WiFi Pods - Ethernet Input for Backhaul

[wheatleyroad]

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 Wifi Pods.

The problem is that the Virgin Wifi Pod cannot seem to utilise the wired ethernet connection to the Hub 3 and is relying on relaying the weak Wifi connection from the Hub 3. In other words, the pods do not seem to allow Ethernet Backhaul. The pods are rebranded Plume devices and the Plume website specifically recommends an ethernet connection to the pods, "Does Plume support Ethernet Backhaul? Absolutely. Plume supports Ethernet backhaul. This means you can set up multiple gateway pods by connecting them directly together via Ethernet to deliver the fastest possible performance to your devices."

Virgin seem to have disabled this feature and only support output from the Wifi Pod's ethernet port. Does anyone know why this is and can it be changed? It would be great if we could encourage Virgin to unlock this feature. 🤞

From reading on this forum, the Wifi Pod test group received pods with 2 ethernet ports that did offer Backhaul. However I have a single ethernet port pod as pictured below which would be so much more useful if Backhaul were enabled!

[jeremymorgan]

I'd like to know this too.

Our house has a thick brick wall separating the two halves. I have run an Ethernet cable from the Superhub to the other side of the house (through the wall). I was hoping that VM would be able to supply a WiFi Pod that had Ethernet backhaul capability as I could have connected it directly to this Ethernet cable and it would be the most efficient way of getting WiFi in the other side of the house.

Over the last 3 weeks I have now been sent two of the single port WiFi pods (like the one you posted). Apparently these don't support Ethernet backhaul. On the second occasion I called them, VM support said they would supply a 2-port Pod, but alas only a single port one arrived.

After speaking to VM support again today, they are now saying that the two port pods that do support Ethernet backhaul are not longer available (or supplied).

I'm not sure what the truth is. The VM support agents don't really appear to know what I am talking about when I speak to them about the different Pod types.

Does anyone know?

[jbrennand]

AIUI the ports dont work on Pods.

You could solve it though if you get one of these and connect it to the internet cable.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/NETGEAR-Wireless-Access-Business-WAC104-100UKS/dp/B01LWUJU8H/

[wheatleyroad]

Thanks for the pointer John. I understand that I could use an Access Point and in fact the Pod will be replacing an old Apple AP in that location. I was hoping to benefit from the Plume Pod's mesh networking and other more up to date features. 

[jbrennand]

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]

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. 🤞"

[wheatleyroad]

---

@jeremymorgan wrote:

I'd like to know this too.

Our house has a thick brick wall separating the two halves. I have run an Ethernet cable from the Superhub to the other side of the house (through the wall). I was hoping that VM would be able to supply a WiFi Pod that had Ethernet backhaul capability as I could have connected it directly to this Ethernet cable and it would be the most efficient way of getting WiFi in the other side of the house.

Over the last 3 weeks I have now been sent two of the single port WiFi pods (like the one you posted). Apparently these don't support Ethernet backhaul. On the second occasion I called them, VM support said they would supply a 2-port Pod, but alas only a single port one arrived.

After speaking to VM support again today, they are now saying that the two port pods that do support Ethernet backhaul are not longer available (or supplied).

I'm not sure what the truth is. The VM support agents don't really appear to know what I am talking about when I speak to them about the different Pod types.

Does anyone know?

---

I'm in the same boat @jeremymorgan. I had read on another thread that VM Tech Support are able to unlock this feature for you remotely, will try and find the thread and link it here. I can't verify this myself, I imagine you'd have to get through to some pretty senior VM Tech Support to have someone able to do that for you. Be great to know if anyone has had this done? Or even better a response from VM saying they will unlock the Ethernet Backhaul feature! 💡

[jbrennand]

See if the latest VM info has any info.

Its now called… Wifi Max see…….

https://www.virginmedia.com/wifi-max

[wheatleyroad]

No, nothing useful on any of the VM pages about WiFi Max or Pods etc, scoured these all already. Additionally VM support phone agents don't have any information on this subject, or at least the 2 I've spoken to didn't.

Hopefully someone that knows something firm about my particular questions will respond or VM will reply to this thread.🍀

[jbrennand]

Yes they will get here and respond in a day or so.