Can I use my BT Broadband V2091 router with TalkTalk?

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I currently have wireless broadband with BT and I'm looking to switch to Talk Talk. Will I be able to use my current Wireless Router that BT provided for me (BT Broadband V2091) or will I have to purchase another Router?
Barry Littlefield

The short answer is yes, you can use the BT v2091 router with your new TalkTalk connection, but not straight away.

It will require a little bit of work on your part.

You see, BT (and, to be fair, other broadband providers too) don't like you using their hardware with other broadband providers, so they make it as hard as possible for you by locking the router/modem to only work with a BT connection.

The good news though is that this can be overridden by re-installing the router's firmware. After all, BT don't physically make the router, they just customise it's settings.

So, you'll need to download the firmware for the V2091 router. You may find it here: http://corz.org/comms/hardware/router/bt.voyager.205_router.how-to.php

Once downloaded, ensure your router is plugged in and connected to your PC via ethernet, then go to your router settings by typing into the browser address bar: http://192.168.1.1

You don't have to be online to go there, as this simply accesses the router's settings directly.

Now, find the section for updating the firmware and point it to the destination of the file you downloaded. Once it is updated you will need to reboot the router.

TalkTalk assure us that most routers are ready to conenct to TalkTalk Broadband, but weren't able to confirm whether their installation CD would absolutely work. If it doesn't, setting the router up with the relevant TalkTalk settings is simple.

VPI = 0
VCI = 38
DNS settings (primary) 0.0.0.0
DNS settings (secondary) 0.0.0.0
Authentication = CHAP
Encapsulation mode = PPP over ATM (PPPoA). VC-MUX
MTU = 1432

You will also need your TalkTalk Broadband username and password which will be in the welcome letter they send you.

As a sidenote, for a very reasonable £30, TalkTalk allow you to upgrade the free modem they provide to a wireless router, so don't despair if the above technique fails to work.

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