Old NTL Modem Box Wifi Issues

Spacedeck · 4 Aug 2015 at 14:46

So guys, my girlfriends family isn't very tech savvy and when she's at home, the internet will constantly cut out or just go extremely slow, even if you are at sitting on top of it.

My first thought was that this could be caused by the very old NTL modem box they have / old Edimax (I think) router connected to it. They asked VM after I told them to, but VM wouldn't provide a new box and also told them it was just the area. Now this to me sounds more like they are being fobbed off, because nobody should have connection issues this badly in the same room.

I don't know how much they pay, I'm trying to find this out. But what steps can be taken to try resolve this? They run everything via wireless and only have 1 mobile and 2 laptops connected to the network, so it isn't even like it's overloaded.

I'm thinking about trying a new router, but which one? If all fails on that side, I can use this at my house with my VM Superhub, so it would be better if this was pretty decent.

Would leaving NTL / VM change the situation? If they could get a similar deal with another provider, would changing over help?

I must admit, it's a little annoying when I stay over and the signal is all over the place

bremen1874 · 4 Aug 2015 at 14:57

Have another go at getting a new hub from VM. There's no reason why you should be paying if their kit is potentially to blame.

If necessary disconnect the power and complain that it isn't working. Pretend to go through their error checking and they'll probably decide it's dead and send a replacement.

stuie · 4 Aug 2015 at 14:57

If its the wifi signal thats dropping then it will be the wireless box.

If the wifi is stable but the internet is dropping its the ntl box.

Based loosely on your description id say its an ap/router issue but as you wernt specific to the nature of the problem im only guessing

koolpc · 4 Aug 2015 at 14:59

Just ring up Virgin and say you are going to leave them as you are sick of the problems you are having with their hardware. I bet you 100% they will send you a new Router! I have done this myself for friends and family!

Spacedeck · 4 Aug 2015 at 15:11

stuie said:
If its the wifi signal thats dropping then it will be the wireless box.

If the wifi is stable but the internet is dropping its the ntl box.

Based loosely on your description id say its an ap/router issue but as you wernt specific to the nature of the problem im only guessing

Well, sometimes the wifi on the laptop can display that it's connected, however it won't actually connect to anything. Then sometimes the symbol can go off completely. Lights appear to be on but we don't get anything.

I've done usual of updating the routers firmware and unplugging everything for a while. Even after unplugging, this doesn't resolve this most of the time and eventually it will just come back to me over time.

I'll try get her mum to call them and get a replacement, chances are though it will be me doing this.