Guide - Getting the most out of your high speed Virgin Media (UPC) 240mb/s service

Polar wizard adventure · 18-10-2016 12:02PM

I followed these instructions with an Archer C8. Installation was really straightforward. I have full coverage over my entire house and wi-fi speeds are probably x8 what I was getting before.

Super post.

TheDoc · 22-10-2016 11:27PM

Guys what is the default Sbunet Mask on the Hub 3.0

I just noticed my HTPC and PC are running two different subnets. MY HTPC has 255.255.254.0 and my PC has 255.255.255.0

Both are working fine, except HTPC much better with Twitch.tv than Gaming PC, weird how both are working fine with two seperate subnets

ED E · 23-10-2016 12:09AM

Well, one is a subnet of the other.

If you're using 192.168.0.0 as your network then the PC says it stops at 192.168.0.255 while the HTPC says it stops at 192.168.1.255(twice as big).

The ONLY difference this will make is broadcast traffic. PC will receive and send valid broadcast traffic, the HTPC will ignore it and bcast to deaf ears. If you've had issues with discovery etc that'd be why. Don't see how it would impact performance unless you've broadcast storms going on (I have heard a rumor about VMI doing something stupid here but I'm not confident its true).

TheDoc · 25-10-2016 10:22AM

ED E wrote: »

Well, one is a subnet of the other.

If you're using 192.168.0.0 as your network then the PC says it stops at 192.168.0.255 while the HTPC says it stops at 192.168.1.255(twice as big).

The ONLY difference this will make is broadcast traffic. PC will receive and send valid broadcast traffic, the HTPC will ignore it and bcast to deaf ears. If you've had issues with discovery etc that'd be why. Don't see how it would impact performance unless you've broadcast storms going on (I have heard a rumor about VMI doing something stupid here but I'm not confident its true).

Yeah no performance issues I guess, everything has been working (bar the Twitch issue which I think you've seen my threaD)

So today is the day I pull the trigger on a third party router.

I remember last time I was asking the Archer C7 was a recommendation, but I see now there is a C8 and a C9. And do I recall something about the type of C7?

What's the general consensus, I'm buying one of these today

EDIT: I see the OP was updated to recommend the C8. It's at a decent price there on amazon. So happy enough with that coupled with an AC adapter

https://www.amazon.co.uk/TP-Link-C8-Wireless-Beamforming-Technology/dp/B00OZG8ZDO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1477387233&sr=8-2&keywords=Archer+C9

Weird Amazon showing as won't ship to Ireland for those items : / Parcel Motel I guess. Both C8 and a TP Link AC adaptor picked up for €110 which I'm happy enough with. Look forward to getting this all hooked up now when it arrives.

Can't wait for loads of problems

TheDoc · 29-10-2016 10:57AM

So kit all arrived yesterday. I'm getting pretty annoyed.....

For a start, here is my speedtest from just using the TPLink wifi adapter with the Virgin Hub 3.0

So looks like I could have saved myself €80 haha

Anyway, appreciate it will be a better router to use overall. However cannot access the admin panel, no matter what I try.

Two different computers
Hoping between static and automatic settings IP configs
Reseting PC's
Reseting adapters through windows (ethernet)
Disabling wifi adapters to ensure no conflict
Rebooting router

Just cannot get to the admin panel, its really pissing me off about two hours trying to sort it this morning. The addresses it advises are :
tplinkwifi.net
192.168.0.1
192.168.1.1

Anyone have this issue? When I ipconfig no default gateway is being recoginsed or shown

This is where I'm leaving it for now as I have to go out shopping.

And as a final positive note, jumped onto twitch.tv and streams looking like they do down at my HTPC, which was the entire reason for the change in setup

TheDoc · 29-10-2016 07:55PM

Really getting annoying. Can ping the C8, 192.168.1.1, but just cannot get a login page up

mass_debater · 29-10-2016 08:06PM

TheDoc wrote: »

Really getting annoying. Can ping the C8, 192.168.1.1, but just cannot get a login page up

Are you in the same subnet and coming from lan not wan

TheDoc · 29-10-2016 09:00PM

mass_debater wrote: »

Are you in the same subnet and coming from lan not wan

Got it all sorted. In a moment of despair/inspiration I noticed the tplink was broadcasting wifi. So i connected tothe tplink and was straight into the panel. All up and running now.

