Hub 4 vs BT Smart Hub 2

[johndm]

Just joined the Virgin community after 25 years with BT.

I'm extremely happy with my new fast broadband package (M350), but find the supplied Hub 3 rather inferior to my old BT Smart Hub 2 for wifi.

My main computers are all on ethernet so no issues there, but the wfi signal around the house is much weaker, and our iphones on Virgin mobile are not connecting as well as they did with BT upstairs when using wifi calling

I bought an extender but it was rubbish and made things worse.

Just reading about the new Virgin Hub 4 which seems a massive improvement over the 3 I was suppled with, is there any way I can get the Hub 4

Answers appreciated

[johndm]

What router then?

[spgray]

whatever one suits your usage and budget.
I can't do everything for you.

[-tony- · Accepted solution]

any 3rd party router is likely to be better than any of the VM hubs - the Asus ones get good feedback on here but there is no shortage of choices 

[johndm]

spgray,
Nice attitude, please don't answer any further posts from me

[spgray]

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@johndm wrote:
spgray,
Nice attitude, please don't answer any further posts from me

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you reap what you sow.

[johndm]

Thanks for the info Tony, will have a look at that one.

Answer appreciated thanks

[Andrew-G · Accepted solution]

If you're looking to improve wireless coverage, consider a mesh wifi system rather than a standalone router.  Mesh systems use two or more transmitter units that work together to offer much better coverage than a single router.  Shop around and you could get a Tenda Nova MW3 mesh system for sixty quid, or a TP-Link Deco M4 twin pack for seventy (from Currys and Argos, respectively).  The Deco M4 is slightly more advanced than the MW3, but they're both great value and easy to setup.  I use the Deco M4, and it has been faultless. 

Do a search on mesh wifi in general, and any particular system that catches your eye so that you know what you might buy.

[spgray]

mesh networks have their downsides though, they increase "coverage" but at a cost of "bandwidth".
each non-wired link will result in a drop in available bandwidth.

there are ways to mitigate though, but i'm not sure the £60 versions will do much to help that.

[Andrew-G · Accepted solution]

each non-wired link will result in a drop in available bandwidth.

...for that node, not the whole system, and even with three in use, there's credible speed tests published online showing that a three node Deco M4 was able to deliver 400-500 Mbps through the primary,  180-230 Mbps through the secondary, and 150-170 through the tertiary.   My secondary Deco M4 (in a two node setup) delivers speeds up to 200 Mbps, and the primary is constrained by my 220 Mbps cable speed, so I'd say that the online review is consistent with the data points I have available.

Given that the OP only has 350-400 Mbps coming into the house, I can't see cause for complaint if they buy a three node mesh and they get their full contract speed wirelessly on the primary, and 150-230 throughout the rest of the house with a reliable wireless connection.  As always, caveats apply to achieved speeds if the house has thick stone or brick internal walls.

[spgray]

all you've done there is confirm what i said, in that you get a loss in available bandwidth.

example here is that the user follows the advice and gets a three node mesh system, then comes back here later on complaing about only getting 150-170Mbps on wifi from their 350-400Mbps connection.

saying "get a mesh" system is easy to say, but unless an explanation of what the expected outcome is given then it can lead to more perceived issues.