Hubbernauts
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148 Messages
Nokia WiFi Beacon 1 Review: StarHub Smart WiFi in Singapore (Part 1)
Nokia WiFi Beacon 1 makes its debut in Singapore through a partnership with StarHub, called Smart WiFi. Nokia consumer routers are unheard of in this country and readers may be wondering if Nokia routers are any good. I’m pleased that the overall experience is more positive than some of the established home networking brands I’ve reviewed over the years. The Beacon 1 has a retail price of S$199. StarHub 1Gbps Broadband Plans with 24-month contract comes with one unit free, while the 2Gbps plans and HomeHub plans come with two units included in the subscription. Additional units can be purchased at S$120 or S$5 per month over 24 months.
Why Mesh Router
Mesh routers definitely performs better than a single-unit wireless router by extending coverage across the house instead of transmitting WiFi signal from a single source, unless your apartment layout is such that the router is in the centre and can reach to all parts of the house equally. Even so, the doors should be open so that the signal will not be blocked.
I definitely recommend that you switch to mesh router, even though the specs may not be as high as traditional router, they are more stable when your devices are further away from the main router.
The Nokia Beacon 1 supports hybrid backhaul, meaning it will auto-switch between wireless extender mode and direct Ethernet cable. Wired backhaul is even better because the data will transfer through cables to each mesh unit instead of through wireless. If your home has Ethernet ports in all your rooms, the Beacon 1 will definitely deliver better experience. For my review, I am using wireless backhaul as I do not have Ethernet ports in my rooms.
Unboxing and Setting Up
The Nokia Beacon 1 comes sealed but upon opening, the protective cover of the Beacon 1 unit is loose. The StarHub Product Manager informed me that they tested the first batch to make sure all are in working condition, so rest assured these are not refurbished units. There was also no custom firmware installed, so the units can be used with any service provider, though I’m not sure if there are any peculiar setup by other broadband providers which causes compatibility issues. For instance, Google WiFi could not work with SingTel Broadband due to VLAN tagging.
Setting up takes about 10 minutes, just install Nokia WiFi smartphone app and follow the on-screen instructions.
Actually, there is even a faster way, which is to plug the Beacon 1 to your router, start it up, until the LED turns blue. Then, from your smartphone, access the Beacon 1 default network name and password. Finally, start the Nokia WiFi smartphone app and select "Add Beacon".
If your smartphone comes with intelligent WiFi feature (which will switch from WiFi to mobile data automatically when no Internet traffic is detected), please disable it because the smartphone must connect to the Beason 1’s node directly to configure. One way is to disable mobile data before starting the setup, or if you find the setup is not progressing at the Beacon detection stage, manually reconnect to the Nokia Beacon 1’s Wi-Fi network.
During my setup process, I registered a new Nokia WiFi account, which required me to check my email to verify before I could proceed. With this Nokia WiFi account, I should be able to monitor my Nokia Beacon 1 network from anywhere outside the home network using Nokia WiFi app. After the mesh setup is completed, then the app gave you an option to rename the Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and password, which I highly recommend you do that as these are factory defaulted values.
Setting up subsequent units are more straightforward. Just go to the side menu and select “Add Beacon”.
The Beacon 1 comes with separate WAN and LAN port that are not interchangeable, unlike many other mesh products. This is a disappointing feature and I hope Nokia can change this in future firmware. Because of this limitation, I had one fewer LAN port to use on my mesh nodes. My resolution is to bring out an unused wireless router and plug it to the Beacon 1, turning it into a network switch with 4 LAN ports.
... to be continued in Part 2 - Detailed Experience and Verdict.
Twitter/Instagram: @musicdiary
Responses
SALEHZAIDI
1 Message
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1 Point
5 months ago
This router is giving me alot of problems with peripheral devices not connecting to the Wifi. Is anyone else having the same issue? So ipads/TV/Laptops connect fine...but FitBits, smartwatches, chromecast, airplay printers etc...are not connecting
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0
tooly
1 Message
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1 Point
4 months ago
hi can i check.. since it currently provides only 1 LAN port, is it possible to get a switcher/ethernet hub or splitter connector* to provide multiple LAN ports for ethernet connection directly to my desktops?
