Forum Discussion

Jalcorn's avatar
Jalcorn
Joining in
2 years ago

PODS

Hi,

My package is M600 fibre using a HUB 3. The router registers speeds of >600Mpbs and slightly less from the router to devices which can connect to it. However, I have some issues with connectivity within the house, therefore a POD was given to improve this. The speeds from this POD is extremely poor, <20 Mbps. On messaging VIRGIN an engineer came out as there was an 'issue' with the broadband, this was 'fixed'. This did not fix the issue, which is speeds from the POD. It was then decided to install another POD to help with connectivity, which was installed a week ago. The connection from the router to the PODs is great as shown in the VM Connect app. The speeds from both PODs remain at <20Mbps. On the home WIFI connections, there are the connections of VM********* and VM********_Ext. My questions are:

  1. I expect some reduction in speeds from the PODS but not by 90%, what can be done about this?
  2. Should the PODS create another network connection VM*********_Ext?
  3. If not then how do I create one network?
  • Tudor's avatar
    Tudor
    Very Insightful Person
    2 years ago

    Where are the pods placed, they should be half way between the hub and the device. Do you have an iPhone? If so I can recommend some good free apps to test out the WiFi. 

    • Jalcorn's avatar
      Jalcorn
      Joining in
      2 years ago

      Thanks, they are half way. I've been through all the moving them, resetting, clearing cache, resetting the router etc. etc. No change

  • Client62's avatar
    Client62
    Alessandro Volta
    2 years ago

    The current VM Pods use the same network name as the VM Hub.

    A Wi-Fi service named  VM*********_Ext   reads more like the old VM Powerline extenders.

    • Jalcorn's avatar
      Jalcorn
      Joining in
      2 years ago

      Thanks, I had one of those prior to these pods. Should I get rid of this network, if so how?

      • Reece_MH's avatar
        Reece_MH
        Forum Team (Retired)
        2 years ago

        Hi Jalcorn 👋

        Thanks for posting, and welcome back to the Forums.

        I'm sorry to hear you've had some trouble with your Pods. For context, each network created by the Pods is self-learning, so pods can be added or removed. Once a change is established, the pod-to-pod routing is changed over time, so whilst it will work immediately, it will refine and optimise itself using AI (Artificial Intelligence) and through use of the network as time goes on.

        This can take up to 7 days to fully optimise, so we wouldn't advise to move the Pods around often. If you're seeing the _Ext network, then it may be that you have your own third-party boosters, or one of the previous Powerline boosters we offered. To disable this, it would be best to just unplug them from the outlet.

        I've ran checks on the Pods, and your Home Network, and everything is within the expected specification, including the Pod speeds. Everytime the Pod is moved, it needs to re-calibrate to its surroundings, and network, which can cause some problems.

        How are you identifying the speeds from the Pods, is this on a single device such as a Mobile?

        Thanks,

    • Jalcorn's avatar
      Jalcorn
      Joining in
      2 years ago

      Hi,

      Just VM pods. The powerli e extenders replaced the pods.

  • Client62's avatar
    Client62
    Alessandro Volta
    2 years ago

    If so,  please explain the VM*********_Ext network ?

  • Jalcorn's avatar
    Jalcorn
    Joining in
    2 years ago

    That's what I am asking. I don't understand what us happening

    • Martin_N's avatar
      Martin_N
      Forum Team
      2 years ago

      Thank you for keeping us updated Jalcorn. How have the pods been since your post?

      ^Martin

      • Jalcorn's avatar
        Jalcorn
        Joining in
        2 years ago

        The pods appear fine. Are you able to answer my question about removing a network from the router?

  • Jalcorn's avatar
    Jalcorn
    Joining in
    2 years ago

    Does my router still think there are powerline extenders operating? How do I stop this? I have tried resetiing the router back to factory settings and rebooting everything.

  • Jalcorn's avatar
    Jalcorn
    Joining in
    2 years ago

    Hi,

    The _EXT name is the same as my hub SSID. I have 'forget' the network, but it still reappears.

    • Vikki_M's avatar
      Vikki_M
      Forum Team
      2 years ago

      Hi Jalcorn

      Do you have any third party equipment connected such as a TP link? If so, that will likely be the cause of the _EXT network name you are seeing. 

      We cant support any third party equipment, we would therefore recommend to use our pods only if possible. 

      We will send you a private message now so we can discuss this further and arrange a further pod for you if required.

      Please look out for the envelope in the top right of the page and pop back to me when you can.