Confused about Superhub
 

We have just been sent a Superhub so that we can go up from 20Mb to 60Mb. I had thought an engineer would be installing it and quite honestly I'm a bit worried about doing it myself. Also I have read a number of posts about the router not being that good in the Superhub, but am clueless as to installing this and still using our existing Apple router, even more so after a VM engineer had told us we couldn't install the Superhub with the Apple router :confused:

So really what I would appreciate is some advice as to whether it is possible to install the Superhub and keep our Apple router and how easy it is to do it. I am so worried about losing my internet and phoning up and getting someone who can't speak English trying to help me and me getting even more confused :shocked:

Lyn

Re: Confused about Superhub
 

You can put the Superhub in modem only mode and continue to use your router.

Re: Confused about Superhub
 

activate the SuperHub following the instructions within the install pack... let it start up. once up and running, top light is blue on the SuperHub put this in your web browser...

192.168.100.1

hit enter and log in, username: admin - password: changeme

at this point you might want to change the settings login password to your choice, I think it'll auto direct you to the change page. this password is to log into your SuperHub and change settings not your wifi password.

once done and saved click on advanced settings below the 3 red boxes if you are not already on the advanced settings page (you'll see a grey column to your left with tabs)

click on modem mode, tick the box and apply

the SuperHub will reboot. straight after you've applied the modem mode setting as its rebooting pull out the ethernet cable linking your SuperHub to your computer and link an ethernet cable from the port nearest to the white cable into rear of the SuperHub to your Apple routers WAN/Internet port and power up the Apple router. make sure you power down the Apple router and power up once linked to your SuperHub

your Apple router settings will be as they were before and you should be connected again

Re: Confused about Superhub
 

As thenry says above, and to add a bit more info.

Here is the link to putting the S'Hub into Modem Mode.
Very straightforward and should let your existing router work as before.

http://help.virginmedia.com/system/s...MER_TYPE=Cable

Re: Confused about Superhub
 

... and maybe this will help.

ATTACH AN AE/ATC ROUTER TO A VM HUB IN MODEM MODE

1/
Plug a Cat 5e ethernet cable from your AE/ATC WAN port into the first LAN port on the Hub (assumed already to be in Modem Mode Modem Mode).

2/
Plug your PC into any AE/ATC LAN port and invoke the AIRPORT UTILITY

You're now ready to configure the AE/ATC.

AIRPORT EXTREME CONFIGURED FOR VIRGIN CABLE

AE = Airport Extreme (and AIRPORT TIME CAPSULE)
AU = Airport Utility v5.5.3 or later

Check/configure:

AU
--\Manual Setup -> Supply password if needed
----\Internet------\Internet Connection
------Connect Using -> Ethernet------Ethernet WAN Port -> Automatic (Default)
------Connection Sharing -> Share a public IP address (connected to a cable modem or Modem Mode Hub)
------Connection Sharing -> Off (Bridge Mode) (connected to a non-Modem Mode Hub)

------\TCP/IP--------Confifgure IPv4 -> Using DHCP
--------IP Address -> Renew DHCP Lease (should set itself to your VM static ip-address)
--------DNS Servers -> set to the OPENDNS values. 208.67.222.222 & 208.67.220.220
--------DNS Servers -> or set to the fast Google DNS values. 8.8.8.8 & 8.8.4.4
--------Domain Name -> should set itself to cable.virginmedia.net once the IP address lease is obtained

------\DHCP--------DHCP Beginning Address -> 192.168.1.2 (just a suggestion).
--------DHCP Ending Address -> 192.168.1.200 (This is your router's DHCP scope.)

------\NAT
--------Default -> leave blank unless you want to make a specific assignment (not part of this topic)
--------Enable NAT Port Mapping Protocol -> tick


If the AE light turns green, it won’t be necessary to switch off all PCs & networking equipment and switch back on (slowly) in order, VM modem --> AE --> any Homeplugs or switches --> Finally PC/Laptop Xbox etc.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SETTING UP WIRELESS ACCESS

The AE router supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz radio modes (simultaneously) depending on the mode of the PC or other device that wishes to connect to the AE.

