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Superhub 2 - how fast can you go?

G5amo
Dialled in

Hi Folks

My Superhub sits in Modem Mode 100% of the time.

Superhub Modem Mode -> TP-Link Powerline -> Tp-Link Deco Mesh.

I'm getting 190Mbs wirelessly of my 200Mbs contracted speed according to SpeedTest etc. etc. and full 20Mbs up. 

This wee rig has serviced the family home working, streaming, gaming very well but we fancied a speed boost and as out of contract I'm about to call and negotiate. 

Question(s): my Hub2 is getting a wee bit long in the tooth and I dread it failing. How fast can I go on this hardware and if looking for 350Mbs - 500Mbs will I need a Hub 3? I'm only interested in modem mode. 

Thanks in advance ...

 

1 ACCEPTED SOLUTION

Accepted Solutions

Eeeps
Well-informed

The SH2 bonds 8 downstream channels each of which can provide 50Mb/s (on the QAM256 modulation depth)
That equates to a maximum of 400Mb/s if no one else was using these channels (which obviously they are not).

The SH3 bonds 24 downstream giving 1.2Gb/s max so is much more capable of providing the speed in the statistically vague arena of the shared DOCSIS network.

However, I would be more worried that your PowerLine system can cope with the upgrade. Could you replace that with a length of Ethernet cable?

See where this Helpful Answer was posted

7 REPLIES 7

Andrew-G
Alessandro Volta

Yes you will need a Hub 3.  And at the moment that probably means you'll get some former customer's untested return.

Thanks Andrew. 

If not upgrading to the 1Gbs service, is a returned SH3 the standard offering? That seems a bit crap, the only way to upgrade to a new modem is buying 1Gbs? 

 

 

 

 

 

Eeeps
Well-informed

The SH2 bonds 8 downstream channels each of which can provide 50Mb/s (on the QAM256 modulation depth)
That equates to a maximum of 400Mb/s if no one else was using these channels (which obviously they are not).

The SH3 bonds 24 downstream giving 1.2Gb/s max so is much more capable of providing the speed in the statistically vague arena of the shared DOCSIS network.

However, I would be more worried that your PowerLine system can cope with the upgrade. Could you replace that with a length of Ethernet cable?

Thanks Eeeps, very helpful & much appreciated. This is not my specialist area at all. 

My mains adapters (TP-Link PA7020's) are 'rated' at 1Gbs and connected SH2 -> CAT7 -> Mains #1 ... Mains #2 -> CAT7 -> Deco.  

Ideal for Living Room to Dining Room with no visible spaghetti. 

I honestly don't know how fast my adapters / wiring could tolerate, would need to experiment. But completely agree, a length of ethernet is indeed the ultimate solution as I'd be reaching the 'theoretical' limit of TP-Link's hardware 🙂 

 

 

Andrew-G
Alessandro Volta

@G5amo If not upgrading to the 1Gbs service, is a returned SH3 the standard offering?

Seems to be.  Some unlucky punters are even getting antique Superhub 2ac's dished out to replace their broken hub.  Amazon are having a few problems with tech supplies, but mostly finding ways round them, however despite their scale and buying power in cable modems, VM/Liberty Global have totally flunked the real world supply chain management test.  Some people point to a global IC supply chain problem.  I point to Liberty Global's $12bn revenues and think "no excuses, must try harder".

That seems a bit crap,

Yes.

the only way to upgrade to a new modem is buying 1Gbs? 

Well, if you want a new Hub 4, yes.  Some customers in over-utilised network areas are getting Hub 4s on lower speeds, but you wouldn't want to be in their shoes.  And since the Hub 4 is still the subject of a range of minor behavioural oddities I'm not sure it's that much of an upgrade.

All a bit downbeat, but unless VM find a stash of unissued Hub 3's buried in the tomb of an ancient king, then your options are as described.  Personally I'd stick with your SH2 as long as possible if it is working, stick with your 200 Mbps, but if the wifi is poor then invest in a mesh or standalone router.

Brilliant!

Thank you 🙂

jbrennand
Very Insightful Person
Very Insightful Person
Andrew is right of course - its what I do too - but FI - any package over 200mbps - has to use a Hub3/4 - so an upgrade to 350/500 has to come with a Hub swap

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John
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I do not work for VM. My services: HD TV on VIP (+ Sky Sports & Movies & BT sport), x3 V6 boxes (1 wired, 2 on WiFi) Hub5 in modem mode with Apple Airport Extreme Router +2 Airport Express's & TP-Link Archer C64 WAP. On Volt 350Mbps, Talk Anytime Phone, x2 Mobile SIM only iPhones.