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Three and tethering limitation?

Mick2me

Regular Member
What is the current max tethering for devices on three. How many devices do people tether?
We currently (on Virgin) have: 2 mobiles, 2 4k TVs, 2 4k firesticks, CCTV recorder. 2 Google thingies, Google Clock, 4 power switches, 2 chromebooks, 1 laptop, 1 PC, Printer.
Max load at any one time, 2x 4k Firesticks + 1 laptop browsing.
Any problems?
 
There is no limit from Three unlike other networks. The only limit is the device you are using which may have a limit to the number of devices you can have connected.

You have a lot of devices you are looking to connect though. Have you considered getting a proper router? You'll get better WiFi range and internal network performance, as well as potentially better speeds with a router compared to tethering loads of devices to a phone broadcasting a hotspot. Not to mention the fact that you will probably kill your phone's battery if you are regularly doing so.
 
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not yet decided on which Three router is best
ZyXEL NR5103E (V1)
But with a Router are there still tethering restriction?
Not on Three regardless as there are no such restrictions. But with other networks yes. For example O2 will take action if you are connecting more than 12 devices or downloading more than 650GB per month on their unlimited tariffs whether that's in a phone or router.
What about second router wired to hub?
Unless you specifically get a 5G Router that has a modem mode that wouldn't be a super wise idea. It can cause other issues.
 
Just to back up what Koda is saying - I have the Zyxel NR5013E (V1) and it works great. I use it in IP Passthrough mode (modem only mode). I got the router from CEX for £110 and it is in great condition. I use a scancom unlimited Three SIM but the router itself is unlocked to all networks.

It then connects to the router I used to use with FTTP and works like a dream.
I have a lot more devices then you've mentioned and it all works fine.

The only thing is that the latency is a lot higher than FTTP and it does seems to pause a but when uploading large files (I am used to a 900Mbps uploading speed so this is probably why I notice it).
 
Last edited:
I have around 15-20 devices connected (depending on what's powered on) to my NR5103E on Smarty. Use between 800 and over 1TB of data a month
 
ZyXEL NR5103E (V1)
Thanks Koda
I am looking at buying from Cex re the guarantee.
Many private sellers are asking around the same price or more.

Cex sell NR5103EV2 which I assume is V2?
Also listings of NR5103E which I assume is V1?
I am wondering if I am better buying by post rather than local store? Better protection, 'Distance selling regulations'?

Is there any reason why V2 is not the best option, still reading posts here?
Edit: I found answers here https://www.ispreview.co.uk/talk/threads/nr5103e-or-nr5103ev2.42427/
 
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Cex sell NR5103EV2 which I assume is V2?
Also listings of NR5103E which I assume is V1?
I am wondering if I am better buying by post rather than local store? Better protection, 'Distance selling regulations'?

Is there any reason why V2 is not the best option, still reading posts here?
Correct the one that doesn’t say the version number is the V1. The V1 is better as it has a larger antenna that’s less directional so you tend to get better speeds out of them. Plus it has 2.5Gb Ethernet ports while the V2 has only gigabit ports. The only benefit of the V2 is the smaller size but it was otherwise simply cost cutting measures.

Buying online is a wise idea yes.
 
Thanks Koda
I am looking at buying from Cex re the guarantee.
Many private sellers are asking around the same price or more.

Cex sell NR5103EV2 which I assume is V2?
Also listings of NR5103E which I assume is V1?
I am wondering if I am better buying by post rather than local store? Better protection, 'Distance selling regulations'?

Is there any reason why V2 is not the best option, still reading posts here?
Edit: I found answers here https://www.ispreview.co.uk/talk/threads/nr5103e-or-nr5103ev2.42427/
Hi Mick2me,

Whenever I buy anything from CEX and it is in the local store, I still buy it online using click and collect and pick it up from the local store then you are covered by the distance selling regulations.

I personally have found CEX great over the years - if I've bought faulty stuff there has never been a returning it for a refund. The 5 year warranty is also great, though it is a sliding scale (the one time I had a item go faulty was after 1.5 years. They just replaced it with another that was in stock (obviously I only got 6 months warranty on that). The chap in the shop did say that if they hadn't have been able to replace it the warranty would be on a sliding scale so I would have got less as a refund due to the usage.
 
The chap in the shop did say that if they hadn't have been able to replace it the warranty would be on a sliding scale so I would have got less as a refund due to the usage.

If you're getting an item that's common like a router or hub then it works out OK as they usually have stock elsewhere. If you buy a computer/laptop that isn't as common the money you get back on the sliding scale is a bit offensive and also not explained to you when you're told about the warranty if you buy in-store. Not that I'm bitter... ;)
 
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