What router do you get with Onestream?
You can either rent a router from Onestream as part of your contract, or use your existing router if it’s compatible.
Here's a brief rundown of the routers you're likely to be offered:
- The TP-Link VR400v3 is manufactured by a trusted name in the industry. It's a well-known manufacturer of routers, switches, Wi-Fi boosters and network products.
- The TP-Link VX230v is a dual-band VDSL/ADSL router that supports FTTP, FTTC, VoIP gigabit LAN.
As home broadband routers go, while not special, these two are considered capable devices.
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What’s the difference between part-fibre (FTTC) and full fibre broadband (FTTP)?
Full Fibre broadband is also known as ‘Fibre To The Premises’, ‘Fibre To The Home’. This is often shortened to FTTP or FTTH. They’re all the same thing!
Instead of copper telephone wire making up the final part of the journey from that green cabinet on the street, fibre optic cables are installed right up to your home.
It’s amazing the difference in broadband speed this small data journey can have. With full-fibre broadband you can expect to receive speeds of 1Gb+.
The downside is full-fibre is only available to a small percentage of homes in the UK, and it’s taking a good while to get everyone up to speed.
| Router Name | Included with package: |
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TP-Link VR400v3 (Superstream)
TP-Link VX230v (Superstream+) |
All fibre packages, including Supreme Fibre and some Full Fibre packages.
Customers on Supreme Full Fibre packages including 55, 80, 115, 220, 550 and Hyperstream Full Fibre 1000. |
You’ll be offered either a TP-Link VR400v3 or TP-Link VX230v depending on whether you’re in an FTTP or FTTC area.
- The VR400v3 is a commercially available dual-band router well-known for offering simplicity and reliability in a very tidy package.
- The TP-Link VX230v is also commercially available and is regarded as decent device.
Both offer reliable speeds, Wi-Fi coverage, some security options and simple setup.
The VR400v3 is the newest router and offers much faster speeds than the older TDW9960 or TG588. It also supports oneMesh networks.
TP-Link VR400v3 (Superstream) specifications
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TP-Link VX230v (Superstream+) specifications
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Do I get to keep my Onestream router after my contract is over?
As you rent a router, you’ll need to return it once your contract ends. If you use your own, you can obviously keep it.
If you decide to switch broadband away from Onestream, you’ll need to send it to:
Onestream Fulfilment Centre,
Unit 2, Fulcrum 4,
Solent Way,
Whiteley,
PO15 7FT
Unfortunately, you’ll need to pay for recorded delivery yourself. Unless there’s an issue that isn’t your fault, the company won’t send pre-paid packaging like some other providers.
According to the Onestream terms and conditions, if you don’t return the device within 14 days, you could be charged the full price of the equipment.
The charge is currently £29.95.
Is a Onestream router easy to set up?
Yes, both devices are easy to set up.
The process is simple:
- Plug the power into the wall and connect to your BT Openreach wall socket using the included cable.
- Use an Ethernet cable to connect one LAN port to your computer. You can use Wi-Fi if you prefer, but there are fewer opportunities for issues during setup with a wired connection.
- Open a browser and enter ‘192.168.1.1’ into the URL bar and hit enter. Log in using the credentials provided to configure everything.
- You’ll be presented with the configuration app where you can change the username and password, set up Wi-Fi and perform basic admin tasks.
How do I get a better signal from my Onestream router?
You can improve the Wi-Fi signal by following these quick tips:
Position your router close to the centre of your home. Positioning your device close to the centre of your home means Wi-Fi signals can deliver 360 coverage. Signals also have a shorter journey to your device, so should be stronger and faster.
Use a Wi-Fi analyser app, such as ‘WiFi Analyzer’ on your phone for optimum placement.
Avoid placing close to large appliances. Refrigerators, air conditioners and other larger appliances can interfere with Wi-Fi so try to avoid placing your router close to them.
