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vginforum's avatar
vginforum
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9 months ago
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"Get a new Hub - at no extra cost"

Just in from VM

"We’re always looking for ways to improve your service, and we’ve noticed you’ve got one of our older Hubs. So, we’d like to offer you our Hub 4 – at no extra cost."

But do I need one? I live alone with one ethernet connected PC. I really only use Wi-Fi to read a Kindle fire. I am using a Virgin Super Hub

I actually have a Hub 3 which I never got round to installing. It's still in the box. I just can't face the hassle of setting up a new hub if I am going to get little or no extra from it. Although it installing the ethernet connection is just a case of swapping cable I might consider it.

I'm on the Big Bundle for TV, Broadband 125 and phone

  • If you’re currently using a SuperHub 2, that will be why they want to send you a new router. I would strongly recommend you switch - as the SH2 is reaally old at this point.

    If you set up the Hub3 - it should just be a case of swapping the  cables over - probably 10 minutes at most

  • If you’re currently using a SuperHub 2, that will be why they want to send you a new router. I would strongly recommend you switch - as the SH2 is reaally old at this point.

    If you set up the Hub3 - it should just be a case of swapping the  cables over - probably 10 minutes at most

  • Sephiroth's avatar
    Sephiroth
    Alessandro Volta

    The SH3 is bad news as a device (see this forum for details).  Accept their Hub 4 offer!  I've had one trouble free for 4+ years.

     

    • vginforum's avatar
      vginforum
      Dialled in

      Thank you both for helpful answers.It occurred to me I was risking nothing just by ordering the new Hub. When it arrives eventually (by Yodel, spit) I can make the leap of faith

    • vginforum's avatar
      vginforum
      Dialled in

      I swear I posted a reply a few hours thanking you both. I've ordered the hub. It occurred there was no commitment in that

      Thanks again for advice

  • Would prefer a Hub5 (but they’re very restrictive about who they give them to) but even Hub4 is a massive upgrade

    • vginforum's avatar
      vginforum
      Dialled in

      Sometimes I despair of VM. New router finally arrived yesterday. Outside of package said "activate within 5 days or lose service" Didn't say 5 days from when... I could have been away.

      Finally opened the package (with liberal use of carving knife). No setup instructions, just an A6 flyer "Let's get started"

      "Just scan QR code..." I don't have a smartphone. There wasn't even a URL to get to a Quickstart guide. And that was to "save [me] time and paper". Off to DuckGoGo.

      Then I remember seeing a picture on VM somewhere showing a separate note for passwords. But no, all you get is small figures on the bottom of the hub.

      After all that had to lie down and recover

      • jbrennand's avatar
        jbrennand
        Very Insightful Person

        Is it up and running ok ? It should "activate itself" one its connected and switched on - it can take an hour or so to go through the firmware update process.

        If not see this....

        ... Call the equipment activation number on - 0800 953 9500 (follow options) and check with them.

        You will need the Model numbers, serial numbers/MAC addresses off the barcode stickers of ALL pieces of kit and also your account number

  • Roger_Gooner's avatar
    Roger_Gooner
    Alessandro Volta

    The old hub supported DOCSIS 3.0 whereas later hubs (hub 4 and hub 5) support DOCSIS 3.1. This enables VM to manage its network better and provide higher speeds. If you log into your hub and view the network status, you'll see more 3.0 channels and a 3.1 channel on both downstream and upstream.  And if you want to upgrade to Gig1 you'll need that hub 4.

    And lastly if you have, or will have, telephone that hub 4 is necessary as it provides the RJ11 port for your handset.

    • vginforum's avatar
      vginforum
      Dialled in

      Thanks to all for the info. Every little helps my brain.

      But my next question (probably in another forum) was about the phone sockets. I have a VM landline with the BT-style wall socket and I just use a basic phone with BT-style plug. Would I be able to use that in the new router sockets if I got a suitable adapter like this

  • Sephiroth's avatar
    Sephiroth
    Alessandro Volta

    Adapter is correct.  You'd need t call VM and arrange the transition from land line to quasi-digital.  It's still an analogue line - the Hub digitises the ignal and the other end restore the analogue signal which s fed to thwie conventional exchange.

     

  • Sephiroth's avatar
    Sephiroth
    Alessandro Volta

    The Hub 4 is an immeasurably better device than the wretched Hub 3.  I've had both.  What are the details of the "so slow now"?  Wired speeds?  WiFi speed? Any possible circuit issues (which we can assess from the modem stats)?

    • vginforum's avatar
      vginforum
      Dialled in

      First can I say thank you to everyone who replied. Lots of  good stuff for me.

      And having followed the link in Roger_Gooner's reply it seems the best thing I can do is just sit and wait and see what VM send me. Luckily I have a very simple landline set up - one basic phone - so it seems my change will be relatively simple. Fingers crossed.

      PS Let's not pretend VOIP is new - I remember talking about it decades ago. The big problem then was connection speed. I suppose we have caught up now

  • Sephiroth's avatar
    Sephiroth
    Alessandro Volta

    Just to say that the arrangement we've been discussing is not VOIP.  The Hub acts as a media converter to send the data along your cable and it is unpacked at the VM end and treated exactly the same as your existing analogue line.  For VOIP, you can do it now by buying a VOIP phone, setting up a VOIP account with a supplier and then you'll be using IP telephony.

    You have asked VM to swap your landline for a Hub provided connection?  Yes?

  • Roger_Gooner's avatar
    Roger_Gooner
    Alessandro Volta

    The PSTN kit at the regional headends will be decommissioned to be replaced by VoIP kit, so it will be genuine VoIP. Bear in mind that VoIP starts at the hub and not at the analogue handset.

    • Sephiroth's avatar
      Sephiroth
      Alessandro Volta

      Roger_Gooner wrote:

      The PSTN kit at the regional headends will be decommissioned to be replaced by VoIP kit, so it will be genuine VoIP. Bear in mind that VoIP starts at the hub and not at the analogue handset.


      I may be wrong, but there hasn't been a public announcement about what Roger has said other than the fact that VOIP is available with VM Business.   The current offering is called 21CV and does away with the copper landline (VM don't take that copper away).