*https://shopee.sg/product/129877943/2271000792
2
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KennyNg
5 Messages
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2 Points
4 months ago
Hi,
Counter to what you had written, Starhub Smart Wifi is the worst Wifi I had. Instead of helping, it had given me a lots of issues since day one. I had dropped internet signal practically several time every day.
Regards,
Kenny
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Faisalee
Explorer
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1 Message
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1 Point
4 months ago
Same here, I Was super happy with google wifi never had a dropped connection and then I got this thinking Starhub's claim "Still Got It", with a 2 beacon setup, I can't get reception/speed on all the rooms but the only living room is good enough. That too keeps dropping connection! I am super frustrated as I was the fool who paid extra to get an additional beacon! I might have to throw these away and switch back to Google Wifi! Such a waste!
Just to be clear, I called support a few times and they did a "reset" multiple times to remove any bottlenecks but still getting dropped connections.
1
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miloliaw
Dabbler
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4 Messages
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4 Points
3 months ago
on internet dropped connection... same over here. My home internet has experienced months of dropped connection, about twice per day since wife & son WFH. Called 1633 twice (1st in Oct, 2nd this month) & they have send tech to replace modem & SCV devices etc but not my yr2016 router, claimed that I need to pay for the router. Dont understand why I have re contracted many cycles of 2-yr contract yet Starhub failed to upgraded my router (most likely culprit of dropped connection per the tech assessment). My family 3 Starhub mobile lines are v stable & good.
Starhub Customer Service team was polite but hopeless & not helpful in resolving my "dropped connection" issue, feel like they are passing the ball around, feel rather upset & disappointed. Can u please help to look into my dropped connection issue w/out pushing me to switch to other provider. Thanks.
1
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miloliaw
Dabbler
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4 Messages
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4 Points
3 months ago
Hi Carla
Certainly. Noted that yr tech came twice for the same issue yet problem remain...so odd that that I have been asked the same Q of "Have you tried to reboot your ONT and router...." again...again,.... again :(.
1
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miloliaw
Dabbler
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4 Messages
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4 Points
3 months ago
Hi Carla
Please don't feel sorry for me, do be pro-active in resolving the dropped-connection chronic issue. As a subscriber, I don't remember subscribing this on/off dropped-connection' service + month long of "sorry,...sorry,..." very polite of response but no helpful & in my opinion not professional at all.
2
Khaing Zar Aung
2 Messages
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2 Points
3 months ago
Hi, I use this wi fi on 1st dec 2020.
I can't find 2.4GB wi fi.
Actually should have two wi fi right?
One is for 5GB and another for 2.4GB.
I need to get anothe 2.4GB to suit my cctv installation.
How to get it?
3
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cuongv88
3 Messages
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3 Points
3 months ago
This nokia device is the worst! The signal is so weak so I have to buy a long cable to bring this router near my bedroom. Then it stop working today, there is no internet connection at all. Tried reset both modern and router does not help. Have to wait tmr to call support because it quite late now, though, I am having tons of work need to get done, but can not do because of no connection! Who is gonna pay for my trouble?
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jtrt187
Senior Commentator
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4 Messages
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1 Point
a month ago
this is terrible. just recontracted and had this beacon installed yesterday. Less than 24hours and it stopped working with the red light on. called the hotline, reboot and now we have to wait for the technician tomorrow (which by the way may or may not be here). Disrupted my WFH. very frustrating and disappointing.
1
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Roel
Valued Advisor
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35 Messages
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2 Points
a month ago
I just read this thread today and I understand now why we're experiencing lag.
I had re-contracted the previous week and Technician came to install this Nokia beacon. I was happy as its new, so I remove my existing Linksys router.
In the end, when we play games, it always lagged, even our TV screen freezes sometimes.
We don't experienced any lag or TV screen freezing previously, it started after installing and using this Nokia beacon. Connecting devices took longer time compared to my old Linksys.
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BruceDK
Respected Commentator
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5 Messages
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1 Point
5 days ago
i am due to replace my linksys with this nokia beacon in 2 days. the comments here doesn't rhyme with https://www.hardwarezone.com.sg/tech-news-starhub-smart-wifi-6-reasons-why-you-should-jump-smarter-mesh-networking-broadband-plan
am i suppose to expect problems? it will be very disruptive as WFH is the default these days. starhub, can you advise ?
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