BT Smart Hub 2: Complete Router Guide, Setup, and Features

Smart Hub 2 is the standard router BT supplies with most broadband packages. It supports both fibre-to-the-cabinet (FTTC) and full fibre (FTTP) connections and also handles BT’s Digital Voice and Complete Wi-Fi features.

If you’re joining BT or renewing your plan, this is the router you’re likely to receive. BT’s official help pages show the Smart Hub 2 as the default for new installs, with step-by-step setup guides for both self-installation and full fibre activation.

Quick specs at a glance

BT Smart Hub 2 – Specifications
Wi‑Fi standard	Wi‑Fi 5 (802.11ac)
Bands & streams	2.4 GHz: 3×3 MIMO 5 GHz: 4×4 MIMO
Antennas	7 internal antennas
Ethernet ports	4 × 1 Gbps LAN ports
WAN connection	DSL (for FTTC) or Ethernet WAN (for FTTP)
Phone support	Built-in DECT for BT Digital Voice
USB ports	1 × USB (file sharing via SMB1)
Mesh support	BT Complete Wi‑Fi compatible
Smart features	Smart Scan (channel optimisation), automatic band steering
Admin interface	192.168.1.254 (web access)
Limitations	No 2.4/5GHz band split, no Wi‑Fi 6/6E, no 2.5GbE

Smart Hub 2 is a dual-band router based on Wi-Fi 5. It uses 3×3 MIMO on the 2.4GHz band and 4×4 MIMO on 5GHz, with seven internal antennas in total. You get four Gigabit Ethernet ports for wired devices, and there’s a built-in DECT base to support BT Digital Voice handsets. Other features include Smart Scan for channel optimisation and a basic settings interface at 192.168.1.254 where you can change your Wi-Fi name, password, and some admin features.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Simple setup and management
• Built-in support for Digital Voice
• Supports BT’s mesh discs
• Four Gigabit Ethernet ports
• Reliable Ethernet performance

Cons

• No manual band splitting
• Wi-Fi 5 radio limits wireless speed on faster plans
• No Wi-Fi 6 or 2.5GbE port
• Basic admin features and controls

How to set up the BT Smart Hub 2

FTTC setup (copper broadband)

If you’re using standard fibre (FTTC), connect the grey DSL cable to the socket labelled “Broadband” on the hub, and the other end to your master phone socket. If your socket needs a microfilter, use the one included in the box. Plug in the power, switch on the hub, and wait for the light to settle on a connected status. Once the light turns steady, you can connect to Wi-Fi using the details on the pull-out card or plug in via Ethernet.

FTTP setup (full fibre broadband)

For full fibre, the setup is slightly different. Use the Ethernet cable supplied with red connectors and plug it from the Openreach ONT to the port labelled WAN on the back of the hub. Turn on both the ONT and the hub and wait for the hub to reach a steady connected light. BT’s online guides walk through this step clearly, including activation timeframes and expected delays.

Digital Voice setup

If your plan includes BT Digital Voice, you can connect BT’s digital handsets by using the WPS button on the front of the hub. Press the WPS button, then put your handset into pairing mode. It will register automatically with the hub’s built-in DECT base once connected. BT’s support pages include a full flow for this after broadband is up and running.

What is BT Complete Wi-Fi and how to set it up

Complete Wi-Fi is BT’s mesh solution. It uses Smart Hub 2 as the main router and adds one or more Wi-Fi discs to extend coverage across your home. The discs connect wirelessly to the hub and help ensure devices stay on the best possible signal using automatic network steering.

To set it up, pair the first disc close to the hub—often by plugging in with Ethernet first—then relocate it to an area that needs better signal. Use the My BT app to check the signal strength in each room. BT promises a “Wi-Fi in every room” guarantee with this setup. If you still have dead spots after setup, BT may send up to two extra discs, or refund part of your cost. That guarantee is based on having a usable signal in every room, not necessarily hitting a specific speed.

If you already have third-party Wi-Fi extenders in your home, BT recommends unplugging them before installing Complete Wi-Fi to prevent wireless interference. Powerline adapters can still be used if needed for specific wired devices.

Real-world performance: what users report

On 5GHz, Smart Hub 2 delivers decent wireless speeds at short range. Many users report 300–600Mbps on Full Fibre 500 using modern phones or laptops. Performance depends heavily on the device’s Wi-Fi chipset, location, and how far it is from the hub. On Full Fibre 900, Wi-Fi often tops out below the package speed unless you’re right next to the router. Wired Ethernet remains the most reliable way to reach near-gigabit speeds consistently.

One of the main user complaints is the lack of manual band-splitting. There’s no option in the Smart Hub 2 settings to permanently separate the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands into different Wi-Fi names. This can cause issues with smart plugs, bulbs and other 2.4GHz-only devices. The common workaround is to temporarily disable 5GHz, connect the device, and then re-enable it afterwards.

