Virgin hub 3, which booster

SammJ · 15 May 2017 at 15:38

Hi I am wanting to improve my home internet connection I run a virgin hub 3 box on 50mb which is fine however smart tv upstairs is always slow.

Do I go down the route of improving the connection via plug in boosters or can I buy something that goes directly into the tv to get a stronger signal from the virgin hub which is downstairs?

Could someone spec me a few different options please?

Orcvader · 15 May 2017 at 16:21

I assume these "boosters" are range extenders? They only work well if they themselves are in an area with a strong wifi signal, but still far enough from the router so it can cover the TV.

Is it possible to run an ethernet cable to the direction of the TV, and then maybe use an access point? Would offer the best coverage/range/stability.

HazardO · 15 May 2017 at 16:31

Step 1 would be to see if you can get an old superhub 2 from virgin as the superhub 3 has the intel puma chipset which is vulnerable to DDOS with very little effort.

If you want better wifi, I'd look at switching the superhub into modem only mode and using a good wireless router behind it, some of them have very impressive wifi bandwidth and range.

WantoN · 19 May 2017 at 09:56

HazardO said:
Step 1 would be to see if you can get an old superhub 2 from virgin as the superhub 3 has the intel puma chipset which is vulnerable to DDOS with very little effort.

If you want better wifi, I'd look at switching the superhub into modem only mode and using a good wireless router behind it, some of them have very impressive wifi bandwidth and range.

I have disabled wifi on my Superhub 3 and have a LITE AP handling my wifi requirements. I retain the wired router functionality of my Superhub 2, as the job it does of handling 3 wired devices is fine.

You could try the LR or PRO instead of the LITE, as the range isn't mind blowing on mine.

mmj_uk · 19 May 2017 at 12:52

Powerlines would probably be the best option and cheapest, assuming running a cable isn't an option.

Duke · 20 May 2017 at 20:07

Running an Ethernet cat5e cable would always be the first option and cheap. If not then powerline adapters as mentioned above either used with cables either side or to create a wireless access point in the room or nearby would be next on my list.

wam7 · 22 May 2017 at 01:20

Normally putting the Superhub in modem only mode and picking up an Asus N66U (as your on 50Mb) which tend to go for less than £40 would be best option as the wifi on them is excellent. Though as Virgin are only giving out SH3 which has the latecny problem when put in modem mode then you're probably better off with powerlines etc.