Only issue remaining seems to be i cannot connect to the Virgin hub 3.0 anymore at 192.168.0.1 Became unresponsive after i enabled modem mode.

Only reason i would want to go back in, is the first post that contains setup instructions mentions about setting some static ip stuff on the tplink, and then adding to virgins dmz.

IS that still a neccessary step for gaming or is it redundant now

Virgin hub showing a reddish pink light now since i moved it to modem mode

shanec1928 · 30-10-2016 08:30PM

TheDoc wrote: »

Got it all sorted. In a moment of despair/inspiration I noticed the tplink was broadcasting wifi. So i connected tothe tplink and was straight into the panel. All up and running now.

Only issue remaining seems to be i cannot connect to the Virgin hub 3.0 anymore at 192.168.0.1 Became unresponsive after i enabled modem mode.

Only reason i would want to go back in, is the first post that contains setup instructions mentions about setting some static ip stuff on the tplink, and then adding to virgins dmz.

IS that still a neccessary step for gaming or is it redundant now

Virgin hub showing a reddish pink light now since i moved it to modem mode

192.168.100.1 will get you to the hub

The Ayatolla · 01-11-2016 10:44PM

I've got 360mb and one of the newer white routers.

I get around 150mb over wifi which is great.

After a few days, the download speed deteriorates to about 5mb.

Throughout all this, the upload speed stays at 36mb.

When I reboot the router, the speed shoots back up to normal, fast speeds.

Any ideas of what's happening here ? I'm having to reboot the router every few days. I only notice it when Netflix or YouTube starts to get a bit blurry and I say, feck, must reboot the router.

ED E · 01-11-2016 11:25PM

The Ayatolla wrote: »

I've got 360mb and one of the newer white routers.

I get around 150mb over wifi which is great.

After a few days, the download speed deteriorates to about 5mb.

Throughout all this, the upload speed stays at 36mb.

When I reboot the router, the speed shoots back up to normal, fast speeds.

Any ideas of what's happening here ? I'm having to reboot the router every few days. I only notice it when Netflix or YouTube starts to get a bit blurry and I say, feck, must reboot the router.

Sounds exactly like the 3925s behaviour. Add some active cooling.

The Ayatolla · 01-11-2016 11:40PM

The modem itself isn't in a cupboard or anything, it's in an open space, no where near a radiator. Do I really need to get a fan for it? :-/

ED E · 01-11-2016 11:44PM

With the cisco it doesnt matter if its in a cool room (18*C on a shelf) still exhibits the behavior.

Cant say for sure itll resolve it, but I wouldn't be surprised.

The Ayatolla · 01-11-2016 11:45PM

ED E wrote: »

With the cisco it doesnt matter if its in a cool room (18*C on a shelf) still exhibits the behavior.

Cant say for sure itll resolve it, but I wouldn't be surprised.

Gonna ring Virgin tomorrow and have them sort it. It's ridiculous.

The Ayatolla · 02-11-2016 08:02PM

The Ayatolla wrote: »

Gonna ring Virgin tomorrow and have them sort it. It's ridiculous.

Engineer on the way tomorrow. Signal issue / router issue.

jca · 03-11-2016 03:40PM

I recently signed up to the 360 BB only and have the new hub. Wifi speeds are hit and miss but I'm certainly getting the full 360 on the wired connection. I still have the F2000 from eir which gave much better speeds on wifi. Is it worth my while attaching it to the hub as per the first post guide?

The Ayatolla · 03-11-2016 08:12PM

The Ayatolla wrote: »

Engineer on the way tomorrow. Signal issue / router issue.

