Virgin HUB 3.0 - mesh or Router

Hi,
I hope i've chosen the right forum.
I have Virgin Broadband for Home use and experiencing more and more issues with my Wi-Fi. The broadband is reliable but Wi-Fi drops two or three times a day especially in work MS Teams calls.
It's a HUB 3.0 cable router and the wi-fi light starts flashing until it reconnects.

I've read I could no longer use the Virgin HUB and use it just as a means to my own router (an access point?) or look into installing a mesh wi-fi network.

Can anyone advise on any particular routers - I've looked at ASUS models or mesh network equipment ?

Thank you

You can put the hub into Modem Mode and plug your own router into it.

Unless you live in a large house or have thick walls then you probably don't need mesh - what I found was as more and more people got WiFi around me then the older router I had started losing WiFi connection. So I upgraded a couple of years ago to tri-band ASUS AX (WiFi 6) router and haven't had any problems since, but it was expensive and I think their latest Tri-Bands cover 2.3, 5 & 6GHz where mine has 2.4 and two 5GHz so works well with Wifi 5 devices

Hi
Thanks for getting back . I spoke to the Virgin media engineer and he thinks thicker walls could be my issue although he did say to try a mesh system.
I have looked at the Asus rt-ax86u which gets good writeups.
Short term I have 20m cable on order

Thanks

I have a Hub 3 in modem mode connected to an ASUS WiFi 6 router (RT-AX88U). However this is an expensive option as WiFi 6 is still costly. I found the coverage from the Hub 3 was surprisingly less than expected even in small homes.

The other option is to leave the Hub 3 in router mode and add a WiFi mesh system and then turn off the WiFi in the Hub. Some popular options include the BT Wholehome system, the Linksys Velop, and the TP-Link Deco range. (Many available at Argos).

Edited by jchamier (Sat 07-Aug-21 22:05:45)

I'd start with a good router that can also do Mesh - that way you haven't limited your options.

My sister has wi-fi issues in house from virgin hub which surprised me as it walls aren't particularly thick

@PParker,

Can you not use ethernet cables instead of wireless? IMHO, wired is better than wireless. I only use wireless for devices that DO NOT have an ethernet port or a USB port where I could get a USB ethernet adapter. These are usually my mobile phone and an Android tablet. Neither of them have an ethernet port or USB port.

HTH,

Hi
Thanks all for your help.
Right now I've run a 20m cable down to the computer. No issues but not very pretty.
I need to look up cable conduits for ethernet cable.

I agree the Asus router is a pricey option. As for mesh I'll take a look,.
A colleague was saying how a brand called Ubiqity make really good products although the choice is rather bewildering

Thanks again

Ubiquiti do make some nice kit but their mesh kit costs even more than an Asus router.

Thanks
Dan

In reply to a post by PParker:

Hi
Thanks all for your help.
Right now I've run a 20m cable down to the computer. No issues but not very pretty
I need to look up cable conduits for ethernet cable.

If you own the property consider using external ethernet runs. I have done this for family members, to get a cable from the Hub, up the outside wall into the roof space. From here a PoE switch runs a couple of ceiling mounted TP Link EAP 225's AP's. It also leaves the option to have drop cables into the rooms if needed.

Hey - it's Summer

Bodgy as anything but...

If you have modern/replacement windows that can be locked in a slightly open position I can attest that a Cat 5/6 cable will run out of the window closest to your Hub and up/across/over the outside to the window closest to the target room.

Tidier within the house, externally - not so much but it's temporary (OK, 20 years and 4 replacement cables in my case).

Just make sure you don't chop the cable by closing the window (which accounts for 2 of the 4 replacemnt cables)