Configure as follows:

AU
--\Manual Setup -> Supply password if needed
----\Airport
------\Wireless
------Wireless Mode -> Create a wireless network
------Network Name -> xxxxxxx (xxxxxxx is a name of your choice.
--------Allow this network to be extended -> Do not tick this box during this initial setup
------Radio Mode -> Automatic This will allow both 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz modes
------Channel: Automatic

------Wireless Security -> WPA/WPA2/Personal
------Wireless Password -> 8 to 63 characters. A connecting device will need to enter this password.
--------Remember this password in my keychain -> It's up to you. I didn't, preferring to use a memorable word

Click UPDATE to save your settings.

If you want to keep your SSID from being broadcast, then you can go into Wireless Options to make that setting.

Otherwise, at this stage, Wireless Options need not be considered. It contains options to allow you to specifiy a Region, the Multicast Rate and Transmit Power (default 100%) and a couple of other options that may be considered at a later date if necessary.

A word about Access Control. By default it is Not Enabled. In my opinion, it need not be enabled unless you've chosen WEP security which is much weaker than WPA2.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A quick word about a blinking orange light

You might think the engineer left you in Modem Mode when in fact he hadn't. You may thus have followed the Modem Mode instructions above. You will then see the AE light blinking orange and the AU Status page will show the orange lamp against the warning: "Double NAT".

Note that you are still able to use the internet for normal browsing and if you put the AE into Bridge Mode, the light will turn green. If you definitely want Modem Mode, you'd set the SuperHub into Modem Mode, it will reboot and when everything is up and running, the lamp will be green.

Re: Confused about Superhub
 

I do appreciate the advice, but honestly I am a bit lost about doing it. At some point technology seems to have started going right over my head. I may have to just leave it in it's box for the time being :shocked:

Lyn

Re: Confused about Superhub
 

its simple. trust me you think you can't do it but you'll get through it

Re: Confused about Superhub
 

Since Airport Utility has been update to v6.1 can you advise on the appropriate settings for Airport Extreme to work with the SuperHub in modem mode (as I'm not having much luck in making an internet connection)?

Re: Confused about Superhub
 

Odd, Virgin insisted on sending an engineer when I took my 20Mb to 60Mb upgrade.

Re: Confused about Superhub
 

I was on AE utility just yesterday so I think thess instructions from the previous version remain valid. I'll double check tonight. For completeness, I've reposted what I said earlier because that's what I was using yesterday.

ATTACH AN AE/ATC ROUTER TO A VM HUB IN MODEM MODE

1/
Plug a Cat 5e ethernet cable from your AE/ATC WAN port into the first LAN port on the Hub (assumed already to be in Modem Mode Modem Mode).

2/
Plug your PC into any AE/ATC LAN port and invoke the AIRPORT UTILITY

You're now ready to configure the AE/ATC.

AIRPORT EXTREME CONFIGURED FOR VIRGIN CABLE

AE = Airport Extreme (and AIRPORT TIME CAPSULE)
AU = Airport Utility v5.5.3 or later

Check/configure:

AU
--\Manual Setup -> Supply password if needed
----\Internet------\Internet Connection
------Connect Using -> Ethernet------Ethernet WAN Port -> Automatic (Default)
------Connection Sharing -> Share a public IP address (connected to a cable modem or Modem Mode Hub)
------Connection Sharing -> Off (Bridge Mode) (connected to a non-Modem Mode Hub)

------\TCP/IP--------Confifgure IPv4 -> Using DHCP
--------IP Address -> Renew DHCP Lease (should set itself to your VM static ip-address)
--------DNS Servers -> set to the OPENDNS values. 208.67.222.222 & 208.67.220.220
--------DNS Servers -> or set to the fast Google DNS values. 8.8.8.8 & 8.8.4.4
--------Domain Name -> should set itself to cable.virginmedia.net once the IP address lease is obtained

------\DHCP--------DHCP Beginning Address -> 192.168.1.2 (just a suggestion).
--------DHCP Ending Address -> 192.168.1.200 (This is your router's DHCP scope.)

------\NAT
--------Default -> leave blank unless you want to make a specific assignment (not part of this topic)
--------Enable NAT Port Mapping Protocol -> tick


If the AE light turns green, it won’t be necessary to switch off all PCs & networking equipment and switch back on (slowly) in order, VM modem --> AE --> any Homeplugs or switches --> Finally PC/Laptop Xbox etc.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SETTING UP WIRELESS ACCESS

The AE router supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz radio modes (simultaneously) depending on the mode of the PC or other device that wishes to connect to the AE.

