Forum Discussion

wheatleyroad's avatar
wheatleyroad
On our wavelength
3 years ago
Solved

WiFi Pods - Ethernet Input for Backhaul

Hi folks, I'd like to use the Virgin Wifi Pods to extend my Wifi network. I have ethernet access to my Hub 3 router in the areas where I would like to extend the weak Wifi network using the Virgin W...
Backhaul
Ethernet
ethernet input
ethernet output
Plume
Pods
wifi pods
  • wheatleyroad's avatar
    wheatleyroad
    3 years ago

    Hi Alex_RM and Adri_G ,

    Thanks for both of your help thus far. We have success! 🎉

    Cabling was all ok. Channel Optimisation is switched ‘on’ already. It was Step 6 of Adri_G's post which solved it in the end. I have 2 pods, and I swapped the pods over. The second pod automatically connected by ethernet backhaul after about 5 mins. I now have full speed in the garden office from the pod which is connected to my Hub 3 by Cat6 ethernet cable. Great to have it working and I'm pleased that we could get a firm answer and result on this topic; The single ethernet port VM rebranded Plume pods do support ethernet backhaul. 👌

    In response to your question Adri, it is the single ethernet port device as pictured in my first post.

    Alex_RM and Adri_G could you replace the faulty pod please? Happy to share my details in DM.

jbrennand's avatar
jbrennand
Very Insightful Person
3 years ago

Do you qualify for "free" pods. If so they are worth a try - but there will be no backhaul and they are limited by VM's firmware modifications.  And with thick walls I suspect the signal will be very attenuated using them.  Something connected on the ethernet cable will be a quantum leap better than a pod.

Far better equipment is available for the monies VM charge to rent pods (£8/month).  The WAP I highlighted is a low cost solution.  Spend more for more features - WiFi6, 2.5GB ports, Backhaul, Mesh capabilties, etc.....

wheatleyroad's avatar
wheatleyroad
On our wavelength
3 years ago

They are indeed the free VM Plume rebranded pods and I do not rent them, they are supplied under the VM Wifi guarantee. But you've hit the nail on the head saying,

jbrennand wrote:

but there will be no backhaul and they are limited by VM's firmware modifications.

So I revert to my original question and what I would like this threads to focus 🔎 on, "Does anyone know why Ethernet Backhaul is disabled and can it be changed? It would be great if we could encourage Virgin to unlock this feature. 🤞"