Forum Discussion

nicventure's avatar
nicventure
Joining in
2 days ago

Hub 5x not compatible with Connect App WHY!!!!!

I need to manage my children's internet access. I've was told by the sales rep this was all done though the Virgin Media Connect App.

Now I'm told after 2 weeks, 5 call, and an engineer visit. That because I have a Hub 5x, I can't.

I used 3 different phone, two laptops and 4 browsers. Uninstalled the app many times, cleared cache/site data. Many many times.

I took time off of work to wait for the engineer, and spent countless extremely frustrating hours trying to resolve this.

I have kids that have unrestricted access to the web and no screen limits. I can connected to the hub at 192.168.0.1 and block devices using MAC filters, but this is a joke surly!

I will be canceling my package as soon as I have and alternative. I'm not paying a penny. In fact I will send virgin the bill for my wasted time (not that I expect them to pay it).

To add some context, I am a web developer. I totally understand how this should work, and that it is beyond belief, that a large company should be able to rollout hardware this incomplete.

6 Replies

  • Client62's avatar
    Client62
    Alessandro Volta
    2 days ago

    MAC Pausing / Blocking is near useless against current laptops and mobiles.

    The key functionality that is missing from the Hub 5x is Modem mode.

    Given the Hub 5x was launched in 2022, don't expect either to be fixed.

    • nicventure's avatar
      nicventure
      Joining in
      7 hours ago

      I know the limitations of MAC blocking, still to not be able to set up filters using an app is just not acceptable in this day and age. I'm also looking to be able to setup guessed networks so I could add kids to that and switch it off at night.

      And having no modem mode? So what your saying is I cant even use a 3rd party router as a bridge?

      • Adduxi's avatar
        Adduxi
        Very Insightful Person
        4 hours ago
        nicventure wrote:

        And having no modem mode? So what your saying is I cant even use a 3rd party router as a bridge?

        Yes.  The modem mode is not available on the 5X since it's introduction some time ago.  I doubt if it will ever happen.  The only easy option is to disable all router functions on the Hub and set another 3rd party router in the DMZ.  Double NAT I know, but it is what it is.

        If you are still within the 14 days, you can cancel.  Giffgaff use the same XGS-PON Nexfibre as VM, but they allow 3rd party Routers to be used from the ONT.  VM however, have embedded the ONT into the Hub 5X, so not easy to work around.

  • Adduxi's avatar
    Adduxi
    Very Insightful Person
    2 days ago
    nicventure wrote:

    I can connected to the hub at 192.168.0.1 and block devices using MAC filters

    This is all the app does, where you expecting a different solution?  You could also manually set the DNS on the devices to 1.1.1.3 and 1.0.0.3  Those are Cloudflare Adult and Malware filtered DNS servers.

  • jpeg1's avatar
    jpeg1
    Alessandro Volta
    24 hours ago

    If by managing your children's access you mean limit them to child-safe websites, you can set their device DNS to one of the safe ones operated by OpenDNS or Cloudflare.

    If you mean limiting the times they have access, the only reliable method is physical control of the device.

    • nicventure's avatar
      nicventure
      Joining in
      7 hours ago

      I didn't ask for parenting advice. Though I was already aware that I can physical take my kids devices.

      I set screen limits for my convenience, as I have always done with other providers apps. This is not a impenetrable wall, just a first line of defence.

      If any kid is actively found breaching this rule, as I should be able to see by looking at an app. Then devices will be removed for a longer period worthy of such a breach (this works fine).

      I don't see why I should have to march up the stairs each night and start unplugging gaming consoles.

      Again thank you for the parenting advice.