If you’re on one of Community Fibre’s faster full fibre plans, you’ll likely be using a Linksys Wi-Fi 6 mesh router. Most customers receive the Linksys SPNMX55CF, a customised model built specifically for Community Fibre.
In some areas, a newer unit — the SPNMX57CF-UK — is now being provided instead. Both models are designed to deliver consistent, high-speed wireless performance, and both support whole-home mesh expansion via Community Fibre’s Premium WiFi service.
Design and Build
Both routers have the same form factor — a compact upright tower with rounded corners and a soft matte finish. The design is clean and subtle enough to blend in on a shelf or cabinet, which is helpful because routers perform best when placed out in the open.
The front lip houses discreet status lights, while the back holds all the ports and buttons. The layout helps keep your cabling tidy and tucked away. It’s practical and doesn’t draw attention, which is often what you want from broadband hardware.
SPNMX55CF – Core Specifications
The SPNMX55CF is a dual-band AX5400 Wi-Fi 6 router. It offers strong performance across both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, with enough wireless capacity to support multiple devices streaming, downloading, or gaming at once without congestion.
Key features at a glance:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Wi-Fi standard | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), dual-band AX5400 |
| Radios and streams |
2×4 (2.4 GHz) 4×4 (5 GHz) Includes OFDMA, MU-MIMO, beamforming, DFS and band steering |
| Antennas | 5 internal high-gain antennas |
| Processor | 1 GHz dual-core chipset |
| Ports |
1 × Gigabit WAN 3 × Gigabit LAN WPS button, Reset pinhole, hardware power switch |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.1 LE for quick app-based setup |
| Security and app features |
WPA2 / WPA3 encryption Guest Wi-Fi Parental controls Device prioritisation Full control via the Linksys app or cloud portal |
| Size | ~3.4 x 3.4 x 7.3 inches |
| Coverage | Up to 2,700 sq ft per node |
In everyday use, the SPNMX55CF delivers good throughput over the 5 GHz band and handles congestion effectively. The internal radios and antenna design help maintain lower latency for tasks like video calling and gaming, even on busier home networks.
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Check deals in your areaSPNMX57CF-UK – Newer Variant on Faster Packages
In some areas, particularly on 1 Gbps and faster plans, Community Fibre is supplying the SPNMX57CF-UK model. Like the 55CF, it’s a Wi-Fi 6 router with mesh capabilities, designed to work seamlessly with the Linksys Intelligent Mesh system.
The setup experience, app interface and core features remain broadly the same between the two models. Both support mesh expansion, automatic firmware updates, and smart traffic steering to maintain good performance when multiple users are online.
Setup
Getting started is straightforward, especially for full fibre (FTTP) customers.
- WAN setup: Use the red-ended Ethernet cable to connect the WAN port to the Openreach or Community Fibre ONT (fibre wall box).
- LAN support: There are three Gigabit LAN ports for wired devices like a desktop PC, TV, or hardwired mesh node.
- Other buttons: There’s a physical power switch (useful for resets), a WPS button for fast device pairing, and a reset pinhole.
The firmware comes pre-configured to optimise performance — features like DFS channels, MU-MIMO, and band steering are already enabled, so most users won’t need to change settings manually.
Real-World Performance and Coverage
Each Linksys node is rated to cover up to 2,700 sq ft, though real-world coverage depends on layout and wall types. In typical UK homes, a single router should provide strong signal across one or two floors, with speeds holding up well in adjacent rooms.
- On good conditions, wireless speeds of 800 Mbps or more are possible.
- Wired devices connected via LAN ports will get the full line speed (up to Gigabit).
- On multi-gigabit plans (like 2.5 Gbps and 5 Gbps), performance depends more on the router’s internal CPU and mesh capability, since the WAN and LAN ports are limited to 1 Gbps individually.
If you want full speeds throughout a larger home, mesh expansion becomes important — especially on faster plans where bottlenecks in Wi-Fi range can otherwise hold back performance.
Mesh Expansion and Premium WiFi Add-On
Both SPNMX models support Linksys Intelligent Mesh, which allows you to add extra nodes to form a whole-home network. Devices connect to the strongest node automatically, without having to manually switch Wi-Fi networks like you would with older extenders.
This is bundled into Community Fibre’s Premium WiFi upgrade.
It includes:
- Professionally installed mesh nodes
- Coverage guaranteed across:
- 12 total rooms
- 5 bedrooms
- Up to 3 floors
- Available only on the 1 Gbps, 2.5 Gbps and 5 Gbps packages
- Requires a 24-month contract
Premium WiFi is particularly useful in townhouses, larger homes or flats with thick internal walls. It removes blind spots and ensures you’re getting the performance your package offers in every room.
Which Router Comes with Which Plan?
Community Fibre pair routers with the plan’s speed tier, so you’re not limited by outdated hardware. Here’s how it maps out:
- Below 100 Mbps: Older dual-band Linksys Wi-Fi 5 routers are still provided on entry-level packages.
- 100–500 Mbps: The Linksys MX20 (AX1800 Wi-Fi 6) is the standard issue. It’s a decent mid-range option for small-to-medium homes.
- Above 500 Mbps to 2.5 Gbps: Customers receive either the SPNMX55CF or SPNMX57CF-UK, both AX5400 dual-band routers with mesh support.