Fair play to Virgin.

Called tech support at 8pm.

Engineer called within 18 hours.

One hour to fix. The cable was damaged and water was getting in near the fascia of the house. He replaced the whole cable.

360MB now over Wireless AC in the room next door to the router. Couldn't be happier.

jca · 03-11-2016 11:51PM

jca wrote: »

I recently signed up to the 360 BB only and have the new hub. Wifi speeds are hit and miss but I'm certainly getting the full 360 on the wired connection. I still have the F2000 from eir which gave much better speeds on wifi. Is it worth my while attaching it to the hub as per the first post guide?

No joy with the F2000, it connected to the hub but no internet connection:mad: I have it debranded running the spark.nz firmware. I tried creating a new wan connection but haven't a clue of the settings required, the dsl light lights up solid after a second or two but the internet light just keeps flashing. Any help would be much appreciated, thanks.

jca · 05-11-2016 10:28PM

I'm going to go for it, everyone seems to be very happy with the C8 + wifi dongle setup. I've the new hub so to get the best results I need to get the wi-free cancelled and changed to ipv4 so I can put it into modem mode. It should be plain sailing from there. Most on here won't need this guide but it might help some https://help.virginmedia.com/system/selfservice.controller?CMD=VIEW_ARTICLE&ARTICLE_ID=27555&CURRENT_CMD=SEARCH&CONFIGURATION=1001&PARTITION_ID=1&USERTYPE=1&LANGUAGE=en&COUNTY=us&VM_CUSTOMER_TYPE=Cable

sReq | uTeK · 13-11-2016 05:13PM

So I'm looking to get in the 360Mb to my new house and I have a few questions.

The house is fully wired for UPC as it is, but not to sure if its in the top room where I will stick the PC.

Can I request the engineer to put the access point in there. I want to have the horizon box in the room and connect it to the PC wired.

Is this possible to do, is there an extra charge to get the engineer to install it where you want?

Also what is the horizon 360 router like when wired and for wifi. Can you bridge it with a router to increase the wifi if its not up to scratch, is this a simple job or do you require input from upc.

Thank you in advance.

ED E · 13-11-2016 05:55PM

sReq | uTeK wrote: »

So I'm looking to get in the 360Mb to my new house and I have a few questions.

The house is fully wired for UPC as it is, but not to sure if its in the top room where I will stick the PC.

Can I request the engineer to put the access point in there. I want to have the horizon box in the room and connect it to the PC wired.

Is this possible to do, is there an extra charge to get the engineer to install it where you want?

Also what is the horizon 360 router like when wired and for wifi. Can you bridge it with a router to increase the wifi if its not up to scratch, is this a simple job or do you require input from upc.

Thank you in advance.

Are you getting TV? If so, do you also want it in that room?

If its BB only you dont get a horizon unit, which is frankly for the best. They're ok set top boxes but junk routers.

sReq | uTeK · 13-11-2016 08:11PM

ED E wrote: »

Are you getting TV? If so, do you also want it in that room?

If its BB only you dont get a horizon unit, which is frankly for the best. They're ok set top boxes but junk routers.

Christ no. I will never touch their TV it's good awful. There BB is a different animal.
The main pc will be wired into the router

What's the router like for the BB. Can I ask the engineer to install it in the room of my choice.
Does give off a decent 5ghz signal or even 2.4. It will be in the attic/conversion

jca · 13-11-2016 08:21PM

sReq | uTeK wrote: »

Christ no. I will never touch their TV it's good awful. There BB is a different animal.
The main pc will be wired into the router

What's the router like for the BB. Can I ask the engineer to install it in the room of my choice.
Does give off a decent 5ghz signal or even 2.4. It will be in the attic/conversion

I've gone from VF fttc BB to VM I was using an unlocked eir F2000 with the VF and found the wireless much better than the VM supplied router . I'm going to upgrade to the archer C8 which is on its way to me. I find the wifi very hit and miss especially on my S6 and ipad. Looking forward to getting the C8 up and running.

