Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

The base hardware is fine - all the "big names" need to get their stuff made somewhere it's true.

What worries me more is the firmware side, in particular, but not exclusively, security. Not a problems for those of us who use our own routers but for many. The Superhub was, for a free router, not at all badly spec'd for its day, with guest network etc.. It would be a shame if things went backwards.

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

Security is far MORE likely to get fixed when you are using a device shared across one of the world's largest cable brands instead of one individual unit used by one specific ISP in one country only.

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

But my point was, while this manufacturer may know their stuff hardware wise they expect their customer to know theirs when it comes to the firmware. In that, I would would trust Netgear over Liberty any day. Liberty "cutting out the middle man" is most likely a cost saving exercise and it really would not surprise me if they have underestimated the skills they need in house to replicate their expertise. Hopefully I'm wrong.

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

You are very very wrong.

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

I've heard its Arris by Virginmedia when trying to get my upgrade speed.

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

I'm genuinely glad you are so optimistic. Cable companies do not have a great reputation in this regard.

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

Nor do you.

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

Unnecessarily troll-like and not up to your usual standard here. The reputation of cable companies globally is public domain. Mine, not so much.

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

Netgear (et al) is no better, you can point the vulnerabilities to them but they lied link link

The SH2 uses open source code that is known to be vulnerable, that it has not been updated (Put the SH2 on "switch" mode and you'll see it)

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

Cut out what middleman? Liberty have sourced from a variety of vendors including Compal and Arris in the past. They aren't cutting out anything, they are paying Compal / Arris to provide a CPE to them, they aren't writing the firmware and creating the hardware themselves.

Compal kit is used by Comhem to deliver a 500Mb service. It's been used across the world for a while. It even manages to handle guest WiFi without breaking the ability of some home devices to get IP addresses and/or producing massively unstable latency, which is more than can be said for the CPE Netgear supply VM.

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

Hence my point.

---------- Post added at 13:29 ---------- Previous post was at 13:28 ----------

So that's why the trial was ermm... "withdrawn".

Can't say I'm surprised. The Superhub had major issues with L2 and L3 record keeping since day one.

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

@Ignitionnet,

Of course this device is more up to date and I am glad you have confidence. You are clearly much closer to this new device than me. And, yes, to reply to Carlos, no one has a perfect or even glowing record in this area.

When I say middleman, I mean that Foxconn make iPhones, but I wouldn't necessarily want to buy a Foxconn designed phone. Similarly, there are companies who specialise in router technology (or laptops, or monitors or...) who outsource manufacturing to operations like this in Taiwan/China. Sure Compal have their own generic firmware, but is it world-class? is it well maintained? I say this as someone who has run an engineering group procuring from far eastern OEMs. Their quality can vary widely depending on who is driving them. And, although they may harbour long-term ambitions to be an "Apple" or "Samsung" themselves, they very often stay in the background because they know they don't have the skills in all these areas. Do we trust Liberty as a non-specialist, buying from also a non-specialst, to have the skills or focus to guarantee it is? Maybe we do, but I think it's a valid question.

I would still say that cable companies have historically:

- chosen cost over hardware specification, which has in the past led to them being late to the party with things like stateful packet inspection. Many routers now have technology that I doubt will make this version of the "SuperHub".
- chosen simplicity of installation and setup (partly, but of course not exclusively, driven by the desire to reduce support costs) over security. Over the years this has led to using easy to guess default passwords, same wifi default passwords on all devices etc.

Of course, going with a rebadged router for a respected home/small office brand, is no guarantee of anything better, especially if they are working to a very low price target. But I do believe that Virgin's decision to go with Netgear was seen pretty universally as a good thing at the time - when compared to what they and others had previously put out.

Time has moved on. I hope this great. I just wanted to say that a big company buying "millions" of devices, whilst it might be great for cost and could mean a lot of focus on customer security, it certainly doesn't guarantee it and history does not demonstrate that it is likely to be top of mind.

@qas...., my credentials in this area are irrelevant. Why don't we just stick to discussing the real issue. If the people close to this product are sure it's of world-class that's great. But I don't think it's unreasonable to want to discuss it

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

Not in this decade. Both of those statements are provably false for several generations already.

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

It was quite plain that these were historical examples. By definition we will not know future pitfalls until sometime down the road. You speak like router tech is now stable and mature, when the reality is there is still a massive investment both in improving the resilience and in finding and opening exploits. There is an on-going arms race out there.

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

Stop trying to change your story. You were specifically talking about lack of features like SPI and default WiFi passwords. Neither of these applied to any VM router, ever.

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

No change of story here. I was, again quite plainly, giving examples of cable companies in general.

Since I was congratulating VM on their choice of Netgear some years back (although I know that was not without its "challenges") it's unlikely I would be specifically criticising their recent output. I am more concerned about the simply unknown quantity that is Liberty Global.

