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View Full Version : Virgin blocks Belkin N1 Router

rj55
09-08-2008, 08:11
For some months I have been using a Belkin N1 F5D8231-4 wireless router with Virgin/NTL cable broadband.

I had no real problems until a couple of days ago when the service stopped working and I got this message in my browser:

******

"Hi there!

We're sorry to have to interrupt your surfing, but we've got an important update to tell you about, and it'll help improve your Virgin Broadband service. Here's the deal...

What's happening?
We've noticed that some customers are using the Belkin wireless G Router (F5D7230 v7xxx) - which looks a bit like the picture to the right. belkin router pic

There's a glitch with this model of router, which is slowing down your service and causing some issues with our network. We think you're using this kind of router, so you're not getting the broadband speeds you should be getting...."

*****

It went on to give a link to the Belkin webite and instructions on how to do a firmware upgrade. Naturally I couldn't do a firmware upgrade as I don't have the Belkin G router, and my N1 router has the latest firmware already.

The link to belkin was the only internet address I could reach, and all other attempts to access the internet were blocked, including email, ftp etc.

I called the Virgin broadband helpline and they knew nothing about this message and could only suggest I disconnect my router.

Has anyone else encountered this issue?

Cheers,
JohnHorb
09-08-2008, 08:30
I'm sure I recall a thread about this a while ago, but can't find it now. As I recall, there was a problem with the Belkin firmware which was causing excessive traffic on the network, so VM were getting people to upgrade the firmware. As far as I know, it was only the Wireless G model, but it could be that a) the same issue is occurring with the Wireless N or b) it is a cock-up on VM's part.

If you phone VM again, refer them to

http://www.virginmedia.com/help/belkin.php
eth01
09-08-2008, 08:40
How do VM know you have this particular router? hmm.
JohnHorb
09-08-2008, 08:42
How do VM know you have this particular router? hmm.

If it IS causing the same issue as the 'G' one did, presumably VM can see the effect on the network.
eth01
09-08-2008, 08:43
If it IS causing the same issue as the 'G' one did, presumably VM can see the effect on the network.

Which was?
JohnHorb
09-08-2008, 08:45
Which was?

See the link I posted. If I can only find the original thread - I'm sure there were more details there.
Acathla
09-08-2008, 08:50
this thread?

http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/87/33623147-belkin-and-virgin-media.html
JohnHorb
09-08-2008, 08:56
No, this one

http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/87/33633021-belkin-router-upgrade.html

...claims the fault (continuous DHCP renewals) was crashing UBRs.
monkey2468
09-08-2008, 09:08
This also applies to some Dynamode routers. :)
ruddock08
09-08-2008, 15:54
i have same router as you mate, not had this message, .....yet :P
Pedro1
09-08-2008, 16:10
I am running a F5D7230-4 and never had any probs or got that message. Mine is the one with the 2 antenna, maybe as mine is just slightly different i guess.. Or again the firmeare differs..
handyman
09-08-2008, 17:07
How do VM know you have this particular router? hmm.


They might be able to detect the router via mac address and be sending this email out to those with router in a specific range. This might be why they are picking up routers that are not part of the problem as well.

i could be wrong though.
Pedro1
09-08-2008, 18:21
MMMMM.. No to sure it is the MAC. BUT the MAC can be changed by the user in some hardware, some can't. Depends an the vendor if they allow these types of changes.
deed02392
09-08-2008, 21:04
They might be able to detect the router via mac address and be sending this email out to those with router in a specific range. This might be why they are picking up routers that are not part of the problem as well.

i could be wrong though.

It's quite possible. VM could be checking MACs associated to Belkin. Possible spoofing your mac address would fix the problem. I can't blame VM for blocking Belkin though, they're crap routers.
Pedro1
13-09-2008, 06:23
Always had good experiances with belkin my self. Found them to be reliable anf the lifetime warranty is a good thing as most other manufacturers don't offer it.

But then, everyone is different, we all have our experiences with different products.
broadbandbug
13-09-2008, 09:54
Which was?

A shed load of DHCP requests if I recall
r00t
14-09-2008, 13:48
A shed load of DHCP requests if I recall

Yep, along with Dynamo & buffalo routers.
CM20 User
15-09-2008, 12:21
Yep, along with Dynamo & buffalo routers.

Does my router need replacing?

I have a Buffalo Airstation WHR G54S with original firmware.
Pedro1
11-10-2008, 09:02
rj55 have you sorted out this problem yet? By the way it don't look like anything to do with your router.
mercyground
14-10-2008, 22:47
Hmm I have one of these and havent had any issues... but i have fully configured mine and setup up wireless security. I assume its somethign about the belkin's default settings?

Firmware Version 9.01.05
Boot Version 0.01
Hardware 01

My current firmware.