ItHurtsWhenIP · 13-11-2016 08:27PM

sReq | uTeK wrote: »

Christ no. I will never touch their TV it's good awful. There BB is a different animal.
The main pc will be wired into the router

What's the router like for the BB. Can I ask the engineer to install it in the room of my choice.
Does give off a decent 5ghz signal or even 2.4. It will be in the attic/conversion

If you're only getting the Broadband, then don't get Horizon. Their 360Mbs service comes with a Compal router, which seems to be reasonably decent (from reports on here) and is bridgeable apparently. I would presume it would have to be connected wherever the VM cable enters the premises, but as I'm not a VM customer, I can't say for sure.

ED E · 13-11-2016 08:28PM

sReq | uTeK wrote: »

Christ no. I will never touch their TV it's good awful. There BB is a different animal.
The main pc will be wired into the router

What's the router like for the BB. Can I ask the engineer to install it in the room of my choice.
Does give off a decent 5ghz signal or even 2.4. It will be in the attic/conversion

If you opt for 360Mb you'll get the COMPAL (not so bad) but if you get the 240Mb it might be the same or a Thompson/Technicolor/Ubee.

sReq | uTeK · 13-11-2016 08:46PM

jca wrote: »

I've gone from VF fttc BB to VM I was using an unlocked eir F2000 with the VF and found the wireless much better than the VM supplied router . I'm going to upgrade to the archer C8 which is on its way to me. I find the wifi very hit and miss especially on my S6 and ipad. Looking forward to getting the C8 up and running.

The c8 is obviously an additional purchase then? It's a full blown router? Is the much setup involved do you need to get onto UPC to permit access?

sReq | uTeK · 13-11-2016 10:24PM

ItHurtsWhenIP wrote: »

If you're only getting the Broadband, then don't get Horizon. Their 360Mbs service comes with a Compal router, which seems to be reasonably decent (from reports on here) and is bridgeable apparently. I would presume it would have to be connected wherever the VM cable enters the premises, but as I'm not a VM customer, I can't say for sure.

ED E wrote: »

If you opt for 360Mb you'll get the COMPAL (not so bad) but if you get the 240Mb it might be the same or a Thompson/Technicolor/Ubee.

Thanks folks, that clears a lot up.

jca · 13-11-2016 11:56PM

sReq | uTeK wrote: »

The c8 is obviously an additional purchase then? It's a full blown router? Is the much setup involved do you need to get onto UPC to permit access?

Attaching the c8 to the VM modem is the basis of this whole thread. To get the VM modem into modem only mode you need to get both ipv6 and horizon wi-free disabled, both of which can be requested from VM. Saying that I'm still waiting for wi-free to be disabled.

sReq | uTeK · 14-11-2016 01:13PM

jca wrote: »

Attaching the c8 to the VM modem is the basis of this whole thread. To get the VM modem into modem only mode you need to get both ipv6 and horizon wi-free disabled, both of which can be requested from VM. Saying that I'm still waiting for wi-free to be disabled.

Thank you. Seen this on Black Friday on amazon and was wondering if it was any good.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/NETGEAR-R7000-100UKS-Nighthawk-Dual-core-Processor/dp/B00HDK4GAK/ref=gbph_img_m-6_47d6_f64b2f41?smid=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_p=3ed18e7d-47bb-4431-ac25-553d804647d6&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-6&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_i=161428031&pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_r=FR79W9NPH6096JNPPG0M

ThisRegard · 15-11-2016 12:33AM

Noticed recently that my wireless connectivity with the C7 had started to turn to crap over the last while, devices either unable to connect or just constantly dropping off and reconnecting.

After a bit of investigation it turns out the C7 appeared to intermittently stop WiFi broadcasting and the poor connectivity was due to the devices trying to connect to a home plug outside of the house.

A bit of messing about with channels seems to have sorted it but I don't know why it happened.

Guide - Getting the most out of your high speed Virgin Media (UPC) 240mb/s service

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