My Wi-Fi isn't fast enough upstairs - What are my options?

[JohnBarnard]

Hello everyone!

I recently signed up to Virgin Media's Gig1 package and I'm very pleased with the service overall.
I get a Wi-Fi signal throughout my home which is fine for most uses. 
However, my Hub is on the ground floor and my office and computer is upstairs. The signal isn't always strong enough for my needs. (For context, I'm a video game developer and I do all my work remotely. My workstation is a couple of hundred miles away from my home and I access it remotely via Parsec. This demands that I can reliably stream 4k video at a decent frame rate). 

I'm currently waiting for a Wi-Fi Pod to be delivered to see if that helps. Would it be possible for a Virgin rep to provide an update on when this might be delivered? I was told it would be 3-5 days but it has been a little longer than that. 

If the Wi-Fi pod doesn't resolve the issue, what would be some sensible options for getting a wired connection instead? Is it possible to relocate the hub upstairs? Or, is it possible to install an ethernet cable that runs along an outside wall (or inside, through the floor)?) to connect the hub to my computer? Any suggestions would be very welcome, I'd rather not trail a long cable down my staircase if possible! 🙂

Thank you in advance!
-John 

[jbrennand]

Is the order of the Pods showing in your online account under "orders".  If not call and find out why not.

Ethernet is always the best idea for connecting any devices to the Hub wherever possible.  VM will not instal that for you - so  - its DIY - or get a network cable guy to do it for you.

You can certainly run exterior grade cable outside and in again.  Get at least Cat6a cable for better shielding from interference.  Top tip... get cable with no connectors on the ends so the cable is cheaper and can go through small (6mm?) holes - otherwise you will be drilling 15mm holes for connectors to pass through.  Then fit the connectors yourself - its straightforward with full kits+instructions being ~£15 at the usual places.

ALSO  For a good wires free alternative  look at Mesh systems.   The TP-Link Deco range of their S, M, and X units are highly regarded on here and reasonably priced (unlike some others).

[JohnBarnard]

Absolutely superb insight, thank you so much! That has given me plenty to work with. Many thanks!

🙂 

[carl_pearce]

Although not usually recommended due to the varying speed based on the circuit in your home, another option is powerline adapters that use your electrical wiring as a network interface:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/TL-PA4010PKIT-Passthrough-Powerline-Configuration-Required/dp/B089DKK2K7

Certainly, nowhere near as good as an ethernet connection directly to the HUB, however, should be better than a bad wireless signal.

[Tudor]

If you want an always good connection the best option is just to run an Ethernet cable between the VM hub and your machine. It’s far, far better in the long run. Cable can be easily hidden outside behind drain pipes.

[Tom_W1 · Accepted solution]

Hi @JohnBarnard thanks for your post here in the Community although we're sorry to hear of the concerns you've raised here.

If you still require information on when your WiFi Pod is due to be delivered, please come back to us here and we'll be happy to invite you to a PM to look into this further but given the weekend has now passed so it's been a few days, you should expect to see the Pod arrive shortly!

If you do though require the Hub to be relocated, it would be a £25 callout charge for a technician but if you do require this too then please don't hesitate to let us know by replying on here 😊

Many thanks

[JohnBarnard]

Hi @Tom_W1.

I’ve solved some of the issue by installing an Ethernet cable to my main machine.  Unfortunately, the Wi-Fi pod still hasn’t been delivered so some areas of the house aren’t getting great coverage. Would you be able to look into this for me please?

Many thanks!

-John

[Lee_R]

Hi @JohnBarnard thanks for getting back to us.

Sorry to hear that your pod has not been delivered and for any inconvenience this may be causing your household. I would love to take a look on your behalf.  am going to send you a private message, to confirm some details. Please keep an eye on your inbox in the top right of your screen.

Regards

Lee