Another recurring issue reported in community threads is slow Ethernet speeds—often caused by incorrect link negotiation. If you plug in a laptop and see no more than 100Mbps, it’s worth checking if your Ethernet cable is Cat5e or better, and confirming the network adapter supports Gigabit.

BT plans and expected speeds with Smart Hub 2

Smart Hub 2 is used across BT’s entire range—from Fibre 1 and 2 (FTTC) through to Full Fibre 100, 300, 500 and 900 (FTTP). Over Ethernet, you’ll usually see full package speed on a capable device. Over Wi-Fi, the results vary depending on the layout of your home and the hardware you’re connecting with.

Real-world examples show that Full Fibre 500 users typically see 400–500Mbps on a strong 5GHz signal, and Full Fibre 900 users might get anywhere between 400Mbps and 700Mbps wirelessly, depending on the device. Wired connections are much more consistent and will reflect the line rate if your hardware supports it.

The good, the bad, and what’s missing

Good

Smart Hub 2 is easy to set up, supports BT’s Digital Voice without needing any extra kit, and offers decent coverage for most medium-sized homes. The four Gigabit Ethernet ports are enough for most wired setups. If you’re using BT Complete Wi-Fi, the discs integrate smoothly with the hub under a single Wi-Fi name.

Bad

There’s no manual way to split Wi-Fi bands, which can complicate setup for older smart-home devices. Admin settings are basic—fine for everyday users, but limited for anyone who wants to tweak things. Wi-Fi throughput on Full Fibre 900 won’t match Ethernet, especially in multi-floor homes or larger spaces.

What’s missing

The hub doesn’t include Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E radios, so it lacks the efficiency gains and improved throughput newer routers offer. There’s also no 2.5GbE port, which limits headroom for local file transfers or future multi-gig setups. Power users might also miss features like VLAN tagging, advanced QoS, or multiple SSIDs for guests or specific devices.

How it compares to other providers’ routers in 2024–2025

Virgin Media Hub 5

Virgin’s Hub 5 has Wi-Fi 6 and one 2.5GbE LAN port alongside three Gigabit ports. It’s designed for faster throughput over Wi-Fi and better support for multiple connected devices. Community threads note the 2.5GbE port can sometimes require firmware tweaks depending on your setup.

Sky Max Hub with WiFi Max

Sky’s Max Hub supports Wi-Fi 6 and integrates with the WiFi Max pod system. The hub itself is bundled with certain Sky packages and backed by a room-by-room performance guarantee. Users report better wireless performance than older Sky routers, though advanced settings are still limited.

Vodafone Ultra Hub (Pro II)

Vodafone’s Pro II package includes the Ultra Hub with Wi-Fi 6E, mesh boosters, app-based controls and 4G failover backup. It’s aimed at heavy-use homes and offers a better experience in areas with lots of wireless congestion.

Plusnet Hub Two

Plusnet’s Hub Two is effectively the same hardware as Smart Hub 2 with slightly altered firmware. Wireless performance is nearly identical. If you move between BT and Plusnet, your experience with the router won’t change much—just the branding and service features.

Takeaway

Smart Hub 2 holds up well for current BT plans on Ethernet, but its Wi-Fi 5 radio means it’s starting to fall behind against newer Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E routers. If your home has lots of wireless devices or you’re using faster plans, other ISPs now offer more wireless headroom by default.

Verdict

For everyday users on Fibre 100, 300 or even 500, BT’s Smart Hub 2 is enough for most tasks—especially if your home isn’t too large and you’ve got the hub placed well. If you’re taking Full Fibre 900, you’ll need to plug in key devices via Ethernet or consider upgrading to a third-party Wi-Fi 6 or 6E mesh system for better wireless performance. BT’s Complete Wi-Fi add-on can help with coverage, but it won’t change the hub’s wireless ceiling. The absence of band-splitting, Wi-Fi 6 support and multi-gig ports are the main drawbacks. If you want better performance and control, a stand-alone router with mesh capability is the upgrade path.

FAQ

How do I access the hub settings?
Type 192.168.1.254 into a browser while connected. You’ll see basic options to change your Wi-Fi name and password.

Can I split 2.4GHz and 5GHz into different Wi-Fi names?
No. Smart Hub 2 doesn’t support manual band splitting. To connect older devices, temporarily disable 5GHz and re-enable it afterwards.

Will I get my full BT speed over Wi-Fi?
Not always. On Full Fibre 500 or 900, many devices will see lower speeds on Wi-Fi due to limitations in client radios or distance. Ethernet gives the most consistent result.

What does BT Complete Wi-Fi guarantee?
The guarantee is for signal coverage in every room, not a specific speed. If you still have dead spots after setup, BT may send additional discs or offer a refund.

Should I upgrade the router?
If you’re on Full Fibre 900 and rely on wireless for demanding tasks, upgrading to a Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 6E router can improve speeds and reduce congestion. Competing ISP hubs now include newer radios and faster ports by default.