VMDG280 Wireless issues

[rosseion]

The old Virgin modem died and was replaced by one of your new hubs (VMDG280) - whilst this has now solved the problem of having no broadband, the wireless range of this new device is absolutely pathetic. Unless you are in the same room as the hub, the signal is practically useless, and the much touted N speeds (the engineer pointed out to me a couple of times that this was the new 802.11n hub) are nowhere near to being achieved. I am one room away (approx 6m) from the hub with open doors and only a slight kink in the walls making it just out of line of sight and I'm achieving speeds of around 35-48Mbps. Sitting in the same room about 2m away from the hub I can get 144Mbps. This has nothing to do with interference or set up, as I get better connection speeds from my neighbours G router (and from my previous Linksys wireless G router), and all to do with the cheap and nasty Netgear box being supplied - either that or the one given to me has a fault? I note on the forums I am not the only person complaining about these boxes. Are VM planning to recall these or supply better versions?

[paultechy]

well best idea would be try and alter the wireless channel to do start this download this - http://www.metageek.net/products/inssider (free wifi program but not supported by virgin media)

install it run it will show all the wireless channels from any other wireless routers in your area, look for a channel from 1 to 11 not being used, or under used. open your internet explorer type in the addresss bar http://192.168.0.1 press enter

Username: admin 

password: changeme

click on wireless settings below basic settings, and change the wireless channel, and press apply.. 

also make sure the hub is the open air, as high as you can make it not next to any other electronic devices like especially TV, cordless phone, baby monitors etc.

you could re-attach your own router to the hub:

http://www.unofficialguidetolive.co.uk/faqs/167-how-to-connect-a-router-to-the-virgin-media-super-hu... this guide if for superhub but works the same on the 280

[YouStoleMyMoney]

read this...download that.. buy this to fix what your already paying for... not being rude as your only doing your job but this is extortion.. virgin may aswell be holding a gun to our head and telling us empty our pockets

[rosseion]

Appreciate all the suggestions, but I have already done that and there is no appreciable difference in wireless strength. It simply boils down to the fact that those hubs are rubbish. And the sooner Virgin admit to it the better it will be for them. Pretty sure Netgear had a stack of these units in a warehouse they couldn't shift cause consumers knew they were rubbish, so they off-loaded them onto Virgin.

The best course of action for me would be to cancel my direct debit and move to another service provider - preferably one that doesnt take your money and try convince you you're getting a full service when in reality you're not i.e. the red button saga.