Configure as follows:

AU
--\Manual Setup -> Supply password if needed
----\Airport
------\Wireless
------Wireless Mode -> Create a wireless network
------Network Name -> xxxxxxx (xxxxxxx is a name of your choice.
--------Allow this network to be extended -> Do not tick this box during this initial setup
------Radio Mode -> Automatic This will allow both 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz modes
------Channel: Automatic

------Wireless Security -> WPA/WPA2/Personal
------Wireless Password -> 8 to 63 characters. A connecting device will need to enter this password.
--------Remember this password in my keychain -> It's up to you. I didn't, preferring to use a memorable word

Click UPDATE to save your settings.

If you want to keep your SSID from being broadcast, then you can go into Wireless Options to make that setting.
Otherwise, at this stage, Wireless Options need not be considered. It contains options to allow you to specifiy a Region, the Multicast Rate and Transmit Power (default 100%) and a couple of other options that may be considered at a later date if necessary.

A word about Access Control. By default it is Not Enabled. In my opinion, it need not be enabled unless you've chosen WEP security which is much weaker than WPA2.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A quick word about a blinking orange light

You might think the engineer left you in Modem Mode when in fact he hadn't. You may thus have followed the Modem Mode instructions above. You will then see the AE light blinking orange and the AU Status page will show the orange lamp against the warning: "Double NAT".

Note that you are still able to use the internet for normal browsing and if you put the AE into Bridge Mode, the light will turn green. If you definitely want Modem Mode, you'd set the SuperHub into Modem Mode, it will reboot and when everything is up and running, the lamp will be green.

Re: Confused about Superhub
 

With respect, the instructions for AU v5.5.3 are invalid for v6.1 - as the settings are different.

The 'headers' are - Base Station - Internet - Wireless - Network - Disks.

Currently, these are my settings....

Base Station: I have already entered my own base station name and password.
Internet: Connect using DCHP. The IPv4 Address, Subnet Mask, Router Address, and, DNS Servers have self-populated from the Superhub. All other fields at this time remain blank.
Wireless: Network Mode - Create a Wireless Network (and I have entered my own personal details thereafter).
Network: Router Mode - Off (Bridge Mode).

Now, this all works fine when the SuperHub is in 'router' (but not wireless) mode.

However, switch the SuperHub to 'modem mode' - reboot the SuperHub, computer, and AE in order - and while the 'green light' on the AE illuminates, the internet 'globe' graphic in AU indicates that it is 'disconnected' even though the router address and DNS servers information is present.

I should add, that I am using Devolo 200AV+ homeplugs throughout the house (which work fine when in router mode). My main computer is upstairs while the SuperHub is downstairs.

Re: Confused about Superhub
 

I've just checked my AU 7.6.1 in Modem Mode and the instructions I gave are correct.

In router mode, with Bridge mode set in the AE, the DHCP & NAT tabs are not present.

Incidentally, the reboot order for best results with power off on the SH (PC doesn't need rebooting but might need some ethernet Repair) is Router on then SH on so that the SH wakes up to a router present.

Re: Confused about Superhub
 

Thanks for all your suggestions, but, alas, I have made no progress.

All the settings you suggested have been implemented, but the SuperHub's connection status in AU remains 'disconnected'.

I don't know whether the R36 firmware has something to do with it, but meanwhile I have no choice but to use router (non-wireless) mode.

Re: Confused about Superhub
 

I'm on R36. No problem.

Can we do this belt & braces style?

1/
Were you in modem mode when trying to connect?

2/
Were connected to the first port of the SH?

3/
Are you able to paste screen shots of each tab on the Internet function?

4/
BTW have you tried a different ethernet cable?

You have the advantage of seeing what you've done, but we don't!

Re: Confused about Superhub
 

I have to say I am not that impressed with R36 I could see no marked increase in wifi range or speed, so I have gone back to modem mode using my router which has much better range and speed.The only noticeable difference was that the ping has dropped to 16 ms and jitter to just one.

Re: Confused about Superhub
 

Sorted!

Made a fresh start this morning. This time, put the SH in modem mode. Once refreshed, switched it off and on.

Then I reset the Airport Extreme as if a first-time install. It went through the start-up motions, asking me to enter my details for my wireless network.

Once it had fully booted-up it connected with the SH in modem mode and had self-populated with all the relevant details for itself, and without any intervention by me.

It didn't require 'bridge mode' but automatically set itself up in 'DHCP and NAT'.

I told you it was simple ;~)

Re: Confused about Superhub
 

Well done. If you're in modem mode, you wouldn't want the AE to be in Bridge Mode!

