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Definitive Guide to setting Modem Mode and recommended routers

gobblebox
Tuning in

New Volt Hub (5?) on the way.  Unlikely it will support port forwarding for SMTP (port 25) so I have two choices; move my mail server to Google/365 or buy a router.

Is there a definitive guide somewhere that would help me set up the Hub and router correctly and which router should I use?

Thanks.

15 REPLIES 15

lotharmat
Community elder
Best router you can afford! 😉

==================== Set up router: ====================

1. Navigate to 192.168.0.1
2. Log in to the Hub
3. Go to 'Modem mode' (on the left) and put the hub into modem mode
4. Wait until the bottom light on the Hub turns magenta / red (HUB 3) (can take about 5 minutes)
5. Turn off the Hub
6. Power on and set up your new router as per the manufacturers instructions
7. Plug an ethernet cable (usually supplied with the new router) from port 1 on the Hub into the WAN (usually blue) socket on the new Router
8. Power on the Hub and wait about 5-10 minutes until it stabilises - You should have internet!



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Hub 3 - Modem Mode - TP-Link Archer C7

legacy1
Alessandro Volta

VM make it hard for ports 25 because they don't want you to become a SMTP relay by mistake.

so use modem mode and a router

I have a test SMTP but firewall in trusted remote IP's to it.

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Cheers, @lotharmat

I have a first generation Google Nest Router but suspect that's not up to the job.

Top of router list otherwise are:

Asus BRT-AC828

Asus RT-AX88U

Netgear Nighthawk X10

Synology RT2600ac

Second gen. Google Nest

I have heard good things about the Nighthawks!

My dad has an ASUS - I, personally, am not a fan!



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Hub 3 - Modem Mode - TP-Link Archer C7

I have configured Draytek before and tend to err toward them when in doubt but that was a while ago.

I use Zyxel kit their Security routers
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hmmm... Thought I would be getting a Hub 5 but have been given another Hub 3?

Message from Virgin said...

Our records show that your existing Virgin Media broadband Hub can’t quite handle your broadband speed boost. For this reason, we’re sending a new Hub

Your new package now includes:
Broadband: Volt M350 Fibre Broadband

We've removed:
Broadband: M250 Fibre Broadband

I have a Hub 3 already.

Hub 3 will handle 350 fine! - You only need a hub 4/5 for 1Gb/s (IIRC)



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Hub 3 - Modem Mode - TP-Link Archer C7

They probably think you had a Hub 2 ac.



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Hub 3 - Modem Mode - TP-Link Archer C7