living Room. Are the Asus routers this flakey, or am I running into some sort of a bug?

Different topic. When the wired backhaul is working, I get pretty similar Wi-Fi performance from the RT-AX82U as the XD6 which is surprising. I would have thought with the ugly antennas the RT-AX82U should have much better Wi-Fi speed and range. I have been testing with iPhone 13 Pro, and Macbook Pro M1 Max, and both seem to cap out at about 750-800 Mbps (Singtel 1Gbps internet)

 

[xiaofan]

Finally pulled the trigger on this, and so far have got a RT-AX82U and 2 units of XD6, so a total of 3 units. They are all setup in Access Point mode, and one of the XD6 units is the AiMesh master. They are all connected via wired backhaul to the LAN ports of the Singtel router in the DB Box.

The wired backhaul has been very unstable, and often needs rebooting the XD6 unit in the Living Room. Are the Asus routers this flakey, or am I running into some sort of a bug?

Different topic. When the wired backhaul is working, I get pretty similar Wi-Fi performance from the RT-AX82U as the XD6 which is surprising. I would have thought with the ugly antennas the RT-AX82U should have much better Wi-Fi speed and range. I have been testing with iPhone 13 Pro, and Macbook Pro M1 Max, and both seem to cap out at about 750-800 Mbps (Singtel 1Gbps internet)

When the wired backhaul is working, yes you will most likely get similar wifi performace between the RT-AX82U and the XD6 since you have good signal strength. 750-800Mbps is quite decent speed.

The weakest link in your setup is the existing Singtel Gigabit AC router. It may contribute to the issue of your AIMesh problem. As mentioned before, you may want to dump it and get Singtel Mesh Router (pretty cheap from Carousell) instead to see if that helps.

The best is to totally dump the Singtel issued router and use RT-AX82U as the main router. But then you need two LAN ports in the living room as mentioned before.

1) Option 1
Singtel ONT -- RT-AX82U WAN Port with VLAN profile
RT-AX82U LAN Port 4 -- Living room LAN ports 1 -- Singtel TV box
RT-AX82U LAN Port 1 -- Living room LAN ports 2 -- XD6 mesh node 1
RT-AX82U LAN Port 2 -- master room LAN port -- XD6 mesh node 2
RT-AX82U LAN Port 3 -- bedroom LAN port

2) Option 2 (with an extra switch like TP-Link TL-SG105) -- better wifi performance than Option 1.
Singtel ONT -- Living room LAN Port 1 -- RT-AX82U as main router (Singtel VLAN profile) in living room
RT-AX82U LAN Port 4 -- Singtel TV box
RT-AX82U LAN Port 1 -- Living room LAN ports 2 -- DB box TL-SG105

TL-SG105 LAN port -- master room LAN port -- XD6 mesh node 1
TL-SG105 LAN port -- bedroom LAN port -- XD6 mesh node 2