Honestly, its great you're convinced but you would be more convincing if you stopped trying to attack the questioner and instead explain why you believe Liberty/Compal is a marriage made in heaven.

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

I'm not sure what the point is of referring to what other companies do when we know full well VM do not do it.

If one car company fits emissions cheating software to their cars do we also assume, in the absence of any evidence either way, that all car companies in general do it too?

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

Human nature means that some will think that because one company or person does something then everyone is likely to do the same thing :rolleyes:

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

The Liberty Global brand owns cable companies in alot of countrys which give better service than VM do currently in the UK so i don't know why you can refer to Liberty Global as a unknown quantity. I've been with VM since the first days of Telewest broadband and i can honestly say the worst CPE ive ever been given was the SuperHub and the NetGear router that was bundled a while ago in the 20mbit Days was also absolute garbage that said the D-Link wasnt much better.. 2 Brands most people know. Stamping a brand name on something doesnt make it superior and i don't think anything could be possibly be as Bad as the SH1 Launch and that went on for quite some time.

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

The D link was a pretty decent router. Even more so considering it was launched a good 6-7 years ago!

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

Very fair comment. SH1 was garbage. I think we've talked it all through now. There's not much more to add. It's not about branding, it's about having a team that really understand routers specifying and continuing to manage the product, rather than a cable company buying the cheapest generic router that vaguely meets the headline features they need. I hope we have the former.

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

You could simply buy your own better router like I did and most on here. Top end routers cost in excess of £100+ and your average punter wont use 90% of what the router can do. so why would VM invest into expensive routers to satisfy a small market.

The cost would be put onto everyone then.

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

It would be great if they let us change the DNS in the new hardware, but it will never happen!

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

I'm more than happy with the sh2ac. I would never spend all that money on a router

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

I am also happy with it but i would benefit from being able to change the DNS on the router for Netflix USA, however i have no intention of buying a separate to add to my clutter.

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

You can just change the DNS on the device used for NetflixUSA :erm:

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

Not always, some devices are locked down like Google Chrome, Now TV boxes etc.

Luckily i can change the DNS on my Xbox One.

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

I heard today that the SH3 for VM UK is definitely not a COMPAL... from a level 2 technician....

Despite the fact that the Connect box looks like a COMPAL....

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

Hopefully we will find out in a few weeks.

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

There is no such thing as a "Level 2 Technician". And service techs are normally some of the last people to know stuff. I'm not implying what you say is wrong, neither am I saying it's right. But just thought I would correct you.

---------- Post added at 07:36 ---------- Previous post was at 07:35 ----------

I've actually seen a technical document for it, only had a quick glance. I will have a read later, but I won't be confirming or denying what it is!

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

You teaser you.;) ;)

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

You had difficulty reading it? was it in mandarin/czech? :p:

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

Perhaps he meant Second Line TSC? In fairness, they do tend to know a bit in advance about this sort of thing, especially as they moderate the forum.

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

Be nice to have domain name blocking as well as the dns options.

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

Don't get your hopes up. Every single option VM adds to the Superhub is a potential support nightmare. People will go in and start fiddling, people will break things and VM knows it. As far as VM are concerned, the less they can fiddle with, the better.

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

Sounds like VM should supply a decent cable modem only.
No configuration required.
Just install the modem and let the end user set up their own network ;)

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

I always prefer the modem to be just that.

Its a while since I looked in this thread, going on what i have read I'm going to assume I failed to get on a trial yet again.

Im starting to wonder - What do they have against Nottingham ?

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

Don't get your hopes up. They used to do that for many years then very explicitly decided against it.

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

I can't see single function cable modems ever being issued again, and it's been a good 4 years since they were anyway.

If you want to use your own kit, then use modem mode.

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

If it were an option, believe me VM would much rather supply just the modem. However, that's not really feasible these days when everyone is using wireless and expect wireless to come as standard. It's the competition that's forcing the Hubs to be standard.

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

I'm in Nottingham and got accepted into the trial, must be something against you... :P

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

LOL, Guys, the remark was "tongue in cheek" and not a realistic statement!

I had a VMNG300 for years and I thought it was great. Fully understand and appreciate why VM have to supply the SH.

Still it's a pity we don't have the choice :)

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

I don't

Yes, a number of US operators give users a choice I believe (though it costs money)

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

Same here.
Maybe it is the current speed you are on?
I am 152 due to go to 200 by end of Nov.

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

I think it runs along the lines of

"Hey VM, my speed is rubbish. I have a Nettyboy 3000 router I got off ebay, what are you going to do about it? I cost me £15 plus postage. It's the red one with funny letters on the front."

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

And as VM has always done (and still do): Connect your computer direct to the modem with an ethernet cable.

