@David-TP 

Thanks for the reply, David.

I'm trying to simplify my set up and reduce clutter whilst extending coverage through the (small) house.

Also, I'm aware of the oncoming cessation of copper connections so when we go FTTP (whenever that happens) I want to be able to manage my network with a simple and clear app - yes, the Deco app is very user friendly.

When that change happens I don't know if my partner will want to keep the old landline number on a VOIP connection so I'm also looking at the Deco X73-DSL as a possible alternative.

Im trying to get my head round the bridge mode and firmware update stuff - this is a steep learning curve!

The two X50s I set up already updated their firmware during the process and work well but their coverage to the area previously covered by the crapnet hub is not quite adequate. They are all hardwired using CAT6/7 cable so I could add another X50 right by the 'smart hub' but that's another device and more power wires on an already crowded shelf.

Would the DSL models update their firmware on installation and then acquire the extra functions? Would it then be just a matter of resetting the original X50s to the new network? Practice makes perfect, as they say!

Many thanks, again :-)

  @David-TP 

Thanks for your help. I will give it some thought!

JJ

  @Jagey I'd be a bit careful with what you do here.

I'm pretty sure FTTP will not require a modem so the Smarthub will just go away when you upgrade.

In fact I'm looking forward to getting rid of my modem next week when I get an FTTP upgrade.

I hasten to add there may be other cases of FTTP that I'm not aware of so you probably need to check with your provider (I did) to be sure.

Jagey wrote

Intriguing. Does this mean that any of the deco mesh routers can be used where presently the DSL modem lives. I will have to migrate to FTTP within a couple of years so I'd be happy with three X50s, the 'main' one being connected to the ONT via ethernet. Does that require a dedicated WAN port or are the four available ethernet ports smart enough to know what they are being asked to do? This would suit me fine as the Deco app makes managing the network a lot clearer than the Crapnet interface. I haven't yet decided how a 'landline' would work…perhaps my current DECT cordless would go via an ATA into an ethernet port in the main router

  @raven-au 

Thumbs up to all for helpful responses.

Sometimes, with technology, you won't know until you try it but it helps to prepare the ground in advance.

In the UK we have another couple of years before being obliged to change but I'm putting some steps in place to keep myself aware of what is happening.

Next, how to buy a light bulb…

Well, that seemed to go well.

Initially set up the Deco DSL as main but still using the crapnet hub for DSL connection.

Having a morning free I decided to replace this with the Deco and, once I'd got the (very few) settings in correctly and a reboot all seems ok on the wired and wi-fi network. No wi-fi settings lost in the reassigning from Router to DSL Router.

The Deco App is a great help and mostly led me through.

Fingers crossed…