Can I extend WiFi range of Virgin media Hub 3.0?

Tomc

Hi. I currently have the 3.0 hub. VM engineer recently replaced the previous earlier model as the idea was to plug landline into new hub (had landline issues).  

Following this, the phone didn’t work and the WiFi is worse. Engineer left without testing.  Now in the furthest point in my flat (bedroom) which is not particularly large, I get buffering/freezing on watching YouTube etc. Also listening to podcasts or livestream radio can pause quite often. That is quite important to me as I cant sleep without background noise. (I’m getting the spinning buffering wheel now about 3metres from hub). Should I buy a WiFi range extender? Also I only have tablet, no laptop if that would create a problem if I needed to plug it in. 

I had contacted the engineer the next day asking him to return the old router, but he said to wait a few days for updates to improve things (?). Tied him after that, no response no improvements and no returned router...With the previous router I never had this problem. 

In the router, I have 5.0 and 2.4g set up which should allow slightly longer range?
Any advise please?

matelodave

2.4 has a longer range than 5 so you could try setting it to just use 2.4 and see how you get on.

Tomc

Thank you..  I have tried both 2.4 and 5 and unfortunately no difference it seems. . Still the buffering/ freezing. As said no problem with the previous router which is a bit frustrating. I would have thought the newer router would have been an upgrade, however it’s functioning worse for some reason. 

DCFC79

What is it buffering on ?

Tomc

2.4  and 5.0 on iPhone and iPad. If I am looking at YouTube for example it will play then pause until the data coming in catches up. I never had this problem with previous router..

Tomc

More common on YouTube etc. Live streaming radio and podcasts less of an issue but still happening. 

Roland_Sausage

The virgin hub 3 is known to have poor wifi range. Buy a better router, or a mesh wifi system like the TP-Link Deco M5. Get a pack of 2 or 3 depending on the size of your house.

Tomc

Thank you. Do I need a laptop etc to set this up once I buy one?  Only have  iPad and iPhone, so don’t think I can plug anything in to those..

jefaz07

Tomc said:

Thank you. Do I need a laptop etc to set this up once I buy one?  Only have  iPad and iPhone, so don’t think I can plug anything in to those..

I had the same issues with the same equipment. I bought the M5 Deco and now have 200mbps in the far bedroom. 

Sets up with an app and honestly, the easiest thing you’ll do. 

You have to put the router into modem mode though...that’s the trickiest bit. 

powerful_Rogue

https://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/tenda-nova-mw5c-whole-home-mesh-wi-fi-system-ps5919-with-code-at-box-deals-ebay-3694039

Currently use the MW3 version with my virgin superhub 3. Difference is night and day.

All set up via the Tenda app on your mobile.

Tomc

Thank you. In  not too large flat, so disappointing I have to buy extra equipment to get better range where earlier model was absolutely fine. Virgin Media support = 💩