WiFI 7 MESH System Connect to VM Hub5x in AP mode?

Jonathan Day · 30 Aug 2025 at 17:16

Hi All,

VM recently installed in my area and we upgraded (from copper FTTC) to the 2G XGS-PON service with the Hub5x. A massive improvement but some issues still. Fortunately a lot of my stuff is hardwired through the house with Cat5e and 2.5G switches (seems to work well). Like many I'm struggeling with the lack of modem mode on the Hub5x and abilty to optimise wifi coverage and speed with VM Pods. Calling VM helpline to get another POD is a circular exercise in futility.

Question - would a third party WiFI 7 MESH system (ASUS, DECO, Orbi etc) work well if connected to the Hub5x but in AP / Bridge mode (for each unit) and still provide the full functionality / WiFi 7 / backhauling etc?

I'm not an expert and don't work in IT so apologies in advance if I'm missing something.

Thanks in advance!

Jonathan Day · 30 Aug 2025 at 20:00

Perfect - thanks Avalon. Thats what I wanted to know before I dropped the cash on the kit. Any preferences on which MESH system to go for?

Jonathan Day · 31 Aug 2025 at 17:30

Thanks again Avalon - I discovered the UniFi system while researching this weekend which looks like a great way to go. Will certainly keep the DECO in mind too and thanks too for the tips on hardwiring each node - I can do this for everything indoors and will just live with the consequences for outdoor performance but less of an issue.

My main sticking point now is the Virgin Media Hub5x - seems I can't even disable WiFi on this thing (let alone access Modem mode) ... argh!

Jonathan Day · 1 Sep 2025 at 10:38

Good to know - thanks Wonko! MAybe it's because I've got the PODS connected it's disabled but that's an easy fix. Thanks again for the help.

Jonathan Day · 13 Sep 2025 at 11:46

Major774 said:
I did have the VM extra pod but switched to the Deco XE75 Pro kit and set the VM hub in modem mode… a non VM mesh WiFi kit is the way to go.

I bought another 2 Deco kits, so I am looking after the 3 Deco kits in my single app.

Thanks all for the helpful suggestions. Just to update - I have now installed two UniFi U7 Pro APs which are both connected by ethernet (fortunately installed when we last did building work) back to my VM Hub 5x / Switch - works like a dream and I'm now a new UniFi devotee (probably the easiest install I've ever done - they are fantastic). Next I plan to install one U7 Pro Outdoor AP for the garden which will wirelessly MESH with the indoor AP and possibly one more indoor wirelessly connected U7 Pro at the front of the house then I'm sorted. Last thing will be if /when VM finally turns on Modem mode on the 5x then I'll get a UniFi Cloud Gateway / Router (and maybe update the switches so I have dedicated PoE). Thanks again for all the help!