What is a BT Home Hub?
The BT Home Hub is the broadband router supplied with certain BT broadband packages. The older models described on this page combined several functions in one unit:
- Broadband router: Connects a home network to a broadband service and shares the connection between devices.
- Wireless access point: Provides Wi-Fi access for compatible computers, phones and other devices.
- Wired networking: Connects equipment through Ethernet ports.
- Internet calling (historical): Some models supported the former BT Broadband Talk service and optional BT Hub Phone. This is not a current service recommendation.
- BT television services (historical): Earlier BT Vision equipment could connect through a Home Hub. BT Vision has since been superseded.
If you are researching or troubleshooting one of these older models, the original specifications, photographs and audio guides are further down the page.
Looking to improve your home Wi-Fi?
If you are using an older router, or struggling with wireless coverage, newer networking equipment may be more suitable. The following Amazon searches are a starting point for comparing current products:
- Mesh Wi-Fi systems – for better coverage across several rooms or floors.
- Wi-Fi range extenders – a possible lower-cost option for a particular weak-signal area.
- Gigabit Ethernet switches – for adding wired network connections.
- Ethernet cables – for reliable wired links between compatible devices.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, FrequencyCast earns from qualifying purchases. These links may generate a commission at no extra cost to you. Check compatibility with your broadband provider and existing router before buying.
Different versions of the BT Home Hub
BT released several versions of the Home Hub. The models shown here are part of the original generation of Home Hub equipment.
Home Hub v3 |
Home Hub v2.0 |
Home Hub v1.5 |
Original Home Hub v1 |
For more historical information, see the Home Hub model comparison on FileSaveAs. This is an external archive-era link and may no longer be maintained.
BT Home Hub 3 specifications
These are the specifications for the Home Hub 3 described in our original guide, not those of a modern BT Smart Hub.
- Modem: ADSL broadband.
- Wi-Fi: 802.11b/g/n; WEP and WPA-PSK/WPA2-PSK support.
- Dimensions: 185 × 107 × 62 mm.
- Connections: Three 10/100 Mbps Ethernet ports, one Gigabit Ethernet port, USB, broadband RJ11 input, BT Infinity port and telephone socket.
Security note: The presence of older wireless security options in the specifications is historical information, not a recommendation to use them. Avoid WEP and keep any network equipment’s security settings and firmware as up to date as the manufacturer permits.
Listen to our original Home Hub reviews and guide
Home Hub 2.0 review – July 2008:
Download the July 2008 review (MP3)
Unofficial audio guide to the BT Home Hub: An archive recording explaining the software and common tasks on early models.
Download the Home Hub audio guide (MP3) or visit our Home Hub guide page.
Original Home Hub v1 review: We covered the first Home Hub in FrequencyCast Show 9 in December 2006.
Need help with an older Home Hub?
For historical information about the earlier Home Hub models, see our unofficial audio guide or the archived Home Hub help material on FileSaveAs. Some instructions may not apply to current broadband services or modern routers.
If your problem concerns poor Wi-Fi coverage, it may be worth checking router placement, wired Ethernet options and whether newer equipment would be more appropriate before spending money.
Explore more of our FrequencyCast show archive for reviews and technology discussions from the period.