Use a Wi-Fi booster or repeater. Onestream does provide Wi-Fi boosters, but you can also buy them relatively cheaply anywhere. TP-Links makes them, but you can use boosters from any reliable manufacturer.
They are simple to set up and can help with struggling Wi-Fi performance throughout your home.
Use a mesh kit. Mesh kits create new Wi-Fi networks and are more expensive than boosters. They can deliver better performance though and are readily available secondhand.
The VR400v3 router supports mesh networks.
Consider powerline adapters. If you really can’t get good Wi-Fi in the building, consider powerline adapters. They turn your home’s wiring into a network using mains plugs. TP-Link also makes powerline adapters, although any compatible make should work.
Here are some other helpful guides:
- What is Wi-Fi and Wireless Broadband?
- How to use a router as an extender
- Where’s the best place to put a Wi-Fi router at home?
- Top tips for slow broadband
What’s the password for a Onestream router?
The standard username and password are ‘admin’ and ‘admin’.
We recommend changing these as soon as you can to properly secure your router and your network.
You can find the Wi-Fi password printed on the card provided with the router, or on the back of the device.
Is the Onestream router good value for money?
Unfortunately, we can't say the routers are good value for money. This is one area where Onestream falls behind the competition, as it charges a monthly fee for the router as well as line rental.
- Superstream costs an extra £4.95 per month
- Superstream+ costs an extra £5.95 per month
all in addition to line rental. During the length of a 24-month contract, that’s pretty costly.
You also have to pay another one-off £9.95 delivery fee on top.
Check out our customer Onestream broadband reviews page for real-life experiences with this provider.
If you're looking for a deal with a bundled router and don't want the hassle of sourcing your own. Here are a few other options that might suit you better:
- Speed: 300Mb avg. speed
- Set-up cost: £0
- Contract: 24 months
Rewards:
£25.99 per month
£29.99 from 31st March 2027
£33.99 from 31st March 2028
- Speed: 150Mb avg. speed
- Set-up cost: £0
- Contract: 24 months
Rewards:
£23.99 per month
£27.99 from 31st March 2027
£31.99 from 31st March 2028
What are some standout Onestream router features?
While decent, Onestream routers are average in almost every way.
On the plus side, once you have connected and configured your router, you can largely forget about it.
They’re modest units that don’t take up much space, rarely need re-booting and just gets on with the job of providing broadband and Wi-Fi.
You do get a discount on McAfee security and premium customer service, but these do cost extra once the free period is over.
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Can I keep my Onestream router if I have to move and downgrade my broadband?
Yes, you can keep your router if you move and/or downgrade your broadband service. As long as it’s compatible with the service you sign up for, you can keep it for as long as you’re a customer.
It may be worth checking hardware versions, as moving home would be the ideal time to get the newest device!
Just be aware that, like most broadband providers, if you move, you may have to take out an entirely new contract with a new fixed period.
This isn’t a welcome move, but one that many broadband providers seem to use now.
Can I use my own router with Onestream?
Yes, you can use your own router with Onestream. That’s good news if you’re a power user.
We would say Onestream is more open than many broadband providers about using your own equipment. So much so that they even have a dedicated page on using your own router.
Fortunately, the criteria is modest and there are plenty of compatible options to choose from.
What router would you need for a Onestream package?
- For Onestream Fibre 55, Onestream Fibre 80 customers:
A VDSL enabled modem router with a DSL port
- For Onestream Supreme 80, Supreme 115, Supreme 220, Supreme 550 and Hyperstream 1000 customers:
A router with a “WAN” port on the back. With fibre speeds, you’ll need a router capable of handling speeds up to 1Gb.
Expert Summary
Onestream's ISP routers are average devices with average capabilities.
That said, they fit the company’s no-frills brand. They are no-fuss, no-trouble, no-frills routers.
If you just want to set it and forget it and don’t have specific needs, they will be fine. If you’re a power user or are looking for specific capabilities, you may want to use your own.
Fortunately, Onestream makes that easy.