Forum Discussion

Ninad13's avatar
Ninad13
Tuning in
29 days ago
Solved

Hub5 modem mode signal power problem

Hello Friends, 

My problem is similar to this one described here : https://community.virginmedia.com/discussions/Wireless/intermittent-internet-droppouts-signal-strength-issues/5525992

I joinied VM a couple of days back. I have exactly the same error messages but only when I put my Hub5 in in the modem mode.There are frequent disconnections and jittery reconnections. I have to restart WAN interface on my downstream router.

I then put my Hub5 in router mode and the errors disappeared. The modem mode voltages (dbmV) are below par, but I did not take any screenshots. I am reluctant to put the Hub in modem mode again. A "Home Emergency Act" prohibits me.

I have an OpenWRT LinkSys router for wifi and routing. I connect it to the VM-Hub5 via ethernet. The connection schematic is :

Internet ----> VM Hub5 cable port ----> VM Hub5 Lan port 1 ----> LinkSys WAN port ====> LinkSys Lan ports and Wifi ====> Wifi and Ethernet LAN Clients

Curiously, the modem mode network logs are different from router mode logs. Well, they might have to be that way, but I am no expert. My concern is an undetected fault. Is there a network monster waiting to pounce upon my router?

My query is, should I call VM customer Services and ask for an engineer to take a look?

Thank you!

-Ninad

  • Ninad13's avatar
    Ninad13
    27 days ago

    Hello!

    I tried the steps today evening. I could enter the modem mode successfully. I also got internet access. But it was far more unstable than the router mode. The power levels (dbmVs) looked good though. It seems the modem mode has a buggy bridge.

    In the end, the modem mode is not worth the hassle. I switched back to the router mode.

    Thank you for all for your comments and guidelines.

    -Ninad

  • Client62's avatar
    Client62
    Alessandro Volta
    29 days ago

    Given the VM Hub works normally in Router mode, 
    perhaps it is an issue with the OpenWRT LinkSys router or its cabling.

    A VM Engineer would only consider if the VM Hub works in Router mode.

    • Ninad13's avatar
      Ninad13
      Tuning in
      29 days ago

      Hi Client62,

      Thank you for clarifying my situation. Yes, I can't report my finding as a 'problem'. I think I should report it as a 'feedback'.

      About the downstream cable connections between Hub5 and LinkSys .... it worked well with Sky ( old isp ) and working well with Hub5 in router mode. But it's worth checking with another cable.

      Thank you! :-) 

      -Ninad

  • jbrennand's avatar
    jbrennand
    Very Insightful Person
    29 days ago

    First thing to try is reconnecting your router using the procedure below - the sequence is important to follow.

    Try all the ports on the hub

    Report back when thats been tried

    ________________________________________

    Switch on and set up your own router or first Mesh unit (in its settings) to have its WAN port set to be in.. Dynamic/Automatic IP or DHCP (& Nat) mode,  it may be pre-set that way anyway.  Then, disconnect all cables from your new router (or all Mesh units) and switch them off and unplug them.   Then, put the VM Hub into modem mode ( https://www.virginmedia.com/help/virgin-media-hub-modem-mode ) and wait for the base light to turn magenta/purple (on a Hub3 - but green on a Hub4 or Hub5).  

    Once it’s in modem mode, the VM hub “MUST” then be powered off. Switch your router on and make sure it’s fully initialised (leave 5 min) and then put in the Cat6a ethernet cable from its WAN port to the VM hub (any port will do).  

    NOW… power up the VM hub and wait 5-10 minutes for The Hub to initialise and and you should get a connection. Use the recommended App to connect any other Mesh units to the first one. This order only needs to be done the first time you connect the router to the VM hub.  You might also set the SSID and key/password on the new router/Mesh  to match that on the HUB so when you swap over, all your wireless devices should just connect automatically.

     

    • Ninad13's avatar
      Ninad13
      Tuning in
      29 days ago

      Hi jbrennand,

      Thank you for the detailed instructions. I found a free slot from my family members. It's going to be Tuesday evening. Will try out then. Thank you once again. :-)

      -Ninad

      • Ninad13's avatar
        Ninad13
        Tuning in
        27 days ago

        Hello!

        I tried the steps today evening. I could enter the modem mode successfully. I also got internet access. But it was far more unstable than the router mode. The power levels (dbmVs) looked good though. It seems the modem mode has a buggy bridge.

        In the end, the modem mode is not worth the hassle. I switched back to the router mode.

        Thank you for all for your comments and guidelines.

        -Ninad

  • legacy1's avatar
    legacy1
    Alessandro Volta
    29 days ago

    You can't really go much wrong by hub in modem mode the logs from the hub are the same in modem mode or router mode either your router or cable is bad or you had difference channels the hub goes on when you changed to modem mode that are a problem.