In a Full Fibre installation, the router does not necessarily have to sit beside the ONT: discuss the fibre entry and ONT position with the engineer, then plan an Ethernet connection to a useful router location. A patch lead may suit an accessible route, while permanent cabling with RJ45 data points can connect rooms; allow for power at the router position, and get your landlord’s permission before an installation in a rented home.
If you want the router nearer the rooms where you use Wi-Fi, plan the Ethernet route and power at its intended position. Openreach installation guidance says the proposed route and equipment location should be discussed with the engineer.
If computers, TVs or consoles need wired connections, work out how they will connect to the router or a switch. Openreach’s July 2026 development wiring guidance describes RJ45 data points for connections between rooms; those development instructions are not a promise about work included in every existing-home appointment.
If a well-positioned router may still leave areas without the coverage you need, consider whether mesh equipment fits the layout and whether you can use Ethernet backhaul. TP-Link’s model guidance describes wired backhaul options and mode-specific connection rules.
Start by agreeing the ONT position and a practical router location; then decide whether you need a simple Ethernet route, permanent room wiring, extra LAN ports or separate Wi-Fi coverage.
| Concern | What to check when buying | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Router location | Agree the ONT route with the engineer; plan Ethernet and a double power socket at the router position. | I want the router away from an inconvenient ONT position but still somewhere useful for Wi-Fi; around 36% of consumers put router position first. |
| Permanent wiring | Match the cable, RJ45 modules and patch leads to the intended link; include compatible housings and termination. | I want a tidy, lasting connection between rooms and need the cable and terminations to work as one link; around 29% of consumers prioritise permanent wiring. |
| Wired-device ports | Count connected devices and the switch’s router uplink; check port speed against your devices. | I need more LAN connections for fixed devices than the router provides; around 21% of consumers put wired-port capacity first. |
| Wi-Fi coverage | Identify where coverage is needed and whether wired or wireless backhaul suits the layout; check the mesh system’s connection rules. | I have a separate coverage problem that router relocation alone may not address; around 14% of consumers prioritise coverage expansion. |
The router-relocation route described by Openreach connects from the Ethernet side of the ONT; it is not an instruction to extend or move the incoming fibre yourself.
Plan the ONT-to-router Ethernet connection and leave installed Openreach fibre equipment unchanged.
Altering fixed Openreach equipment can lead to repair costs and service disruption.
The cable, sockets and terminations all form part of the completed link. Fluke Networks notes that Cat6A cable terminated with Cat6 jacks should not be treated as a Cat6A link.
Specify compatible parts for the complete route, including the data-point housings and the intended category.
Permanent data points can also require housings, termination work and testing.
One port on a five-port switch is used for its connection to the router, leaving fewer ports for devices.
Count the router uplink as well as computers, TVs, consoles and other wired equipment before choosing a port count.
If you omit the uplink from your count, you may need a larger switch.
TP-Link’s Deco X50 V2 specifications list Gigabit Ethernet ports separately from the system’s wireless rating.
Check the exact model’s Ethernet ports and backhaul arrangement if wired connections between mesh units matter to your plan.
A different model may be needed if multi-gigabit Ethernet is a requirement.
Relevant to permanent Ethernet wiring, including Cat6 cable, RJ45 keystones and patch leads.
Its relevant product lines include the TL-SG105 V6 for wired-port expansion and Deco X50 V2 mesh equipment with optional Ethernet backhaul.
The GS305v3 is a relevant example for straightforward wired LAN-port expansion.
These Joybuy options cover a separate Wi-Fi coverage need and additional wired-device connections. Choose mesh for coverage expansion; choose a switch when you need more wired ports, checking PoE requirements for compatible equipment.
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For a separate Wi-Fi coverage need, this system is described as one router and two satellites.
Dual-band BE3600 WiFi 7; 2.5Gbps Ethernet ports on the router and satellites. The description says a high-speed internet connection and an existing modem or gateway are required.
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For adding wired connections to a router when several fixed devices need LAN access.
Eight Gigabit Ethernet ports; unmanaged, plug-and-play operation and fanless design.
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For wired connections where compatible devices also need power over Ethernet.
Five Gigabit ports, including four PoE+ ports; 60W total PoE budget. Unmanaged, plug-and-play operation.
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For several wired devices, including compatible equipment that takes power over Ethernet.
Eight Gigabit ports, including four PoE-enabled ports; 68W total PoE budget. Unmanaged, plug-and-play operation.
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For a small group of fixed devices that need wired connections through a switch.
Five Gigabit ports; unmanaged, plug-and-play operation and fanless design.
No. Openreach’s July 2026 installation guidance describes connecting the ONT through paired RJ45 data points to a router in another room. The router still needs power and the correct WAN or service-port connection.
A preferred position is not guaranteed. Openreach says the fibre route and installation position are assessed and agreed with the engineer, so raise your preference before work starts. Development guidance showing other ONT positions does not establish what an existing-home appointment includes.
The consumer-side choices in this plan are Ethernet wiring and equipment connected beyond the ONT, not ordinary purchases of Openreach-installed fibre equipment. Openreach says its installed equipment belongs to Openreach, and BT advises customers not to unplug the optical cable.
No. Fluke Networks distinguishes cable labelled Category 6e from Category 6A, and Openreach’s July 2026 illustration uses the wording CAT6e. If your requirement is 10GBASE-T over a channel up to 100 m, specify a complete Cat6A design rather than assuming Cat6 or Cat6e wording meets it.
In Deco router mode, TP-Link says satellite units must connect to the main Deco’s LAN port, either directly or through a switch connected to that LAN port. Access-point mode permits a different topology, so follow the instructions for the selected mode.