- 1 Gbps, 2.5 Gbps, 5 Gbps:
- Eligible for Premium WiFi
- Includes extra mesh units and engineer installation
- Guaranteed coverage across a whole property
| Model | Velop AC2200 | MX20 | SPNMX55CF | SPNMX57CF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Standard | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Max Wi-Fi Speed | 2,200 Mbps | 1,800 Mbps | 5,400 Mbps | 6,000 Mbps |
| Wi-Fi Bands | Tri-band | Dual-band | Dual-band | Dual-band |
| WAN Port | 1x Gigabit | 1x Gigabit | 1x Gigabit | 1x 2.5G |
| LAN Ports | 2x Gigabit | 2x Gigabit | 4x Gigabit | 4x Gigabit |
| Mesh Support | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| App Control | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| WPA3 Security | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Plans | Older & entry-level | Mid-range (150–600 Mbps) | Gigabit (1 Gbps) | Multi-gigabit (3 Gbps) |
This hardware matching ensures that higher-tier users can get real-world performance close to what their fibre line can deliver, whether over Wi-Fi or wired connections.
App and Web Control
Both SPNMX models are easy to manage. Setup is handled through the Linksys app, which guides you step-by-step — from plugging in cables to naming your network and placing mesh nodes. The app also lets you:
- Check which devices are connected
- Prioritise bandwidth for work devices or gaming
- Create guest Wi-Fi access
- Pause the internet for specific devices
- Split 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands if needed
For those who prefer traditional controls, a full web interface is still available at 192.168.1.1. This includes advanced settings like DHCP configuration, port forwarding, and manual firmware updates.
Security and Parental Controls
Security features are built in and up to date. Both models support WPA3 encryption for newer devices, with WPA2 fallback if you have older kit. You can also set up:
- Guest Wi-Fi: Keeps visitors or smart home gear off your main network
- Parental controls: Block access to certain sites, or schedule offline times (useful for homework or bedtimes)
All settings can be managed remotely through the Linksys app or cloud portal — though you can disable remote access if you prefer to keep control entirely local.
Reliability and Troubleshooting
These routers are designed to be always-on. Hardware reliability is solid, and the units don’t get hot or need frequent reboots. If you do run into issues:
- There’s a 12-second reset procedure on the back panel
- The Linksys app can run diagnostics to check signal strength, node placement, and internet connection status
- For Wi-Fi dead zones, it’s usually easier to add another mesh node than to move the main unit — especially in larger homes
Because both models support mesh out of the box, there’s no need to replace the entire router just to improve coverage.
Other Routers Used by Community Fibre
Not all customers get the SPNMX series. On lower-tier plans, Community Fibre provides different models:
- Linksys MX20 (AX1800): Supplied with mid-tier plans like 150 Mbps or 300 Mbps. It’s still Wi-Fi 6 but has lower throughput and fewer streams.
- Linksys Velop AC2200 (Wi-Fi 5): Seen on legacy plans or older installs. Performance is fine for light use but lacks the efficiency and speed of newer Wi-Fi 6 routers.
Some customers may also have received MX4200/AX4200-class units before the branded models rolled out. If you’re upgrading to a faster package, it’s usually possible to request a router refresh at the same time — especially if you’re moving to a gigabit or multi-gigabit plan.
Who Should Consider This Mesh Router
The SPNMX55CF and SPNMX57CF are ideal for Community Fibre customers on 1 Gbps or faster plans who want full-speed Wi-Fi throughout the home. They suit:
- Households with 10+ connected devices
- Gamers who care about latency and ping
- Remote workers using video calls or large file transfers
- Families streaming in 4K across multiple rooms
Single-node performance is excellent in small-to-medium flats or houses. Add mesh nodes for reliable coverage in larger or multi-floor homes.
Verdict
The Linksys SPNMX55CF and SPNMX57CF-UK are well-matched to Community Fibre’s fastest broadband packages. They offer:
- High throughput over Wi-Fi 6
- Mesh support for whole-home expansion
- App control that’s simple but powerful
- Security tools with WPA3 and guest access
- Stable performance for demanding households
On top-end plans, pairing the router with Premium WiFi gives you guaranteed coverage across all rooms — a real benefit for anyone with thick walls, multiple floors or coverage issues.
On mid-tier packages, the MX20 still offers excellent performance, but the SPNMX models offer better headroom, faster Wi-Fi, and future-proofing for upgrades.
| Model | Velop AC2200 | MX20 | SPNMX55CF | SPNMX57CF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Standard | Wi-Fi 5 | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 | Wi-Fi 6 |
| Max Wi-Fi Speed | 2,200 Mbps | 1,800 Mbps | 5,400 Mbps | 6,000 Mbps |
| Wi-Fi Bands | Tri-band | Dual-band | Dual-band | Dual-band |
| WAN Port | 1x Gigabit | 1x Gigabit | 1x Gigabit | 1x 2.5G |
| LAN Ports | 2x Gigabit | 2x Gigabit | 4x Gigabit | 4x Gigabit |
| Mesh Support | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| App Control | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| WPA3 Security | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Plans | Older & entry-level | Mid-range (150–600 Mbps) | Gigabit (1 Gbps) | Multi-gigabit (3 Gbps) |