Forum Discussion

apbliv's avatar
apbliv
On our wavelength
2 years ago

Getting wifi pods

Hello

I have been using a Tenda Mesh system (3 units connected by ethernet cables) for the last 5 years, but it is getting flaky and I frequently have to rest everything, which is a pain. If I switch it off, and use the VM Connect App I get no wifi signal at all in 4 rooms, and it is flaky in some places where I do get signal. I have been investigating replacing my existing mesh with something more stable, but thought I might as well try and use the wifi pods which are free to me as I am a Volt Gig1 customer.

The connect app gives me no option to order a pod, and if I phone 150 it is not obvious which option I should choose. There is no wifi option, and the broadband option just results in a broadband check when there is no issue with that. The online info is of no use at all:

How do I get an extra WiFi pod for my home?

If you’ve got a mesh WiFi Pod, but your Virgin Media Connect app confirms that your download speeds are still lower than 30Mbps in every room, you’ll be eligible for up to two additional mesh WiFi Pods.

If you need a second or third mesh WiFi Pod, sign in to My Virgin Media here, click on Your Package and follow the steps in the WiFi Max tab.

Just says I would be eligible, but no indication how to get one. It does seem that getting a second or third is easier.

Could someone from VM pick up this message and help sort out a pod (preferably two as my experiments with Tenda mesh units made me end up getting 3 which are in bridge mode to my hub5).

Thanks

Alan

  • Client62's avatar
    Client62
    Alessandro Volta
    2 years ago

    Having owned the Tenda Wi-Fi MESH,  using the fully locked down ISP VM Pods is going to be quite a clipped wings situation.   I'd be looking for a replacement for the Tenda MESH.   Retaining control of the home network kit is important for ensuring continuity of service during a Hub replacement and even a change of ISP.

  • John_GS's avatar
    John_GS
    Forum Team
    2 years ago

    Hi apbliv 

    Thanks for posting and welcome back to the community.

    I'll send you a PM now to assist further.

    Best wishes.

  • John_GS's avatar
    John_GS
    Forum Team
    2 years ago

    Hi apbliv 

    Thanks for joining us on PM and allowing us to help with this.

    There are a few requirements for the Pods to work with our Hubs:

    •    The Hub must be in 'Router Mode' and not have been changed to 'Modem Mode'.
    •    Channel Optimisation must be left on.
    •    The SSIDs must be the same and broadcast enabled.
    •    The SSID must be password protected.
    •    The Passphrases of the SSIDs must match.

    As long as all of the above points are all met then the Pod should automatically connect to your Hub's Wi-Fi and begin broadcasting. The wireless details from the Pod will be the same as the Hub's details, so no additional steps are required to connect the devices in the home.

    This link will help though if you do have any issues: https://www.virginmedia.com/help/setup/intelligentwifipod

  • apbliv's avatar
    apbliv
    On our wavelength
    2 years ago

    The pod arrived today and I have it up and working in my 2nd floor study connected by ethernet to my ground floor hub. I get 650 mbs in my study and reasonable speeds in all the rooms on the east side of my house where the hub and pod are. My study will not see the hub wifi with further assistance. I still have a problem on the west side with no signal in my dining room, which I used to use as an ad hoc study. I will keep the tenda mesh going there until I can get a second pod. I gather I have to wait a week before I can order another.

    I will keep the Tenda stuff in a box in case I need it, @Client62. Thank you for your comment.

    Alan

    • John_GS's avatar
      John_GS
      Forum Team
      2 years ago

      Hi, Alan.
      Please try the below as well which should help;
      • Placing one pod directly above the other is the ideal placement between floors
      • Do not place Pods too close to appliances or behind electronics – this can cause interference
      • Do not place the pod directly in a blackspot – it needs to be positioned halfway between the Hub / other Pod and the poor WiFi area
      Best wishes