Re: Confused about Superhub
 

One problem solved, and another emerges.

When in router mode, all my ethernet connected devices around the house work without problem.

In modem mode, though, only those ethernet devices directly connected to my Airport Extreme work.

In Airport Utility, in the 'Network' pane - in the DHCP Reservations - I have listed all my ethernet-connected devices alongside their MAC Addresses, then updated the Airport Utility.

I have left the Port Settings empty.

Two such ethernet devices - my AppleTV and the Portal of my Humax Fox-T2 cannot make a wired connection to the network.

I'm sure it's something simple to remedy this situation - but then I thought the same about connecting the Airport Extreme to modem mode in the first place.

Re: Confused about Superhub
 

Can we have a deeper understanding of the topology, please? You've got a Sh (Modem Mode for this problem contect); an AE (in shared public IP mode) connected to port 1 of the SH. Coming out of the AE you have a Devolo Homeplug 200AV.

So far, my own configuration exactly.

Or do you still have, in modem mode, additional devices connected to the SH? They won't work in modem mode; only the first port is active.

Re: Confused about Superhub
 

In lounge - SH (modem mode) - Devolo 200 via ethernet - plugged into one half of wall socket.
In Bedroom A - Airport Extreme - Devolo 200 via ethernet.

As a wireless router, the AE works fine. No problem.

However...

In lounge, I also have AppleTV and Humax Fox-T2 connected to a Devolo 500Gb 'triple' plugged into second half of wall socket.

Across the other side of the lounge, I have a ReadyNAS, Squeezebox Touch, Mac Mini HTPC, and Yamaha AVR.

In the AU of the AE, I have input all the MAC Addresses of all my ethernet devices - including the MAC Address of each Devolo plug.

When the SuperHub was previously in 'router' mode, all these ethernet-connected devices performed as expected.

In 'modem' mode, though, none of these ethernet-connected devices - except for those directly connected to the AE - such as Squeezebox Touch, Mac Mini Server, and Xerox printer - are connected to the network.

Re: Confused about Superhub
 

I reckon, the difference between modem & router mode in this case is the first port of call.

In modem mode, the first port of call is the Devolo device and not the AE (does the green light show on the AE)? In my system, the AE is the first port of call.

In router mode, the furst port of call is the router section of the SH. The ethernet logic, if I can put it this way, is clean.

In your circumstances it seems to me that the AV500 isn't being served by the AE but by the Devolo itself - which it can't, if you see what I mean.

It's why I didn't have the AE in my office - in modem mode it would have it the Devolo 200AV first.

Re: Confused about Superhub
 

Either in modem mode or router mode, the green light of my AE is illuminated.

That is...

SuperHub > first port of call: Devolo.
Then Devolo > first port of call: Airport Extreme.

In router mode, the SH handles all DHCP addresses automatically, and ALL ethernet devices connected via Devolo plugs work, no problem.

So, surely the Devolo plugs are not the issue - BUT, in modem mode, even though the MAC Address of ALL ethernet devices (including all Devolo plugs) have been input into the AE's DHCP Reservations List.

Strange.

Re: Confused about Superhub
 

I believe that the Devolo acts as a switch forwarding the SH in modem mode to the AE. That shuts out the ther devices on the Devolo circuit. If you didn't have the AE in, I reckon you'd see just one of the devices on the AV500.

he SH needs to bridge to a DHCP device in modem mode and that's not the Devolo 200AV.

Re: Confused about Superhub
 

I would have thought that in using Devolo's own dLAN Cockpit software, and adding each socket in the network (as I have done) would not have posed this problem.

Moreover, I don't understand why all the Devolo plugs work in router mode, but not in modem mode.

Re: Confused about Superhub
 

The Deveolo plugs work in router mode because the DHCP is performed at the SH and before the Devolo. In your constellation, the Devolo (first) acts as a dumb hub, the router provides the DHCP and nothing else is seen by the SH.

Re: Confused about Superhub
 

There is a very old thread here which asks the same questions and seems to come to the conclusion that what you want is not possible for the reasons that Sepiroth postulates.

In a related scenario I have a camera connected by home plugs i.e camera/homeplug ->-> homeplug/Wireless adapter (each floor is on a separate ring main) ->-> router which OK exzcept when you need to update the camera software when the second homeplug has to be connected directly to the router:D

So there are difficulties with homeplugs.