City-focused broadband ISP Hyperoptic, which has so far extended their full fibre (FTTP/B) network to cover “more than” 1.73 million homes and 340,000 customers in parts of 64 UK towns and cities, has this afternoon informed ISPreview that they’re launching a new router – a branded version of the Zyxel EX3301.
The Zyxel EX3301 is a dual-band router with the built-in 2×2 802.11ax WiFi 6 (theoretical wireless speeds of up to c.1800Mbps) and Zyxel MPro Mesh support. As well as the usual support for VoIP, a built-in firewall, IPv6, WPA3 and multiple SSIDs, the device also features 5 x Gigabit ports (4 x LAN and 1 x WAN), 1 x USB2.0 port (file storage, 3G/4G dongles etc.) and 2 x FXS (phone) ports.
The router will also work with Hyperoptic’s Total Wi-Fi (mesh) service, which uses the provider’s Minihub Wi-Fi extenders to extend wireless coverage around your home. Overall, it’s a reasonably capable piece of kit, albeit nothing too special by modern standards. But it should do the job until they start offering packages faster than 1Gbps.
Duncan MacDonald, CTIO of Hyperoptic, said:
“We’re excited to introduce this new Zyxel router, which represents our ongoing commitment to providing the best possible broadband experience for our customers. With the latest technology and enhanced security features, the router is designed to meet the evolving demands of today’s connected homes.”
The new Zyxel router is now available to all new Hyperoptic customers, with existing customers eligible for an upgrade (it’s unclear if this will be free or at extra cost).