Network Upgrade Help

benji182 · 24 Nov 2018 at 21:53

Hello all,

I know very little with regards to networking but I do know I have a VM hub3 which is quite frankly awful. I have seen several threads with similar issues but I am just after a little more tailored advice.

I have seen other people buy a router and then put their hubs into modem mode however I need to connect 7 devices via ethernet and so the usual Asus RC-AC68U bolt on is quite pricey if I need to then buy something else that will allow me to connect everything up.

Would I be better getting something cheaper like the USG and a basic netgear 8 port switch or would you recommend me something entirely different?

My main aim is to have stable network regarding QoS (gaming priority over netflix and any downloads others might be doing).

TIA

Django x2 · 24 Nov 2018 at 22:10

Adding a dumb (unmanaged) switch to your current VM hub will just give you the expansion you require, but will still be limited to the VM Hub.

There are many routers now which will even replace the VM Hub completely and take the VM Connection into it (DrayTek, etc).

A managed switch would give you a greater handle on QoS if you can't find a good router with loads of ports, but a managed switch can be expensive. Zyxel make some good ones though which won't break the bank.

benji182 · 24 Nov 2018 at 22:31

Django x2 said:
1. Adding a dumb (unmanaged) switch to your current VM hub will just give you the expansion you require, but will still be limited to the VM Hub.

2. There are many routers now which will even replace the VM Hub completely and take the VM Connection into it (DrayTek, etc).

3. A managed switch would give you a greater handle on QoS if you can't find a good router with loads of ports, but a managed switch can be expensive. Zyxel make some good ones though which won't break the bank.

1. It has awful WiFi and no real features so happy to move away from it.

2. I did not know this. Does this cause any issues with regards to VM knowing you've switched it out or breaking their T&Cs (I haven't read them).

3. I don't really know enough to make an informed judgement on what is good but the NETGEAR GS108UK 8-Port (un-managed) is more expensive (by £3) than the NETGEAR GS108E-300UKS (managed).

bremen1874 · 24 Nov 2018 at 22:52

Django x2 said:
There are many routers now which will even replace the VM Hub completely and take the VM Connection into it (DrayTek, etc).

This is complete bobbins. Cable routers obviously exist, but Virgin will not allow their use (and they can tell what's attached to the ends of their cables).

You almost certainly wouldn't need a managed switch.

benji182 · 24 Nov 2018 at 22:55

bremen1874 said:
This is complete bobbins. Cable routers obviously exist, but Virgin will not allow their use (and they can tell what's attached to the ends of their cables).

You almost certainly wouldn't need a managed switch.

Is this because the USG/AC68U would be doing that part of the QoS....?

Or is it only the data that goes through the router that has the QoS so if something was on the switch that would be a free for all.

LuckyWig · 25 Nov 2018 at 11:24

Unless you really know what you are doing I would stay away from switch based QoS and look at router only, even something like a TP-Link W9970 can do this although it only has 100mb ports so might not be fast enough for a Virgin line.
Have a look at this faq to get started
https://www.tp-link.com/us/faq-557.html