Virgin launch new WiFi pods and Hub WiFi improvements
 

Virgin are in the process of launching improved WiFi Pods to help customers with coverage along with a further update to the Hub WiFi management

https://www.virginmedia.com/corporat...gent-wifi-plus
These are Plume pods that integrate with the Hub in router mode. You'll just need to plug them in

https://www.virginmedia.com/help/set...lligentwifipod

Re: Virgin launch new WiFi pods and Hub WiFi improvements
 

Is this a chargeable extra, Ben?

(irrelevant to me at the moment, as I use Google Mesh for wifi in our home).

Re: Virgin launch new WiFi pods and Hub WiFi improvements
 

That's in the press release ;)

Re: Virgin launch new WiFi pods and Hub WiFi improvements
 

It’s important to understand that the Hub 3.0 or Hub4 has to be in Router Mode with a single SSID covering both WiFi bands and Channel Optimisation enabled.
The single SSID from the Hub also broadcasts from each WiFi Pod.

Re: Virgin launch new WiFi pods and Hub WiFi improvements
 

No use to me unless it has an ethernet port to connect to by cable network.

Re: Virgin launch new WiFi pods and Hub WiFi improvements
 

Does the part of intelligent WiFi that doesn't require the plume pods also need both WiFi bands to be using a single SSID? I was told by the technician who installed my hub 3 a few years back to relabel them due to some issue at the time.

Re: Virgin launch new WiFi pods and Hub WiFi improvements
 

Without the WiFi Pods, you can enable the Channel Optimisation with separate SSIDs for the WiFi bands.

Re: Virgin launch new WiFi pods and Hub WiFi improvements
 

Thanks - I had clicked on the bottom link.

Doh!

Re: Virgin launch new WiFi pods and Hub WiFi improvements
 

Thanks :tu:

Re: Virgin launch new WiFi pods and Hub WiFi improvements
 

Both the Plume pods have ethernet I believe, the basic pod has a single GigE and the power pod has dual GigE.

Re: Virgin launch new WiFi pods and Hub WiFi improvements
 

CNET run some tests on Plume Pods and they were not that enamored. Will stick with my TP Link Mesh system :)

Re: Virgin launch new WiFi pods and Hub WiFi improvements
 

When does it go live as when I try to order it says they are not ready yet?

Re: Virgin launch new WiFi pods and Hub WiFi improvements
 

I tried to order them and customer service put me through to faults and faults said it was an area issue causing Wi-Fi blackspots when I called him out that being rubbish he said I need to talk to customer services again so I hung up... waste of time waiting on hold for over an hour...

Re: Virgin launch new WiFi pods and Hub WiFi improvements
 

Interesting. Was wondering if they would replace my Orbi mesh in future but I’ll stick with it as get good performance. Another issue with them (which is why I moved from Google WiFi too) is you can’t manually select channels given their automatic nature. I found with Gwifi it kept selecting the same channel as my Sonos network and causing that to drop out.

Missing out on something for free being on the Oomph package though sadly lol:-(

Re: Virgin launch new WiFi pods and Hub WiFi improvements
 

Customers will be able to request the new service by calling customer care and most Hub 3 customers can order via the Connect App.

i cant see this on the app? any ideas

Re: Virgin launch new WiFi pods and Hub WiFi improvements
 

On the connect app go to broadband and connect to wifi, tap the menu option in the top right and choose "Scan for WiFi blackspots".

This will then take you through a whole process of going room to room and checking wifi signal however it has no idea where you actually are so just walk to the lowest signal point (or down the road) and scan, at first it will try to "optimise" your wifi which probably means change channel and then it should offer a booster when that doesn't work. It only offered me one, the terms and conditions say a 2nd will only be sent following assessment by a virgin media agent inside the account address whatever that means and a 3rd will only be installed by a technician after a review of your network setup.

FYI to anyone trying this, I just went through this process and I am on a discounted Ultimate Oomph package and it explicitly stated it was free for Ultimate Oomph customers and that there would be no changes to my contract but on the final confirmation page it tried to add £5 to my monthly charge!!

I will try to phone them tomorrow as it can't hurt to try for free. According to the Plume site below it supports an ethernet backhaul which I will use so speeds should be reasonable.

https://support.plume.com/hc/en-gb/a...i-performance-

Re: Virgin launch new WiFi pods and Hub WiFi improvements
 

This is what I'm getting when I try to order

Sorry Unfortunately this offer isn’t available to you at the moment, but keep checking back as it will be soon.

Re: Virgin launch new WiFi pods and Hub WiFi improvements
 

My Eero mesh gives gives me flawless coverage throughout my home and garden, coupled with a simple app, it's hard to beat.