It's not as if the Superhub 1 did VM any favours when it comes to wireless performance.

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

Not through choice. They are legally obligated to allow customers to use their own CPE.

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

It's often cheaper to use your own kit as US providers have started whacking up the 'rental fee' on kit they provide.

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

So, VM would claim they charge no rental fee for the equipment - just for the right to use your tier with they equipment they have lent you.

That's where it rests and VM have absolutely no need to consider further allowing user modem CPE, Indeed their support model, for what it is, depends on that.

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

Time to lobby our government to change the law?

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

And so it begins....

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

My trial hardware is out for delivery.

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

Did you get an email or PM, if I may ask?

Still waiting my side :)

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

Email and also a text saying out for delivery for today....... Yodel! Hope i get home from work before the delivery.

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

Still waiting here, got an email almost three weeks ago so it should be around now but not heard anything new.

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

The email said today or tomorrow.

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

Delivery is out on the van already

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

I've not heard anything :(

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

Never mind, just got a text also.

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

I've not had anything since the last "it will be 3 weeks" email

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

Well those emails didn't all come out at exactly the same time, if you look through the thread it does appear to be over a period of 24 hours or so. I would expect one today/tomorrow

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

Fingers crossed :D

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

Sending out a couple hundred email = a few hours

Sending out a few hundred pieces of hardware = a few days...

I can't believe how impatient and paranoid some people are :rolleyes:

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

Nothing here yet :(

https://www.cableforum.co.uk/images/local/2015/10/7.gif

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

Not impatient or paranoid, just really jealous they getting it before me :p

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

Out for delivery todY also but I'm at work!

---------- Post added at 10:03 ---------- Previous post was at 10:01 ----------

Also I'm assuming the trial forums goes up at12 today?

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

Blimey you're reading a lot into a few innocent posts :D

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

out for delivery today which is good, but its yodel which is bad.

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

Got an email, mine is being sent out "in a week or so" :(

https://www.cableforum.co.uk/images/local/2015/10/6.gif

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

I just got the same email here.

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

Yes, got the email today:

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

Mines been delivered to a neighbour, i thought yodel were terrible but it was nice getting another text saying that! Roll on 2pm when i finish work.

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

As per rules of the trail, you're not allowed to discuss anything further as per terms of the NDA, so rather than been kicked off the trail...I'd stop posting anything further.

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

They are.

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

Mine will come in a week or 2 yet from the email I got

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

I have been in many a trial so i know how it works, that is why i haven't posted anything important. lol

Looks like i will have to wait for the neighbour to return home, hope it won't be too long.

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

Your neighbour has just sailed away on a cruise for 3 month. :D

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

I think you're right! I may not get it connected this evening if i get it after all the stuff being said on the VM forum, just hope it works on the Xbox One!

---------- Post added at 17:19 ---------- Previous post was at 16:19 ----------

Well i have the device, will install after work tomorrow as will likely take too long now.

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

I take it they aren't enabling forum access until the device is actually posted? I can see the forum, but can't view it.

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

Yeah same here. Seems a bit ridiculous to me, surely they're just creating extra admin that they could do without?

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

Pics or it didn't happen.

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

That could breach the NDA qas - and you know that.

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

lol no real info coming from me i am afraid but lets just say we all know what it looks like already.

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

I think we knew when all that press release stuff came out and the VM logo was present on one of them!

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

We sure did.

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

So you want a picture, ok here it is:






https://www.cableforum.co.uk/images/...2015/10/30.jpg


It is the new Cardboard hub series.

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

Hmm, it fails straight away on bulk grounds. :)

I can't wait for mine to come through. Is it against rules for someone to say how easy it was to connect it up?

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

Doesn't look very well built :(

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

It says on my box it has magic inside

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

Unless he's lying and doesn't really have one! Either way, only one way to prove it!

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

It's just an effing modem/router, Kush!

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

But if it's supposed to contain "magic" shouldn't it be an all-weather fully ruggedized bomb-proof router?

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

Open the box or take the money, the TV quiz with I think it was Michael Miles and the Yes No interlude. :)

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

I will open the box.

https://www.cableforum.co.uk/images/...2015/10/11.png

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

It's like an alternate ending to Se7en

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

Sorry you get nothing.:(

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

This thread is Epic! thanks for the Friday Entertainment all :)

I was selected for the trail but not received email or kit yet.... Will give it more time I think.

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

Story of my life lol


From what I have read some trial membes, got emails saying there kit is being sent out in a few weeks.

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

Ignorant fool. Clearly it's a magic invisible router. Latest cloaking technology lets it blend in to your home so seamlessly you literally cannot see it.

Re: Broadband Hardware Trial 2015
 

I only received an e-mail this morning, hoping the hardware will be delivered today