Wireless Router replacement for Superhub 1

Makhaira · 19 Aug 2014 at 12:46

The wireless on my Superhub 1 is appalling, and whilst I'm going to try and get VM to replace it on the grounds of not offering the service they have sold (i.e. <1mb speed over wireless, in any room, on any channel/mode), I want to do some research on what I might need to replace it with.

Open to just tagging something on to it to act as a wireless AP if needs be, my criteria are:

- Gigabit ports (if replacement, irrelevant if an AP)
- Full Wireless N and Dual Band support

That's it! Don't need any fancy features, I've got a server set up for all.

jfish · 19 Aug 2014 at 12:50

I Just got myself TP LInk WDR3600 - 50 quid - going to stick OpenWRT on it

supports dual band, gigabit ports with 2 USB on back so can attached an external USB drive and make it act like a NAS

If you want a better model, the Asus ones are good but double the price.

Makhaira · 19 Aug 2014 at 12:56

Cheers, what sort of wireless speeds do you manage on it?

I've spoken to VM and they fobbed me off completely. I'm going to do a wireless test sat right next to it tonight, take a screenshot, and then go back into their Customer team I think, it's pretty shoddy and I would have thought they're on shaky ground if there is that much of a performance disparity.

jfish · 19 Aug 2014 at 13:04

Makhaira said:
Cheers, what sort of wireless speeds do you manage on it?

I've spoken to VM and they fobbed me off completely. I'm going to do a wireless test sat right next to it tonight, take a screenshot, and then go back into their Customer team I think, it's pretty shoddy and I would have thought they're on shaky ground if there is that much of a performance disparity.

still boxed so cant comment as yet but from OpenWRT forum should get a very good wireless range as it gives you the option to change the transmit power on the antennas to increase the range.

MichaelAwkward · 19 Aug 2014 at 13:06

I did the same, got fobbed off (£20 for self-install) so asked to be put through to retentions. They agreed to send me a Superhub 2 free of charge straight away. It's much better.

However, personally I think you'd better off making the investment now in a good dual band AC router so that if you ever switch ISP to fibre or whatever, you can keep using it no matter what equipment they provide.

Makhaira · 19 Aug 2014 at 17:51

So sat right next to my wonderful hub, the best sustained throughput I can get is 5-6Mb/s. Given that there is nothing in the way (even free space!), and I've tried with two different laptops, I don't see how they can argue that the equipment is fit for purpose. Will try your approach Michael, thanks.

Might well get another wireless AP anyways in light of the advice above I guess. I'd be interested in how that TP Link performs given it's so much cheaper than the Asus...

EDIT: Well I got the usual run around at the call centre, but they've now agreed to send an tech to see the performance for himself, and since they carry SH2's in the van, if it's an issue then they can swap it out there and then. Cautiously optimistic this might be a positive result!