Re: Virgin launch new WiFi pods and Hub WiFi improvements
 

Managed to order the Intelligent Wi-Fi Plus service with my Gig one FOC on Friday after talking to 5 people. Come on Tuesday had to talk to customer care to get them ordered then Tech support was crazy.

Re: Virgin launch new WiFi pods and Hub WiFi improvements
 

yeah, don't bother. VM keep trying to release new apps, shubs and other bits of tech to try give the impression they are being innovative and keeping up with technology and every time everyone jumps on the bandwagon, gets it and then moans it doesn't work and VM support are useless etc etc. When will you all learn your lesson. Freebies are great but if it causes you a load of hassle why bother? If you are all so concerned about your wifi performance that much then buy a proper router and/or proper wireless access points. If not then you are doomed to VM performance standards for eternity.

Re: Virgin launch new WiFi pods and Hub WiFi improvements
 

They can KEEP them. We pay more than enough without paying a further £5..Going up £3:50p again in March.

Re: Virgin launch new WiFi pods and Hub WiFi improvements
 

Someone posted on the Virgin Community Forum that the pods are out of stock until March.

Re: Virgin launch new WiFi pods and Hub WiFi improvements
 

ahhhhh, what shame.

Re: Virgin launch new WiFi pods and Hub WiFi improvements
 

I thought I would run a speedtest on my laptop connecting on 5ghz channel on eero, when I was using Hub 3 I was lucky to see 70 down and 10 up.

BTW my eero hub is upstairs next to Hub 3 and I'm downstairs. As you may have guessed I'm on 200/20 tier.

Re: Virgin launch new WiFi pods and Hub WiFi improvements
 

While having to wait for new hubs to come in, I now have to register my interest so they will contact me when they have any.

Re: Virgin launch new WiFi pods and Hub WiFi improvements
 

I have just recieved an invitation to trial the new Intelligent WiFi Pods though the VM community forum. Not sure if there is any point in my doing so as I can access my wifi from everywhere I need within my house. If I do the trial I get to keep them afterwards

Re: Virgin launch new WiFi pods and Hub WiFi improvements
 

So have I.

Re: Virgin launch new WiFi pods and Hub WiFi improvements
 

Add me to the list.

SH3 wifi turned off and use an Unifi AC Lite

Re: Virgin launch new WiFi pods and Hub WiFi improvements
 

I had a similar invite a few years ago to test some Netgear WiFi extenders which were 'yours to keep' after the trial. When we moved house a couple of years ago and left Virgin they were on the list of kit they wanted returning. Had to nip round to the daughters to retrieve them!!

Re: Virgin launch new WiFi pods and Hub WiFi improvements
 

I have been on several trials in the past. I think they use me as a " idiotic old biddy" So if I don't have problems then the kit/tweaks must be OK for release. :D

I do use my Hub3 in router mode but, as far as I can see I can't see how the pods would help so I doubt if I will join the trial.

Unless someone here can suggest a benefit in my using them?

Re: Virgin launch new WiFi pods and Hub WiFi improvements
 

If they works as a mesh, they will improve the consistency of your wifi, and hand off seamlessly to each other.

Re: Virgin launch new WiFi pods and Hub WiFi improvements
 

I am on 200M but at the moment and only get that level at weekends when homeworkers and home schoolers take a break. The 160/170M I reach during the week does what I need and I rarely use my chromebook in a different room to my hub unless I am working in the kitchen and want to follow a film. So the pods would hardly get a workout.

If it meant that I got 200m+ all the time then I would consider signing up if only to annoy the tech officianardos on the trial with my comments. :D

Re: Virgin launch new WiFi pods and Hub WiFi improvements
 

If your speed reduces due to utilisation in peak hours, the Pods won't help. They only improve the coverage within your home

Re: Virgin launch new WiFi pods and Hub WiFi improvements
 

Thanks Mr Spider. :tu: I have applied to join the trial and see what happens. I do think my weekday reductions are due to utilisation issues but I will be interested to see if there are any imporvements.

Re: Virgin launch new WiFi pods and Hub WiFi improvements
 

I've been invited to the trial as well, Funnily enough,I had to register my interest 4 days previously for them to let me know when they will have the pods in stock.
I not heard if I've been chosen or not but I just want to get our blind spot fixed which is the kitchen thats only 12 foot away from the Superhub 3.

Re: Virgin launch new WiFi pods and Hub WiFi improvements
 

I also got an invite, or at least an invite to apply.
I wont be doing so as just like the previous trial, you have to switch out of modem mode, which I dont want to do.
I dont have any major WiFi issues either so I dont think Id really gain much from it.

