In short: The BT Business Smart Hub is the router BT supplies as standard with its Essential, Enhanced and Pro business broadband. It runs separate business and guest Wi-Fi, works with Hybrid Backup on the EE Business 4G network and Complete Wi-Fi Plus extenders, and on Pro adds Wi-Fi Security Controls, managed from the BT Business App.
What the BT Business Smart Hub does
The hub connects your premises to BT Business Broadband and provides your office network:
- Business Wi-Fi for laptops, phones and other devices. BT describes its current business hub as its most advanced yet, and it is the hub its Complete Wi-Fi Plus extenders and Wi-Fi Security Controls are designed for.
- Wired ports for PCs, printers, phones and your own switch or firewall
- Guest Wi-Fi, a separate network for visitors. BT's terms limit guest Wi-Fi to 13 users at a time on the hub, and BT may block some harmful categories of website for guests.
- Hybrid Backup support: on packages that include it, the hub works with the backup device to switch to the EE Business 4G network if the fixed line fails
- Web Threat Protect and Content Controls, which BT ships switched off: an account administrator has to turn them on. They only work while your network uses BT's DNS servers.
BT supplies the Smart Hub as standard on Essential, Enhanced and Pro. Ultra uses a Cisco Meraki security appliance instead.
Wi-Fi coverage: Complete Wi-Fi Plus and Wi-Fi Discs
One hub rarely covers a whole building with thick walls or several floors. BT's answer is extra devices that form a mesh with the hub:
- Complete Wi-Fi Plus, standard on Pro, uses devices designed for the current hub. If the signal is still weak after testing in the BT Business App, BT can send up to five extra devices free. A six-month guarantee covers the main building.
- Complete Wi-Fi, the earlier add-on, used Wi-Fi Discs with BT's previous business hub and has a similar six-month guarantee.
Guest Wi-Fi runs only from the hub itself, not through the extra Wi-Fi devices. For larger venues, or where you need managed access points, see BT business Wi-Fi and hospitality Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi Security Controls on Pro
On the Pro package, the hub adds Wi-Fi Security Controls, managed from the BT Business App. BT describes it as giving you:
- A list of every device connected to the hub
- Controls to pause, freeze or schedule internet access for devices or groups of devices
- Threat detection for connected devices
- Website filtering by category or individual address, per device or per group
Two limits are worth knowing. It filters websites but cannot block mobile apps. And it cannot run at the same time as BT's network-level security: switching Wi-Fi Security Controls on disables Web Threat Protect. More on the security page.
Setting up the hub
- If you are installing it yourself, BT sends the hub before your go-live date. Connect it as BT's instructions describe, to the fibre equipment on full fibre or the phone socket on part fibre.
- BT tells you when the broadband is activated. On packages with Hybrid Backup you may already be online over 4G.
- Change the default admin password, set your business Wi-Fi name and password, and turn on guest Wi-Fi if you need it.
- Switch on Web Threat Protect and Content Controls from your BT account, as they are off by default.
- Test Wi-Fi coverage in the BT Business App and request extra Wi-Fi devices if your package includes them.
On Pro you can choose a free Expert Set Up visit when you order, and Ultra includes expert set-up. We can also help you plan the set-up.
Static IPs and using your own firewall
A single static IP gives the connection one fixed public address. Additional static IPs need configuring so each address reaches the right device. See static IP.
Many businesses keep the Smart Hub and put their own firewall behind it, which keeps BT's support and backup features working. You can also replace the hub with a compatible router of your own once BT has confirmed the broadband is working. If there is a fault, BT's terms ask you to reconnect the BT hub so it can run diagnostics. For firewall options see Cisco Secure Firewall and Sophos Firewall.
Returning or replacing the hub
Equipment BT supplies on loan remains BT's property. When a service ends, BT's terms ask you to return loaned equipment within 60 days using the prepaid packaging BT provides, and BT can charge a non-return fee if you do not.
BT's terms also allow it to replace loaned equipment and to change the range of hubs it offers over time. If your hub is old or faulty, report the fault so BT can diagnose it. Contact us for help with your hub or broadband.
Why buy BT through Forever Communications
Forever Communications Ltd is a BT Business Partner, supplying BT Business connectivity, voice and mobile services to UK organisations. You get BT's network with a named team who knows your account.
- Impartial advice on the right BT product for each site, from Essential, Enhanced, Pro and Ultra business broadband to BTnet and BT Ethernet
- One point of contact for availability checks, orders, installations, moves, upgrades, faults and renewals
- Ready for the PSTN switch-off: digital phone lines, SoGEA, BT Cloud Voice, BT Cloud Phone and Digital Voice for Business, with your numbers kept where possible
- Multi-site and sector know-how for schools, GP surgeries, retailers, hospitality venues and growing offices
- Mobile and security too: EE Business mobiles from BT Group, Hybrid Backup on the EE Business 4G network, and BT security options alongside our wider Cyber Essentials help
We sell to businesses, schools, charities and public sector organisations. We do not sell consumer or home products.
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Contact usFrequently asked questions
What router comes with BT business broadband?
BT supplies the BT Business Smart Hub as standard on its Essential, Enhanced and Pro packages. Ultra uses a Cisco Meraki security appliance and access points instead.
Can I use my own router instead of the BT Business Smart Hub?
Yes. BT's terms allow a compatible router once BT has confirmed your broadband is working. If there is a fault you need to reconnect the BT hub so BT can run diagnostics. Many businesses keep the hub and add their own firewall behind it.
How many guests can use BT business guest Wi-Fi?
BT's terms limit guest Wi-Fi to 13 users at a time on the hub. Larger venues usually need a managed Wi-Fi system with access points.
Do I need to return my BT Business Smart Hub?
If BT loaned you the hub, BT's terms ask you to return it within 60 days of the service ending, using the prepaid packaging BT provides. A non-return fee can apply if you do not.
How do I turn on Web Threat Protect on the BT Business Smart Hub?
Web Threat Protect and Content Controls are switched off by default. An account holder or administrator turns them on through the BT Business account, and they only work while you use BT's DNS servers. On Pro, enabling Wi-Fi Security Controls disables them.