Hub 3 and Smart Home devices

If you buy something to somewhat fix a problem it will not help.

buy a router put hub in modem mode

ASUS RT-AX57 (AX3000) Dual Band WiFi 6 Extendable Router, Subscription-free Network Security, Instant Guard, Advanced Parental Controls, Built-in VPN, AiMesh Compatible, Gaming & Streaming, Smart Home : Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories

TP-Link Archer BE3600 Router WiFi 7 BE3600Mbps, WiFi Router, 2.5G Ports, USB 3.0 Port, Maximized Coverage, VPN Router, Internet Booster Routers, WiFi Booster, HomeShield Security, Easy Setup,EasyMesh : Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories

Did you have the TP-Link extender connected to both the VM Hub's Wi-Fi and cable connected to the VM Hub's network socket ?

If Yes : this could cause a network loop and a network flood.

I had an extender and a cable for a few months, and it was no problem on the PC. It started just recently.

Even after the visit of the VM technician and having the WiFi pods supplied by VM, it is not sorted. Low speed on cable - can listen to a podcast with static image and only with audio on YT without severe lagging. The real speed from SamKnows is 53 Mbps.

On 5 GHz Wi-Fi, it's even worse: lagging, buffering, and when I try remote access to the cloud, I'm kicked for unstable speed. I checked for malware or whether the firewall introduced its own rule. Nothing. Sometimes, after 7 p.m., the speed improves. But I pay for 24/7 internet and not for evening like in 2004, with performance not being different. 

Is this due to two SSIDs from the Hub 3? How would a VM technician connect my smarthome, and can I even call one to do it?

I would consider purchasing a router as the last option, and I appreciate the links you sent. 

As you have a split the Hub's SSID, the VM Pods are now a dimension of your problem.

If you require to have a split SSID - retire and return the VM Pods.

The VM Pods expect the VM Hub to have Smart Wi-Fi enabled, i.e. a shared SSID, Auto Channels and shared credentials for the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands.

With the VM Hub set to a split SSID, the VM Pods will only connect on one band, if they operate at all.   In your case the comment speed from SamKnows is 53 Mbps suggests the VM Pods are on the slower but longer range 2.4Ghz band.


This is a retail Wi-Fi repeater that can operate with shared or split SSID :- 

https://www.toolstation.com/tp-link-wi-fi-range-extender/p52846 

VM just want users to use their equipment in ‘vanilla’ mode. These days users are getting more and more networking equipment especially IoT devices that use the minimum WiFi protocols they can get away with. These just do not work with combined SSIDs. My router manufacturer, Ubiquiti, strongly advises uses to use a dedicated SSID for all IoT devices with lots of normal parameters turned off or not enabled and if possible a dedicated VLAN. This is what I have in my set up and it works very well. Not all manufacturers allow many SSIDs on their devices, but the Wireless Access Points I am now using allow for 8 SSIDs per radio, that 24 in total for my WiFi 7 one. 

I’m confused.

I’m looking for an answer to how 99% of VM customers who never open the Hub settings from the IP address connect their smart home devices using only 2.4 GHz.

A VM employee named my issue TP extender, and it was confirmed here that using Ethernet and Wi-Fi could cause it.

I prefer to remain an average customer who taps on app prompts to set up a smart home rather than start networking with an extra router when I lack the necessary knowledge and networking to make it sufficiently.

Many customers grumble they can't setup their IoT via the provided app.

I do get the impression several management apps are failing to work when the mobile / tablet has connected to the 5GHz band but the IoT has to use the 2.4GHz band. With the range of VM Hub as very wide range of IoTs, the reasons for this may be multiple.

A number customers have disabled 5GHz Wi-Fi for a period to force their mobile onto the 2.4GHz band and have succeeded in configuring their devices.