I am curious about one thing - with this pod system can you set your own SSID and password, or are you forced to use preset VM details ?

Re: Virgin launch new WiFi pods and Hub WiFi improvements
 

i had the same invite yesterday. I'm not sure if this is the case, but is it possible to use ethernet as a backhaul rather than wifi for these VM mesh wifi devices?

I currently have the hub3.0 in modem mode which is connected to an Edgerouter X connected to a 24 port unmanaged switch with 3 BT Whole Home discs connected to each other via gigabit ethernet backhaul

Re: Virgin launch new WiFi pods and Hub WiFi improvements
 

As far as I know yes. The Hub co-ordinate the rest of the Pods as a mesh network, so should link to whatever it's set as

I'm pretty sure the only guidance for the Pods is that you can't have the SSID split between 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz, need 5Ghz enabled and WPA2 enabled.

---------- Post added at 10:42 ---------- Previous post was at 09:40 ----------

Oh and have the 'Smart WiFi' option switched on. I'd think that's to ensure that all the Pods can ensure they're on the best WiFi channels.

Re: Virgin launch new WiFi pods and Hub WiFi improvements
 

I've had an email this morning which I find confusing..
A couple of weeks ago, I tried to order a pod but they were out of stock so I registered my interest for when they come back into stock. 3 days later, recieved an invitation to the trial so I signed up.
This morning, I recieved an email thanking me for changing my services. It went on to state that my new services include Intelligent WiFi pod 1,We've removed WiFi booster starter kit.
The thing is,Ive not heard either way if they are sending a pod because I registered my interest or if Ive been chosen for the trial, Ive recieved nothing.

It then states that 'Service changes were made to your account on 17th February 2021. So do I assume by this that the pod is in transit and has anybody else recieved this email but no pod?

Re: Virgin launch new WiFi pods and Hub WiFi improvements
 

Some others who registered for the trial have received the same email - looks like you're in!

Re: Virgin launch new WiFi pods and Hub WiFi improvements
 

oh right,thanks for quickly clearing that up. I better look out for the postman then.

Re: Virgin launch new WiFi pods and Hub WiFi improvements
 

Yeah I had the email too. My SH3 has been in modem mode permanently with 3 Unifi AP's doing a stellar job of bathing house and garden with WiFi.

VM did a survey a few years ago to make their trial targeting better, by asking about your home setup. They clearly aren't using the results.

Re: Virgin launch new WiFi pods and Hub WiFi improvements
 

I have something odd going on with my network and i assume it is VM messing with my SH3.

For the past few days my wireless on the SH3 is being enabled even though I have it disabled and am only realising because my Unifi Controller software informs me of a "rouge ap" on the network.

Had a message from Yodel this morning so assume my Pod is being delivered in the coming days and I assume it is somehow connected. Anyone noticed the same ?

Re: Virgin launch new WiFi pods and Hub WiFi improvements
 

If you have had a message from Yodel then your pod will arrive today.
Mine has just arrived so I will test it later.

Re: Virgin launch new WiFi pods and Hub WiFi improvements
 

"For the past few days my wireless on the SH3 is being enabled even though I have it disabled"

Same situation here as well.

Re: Virgin launch new WiFi pods and Hub WiFi improvements
 

To trial the WiFi Pods, your Hub must be in Router Mode with a single SSID and Channel Optimisation enabled.

Re: Virgin launch new WiFi pods and Hub WiFi improvements
 

If you have separate SSIDs it renames the 5G similar to the 2.4G eg my SSIDs where named Davesnet 2.4G and Davesnet 5G the 5g one is now named Davesnet.

Re: Virgin launch new WiFi pods and Hub WiFi improvements
 

If I have a phone call on my iPhone and I move from my kitchen into the lounge during my conversation the signal always drops out. I have my phone set to WiFi calling and I am now hopeful that this new Virgin Media Intelligent WiFi plug in thing will correct that difficulty. Excuse the basic question I am no techy and I am hoping that you more experienced guys out there in the community will be able to offer some help and advice.
I am in a 4 bedroom house with the main router Hub 3 in my upstairs office. The televisions are connected to the internet via powerline adaptors in the lounge and the kitchen. if this information helps. Thanks guys:dunce:

Re: Virgin launch new WiFi pods and Hub WiFi improvements
 

I was testing the pods and they were very hit or miss, they would work on day perfectly but not the next. It was just frustrating in the end. I was getting better service through powerline adapters and a £15 wifi extender.

That was during the trial period so thing may have changed I opted for a set of 3 Deco M4's and things have been superb since.

Well worth the money.