FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

There's about 3 different threads discussing this and the same questions get asked again and again. So I'm going to attempt to create a single place for those questions to get answered. If more questions keep appearing, I'll try to edit this as necessary.

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Can I opt out??

Yes. You'll have to sign into My Virgin Media but you can opt out at any time. You will also not be able to use the shared wifi service.

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Will people be stealing my bandwidth? Will my connection be affected?

No. The shared wifi is completely separate to your own wifi/connection. If you pay for 152mbit, you'll get 152mbit, regardless as to how many people are using the shared Wifi.

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How can my connection not be affected? Surely the extra bandwidth has to come from somewhere?

The truth is, your connection is already shared - with your neighbours and even with your set top box(es). The speed of your connection is set by Virgin, but the coaxial cable coming into your home is actually capable of much, much faster speeds. Virgin will be literally setting up two completely separate connections on your Superhub, one for you and one for the shared wifi.

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But won't this cause extra congestion?

Unlikely. People using your connection are already Virgin customers, the bandwidth they're using on the shared wifi is just bandwidth they're not using at home.

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Will there be gangs of youths hanging around outside my house?

No. Do you see gangs of youths hanging around outside the houses of BT customers who have a similar thing?

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Who can access the shared Wifi?

Virgin Mobile and Virgin Media customers who haven't opted-out of the wifi sharing.

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Will I need a new Superhub?

No.

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What speeds will be available?

Unknown at this time.

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Is Modem mode going away?

Unknown at this time, but almost certainly not.

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What has this got to do with the 100/200/300Mbit speed doubling?

Nothing, the announcements were just made at the same time.

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's Wifi Sharing
 

Good thread

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's Wifi Sharing
 

That's not what you originally posted :D

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's Wifi Sharing
 

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's Wifi Sharing
 

Awwww.....

Is there any way I can be given access to edit the OP in case more information needs to be added? It won't let me :(

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's Wifi Sharing
 

Why couldn't a mod just edit the op in the op http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/10...jor-wi-fi.html :confused: and the email posted http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/12...ming-your.html. not sure how this thread is any different tbh. wifi hotspot mega thread please mods :D

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's Wifi Sharing
 

That's cause BT suck and their own "similar thing" is far too slow for modern youths!

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's Wifi Sharing
 

Actually it works just fine. I use it regularly without a problem.

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's Wifi Sharing
 

Actually it sucks. I regularly try to use it and always have problems.

But given your age I'm not surprised you wouldn't understand the needs of modern youths these days.

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

Glitchfest.

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's Wifi Sharing
 

What sort of problems?

I fully understand modern youths internet needs. I'm still stuck in that youthful era in my head :)

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's Wifi Sharing
 

Problems like it not being fast enough for 14 year old's needs!

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

So basically you want broadband that the UK can't yet provide? :)

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

Will i be able to connect to one of these WiFi Hotspots via a laptop and ifso how will it verify that i am a virgin customer?

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

Probably the same way BT do it - you login with your virgin login details.

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

In regard to the possibility of interfering with your home service:

Afaik, VM the firmware has QOS that favours the home service flow rather than the hotspot flow. There is likely devil in the detail because downstream comes from somewhere else than your SH2 but when it starts on 01-Sep I will do some experiments.

The above refers to WiFi contention. If both service flows are on the same 2.4 GHz channel, then there is potential for wireless contention.

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

Will use same channels on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz. To do otherwise requires multiple radios.

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

5GHz is not on offer for VM's "FON" service.

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

Good thread, thank you.

It is a pity that VM when they announced WiFi and speed initiativs and upgrades so close together that they didn't think through what people's instinctive reactions would be. Better that they had done an FAQ such as yours.

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

Will this work if you're in modem mode on an SH1 ? What if someone downloads/does something illegal using your connection?

Don't think I've ever picked up anybody elses signal in my area so will probably opt out. All those signals flying about can fry your brains ;)

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

Unknown, guessing it will work though.

It doesn't ever trace back to you. Completely separate connection.

Fair enough, but it may come in useful if you ever travel somewhere :)

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

Purely personal, maybe slightly selfish viewpoint - but I'll probably be opting out of this.

We get excellent 3G & 4G coverage from our EE mobiles, and our data allowance barely gets touched as it is, so I can't see that adding random WiFi hotspots to the mix is going to improve our mobile data experience. I've experimented with using WiFi on the London Underground to "prove that WiFi calling works", but I get that included via my EE subscription anyway.

And yes, if there's the slightest risk of our modem's uncontrolled "public" network affecting our personal network - then I know which is going to lose out.

As many have said, the devil's in the detail.

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

Indeed. As far as I can see, with all the information we have available, the ONLY way your personal connection will suffer is if you're using the Superhub's own wireless.

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

Currently in modem mode there is no wireless from SHUB1. Also SHUB1 is only single band either 2.4 or 5, and with internal antennas has pretty lousy range, so there's not be much opportunity to share it from outside your property. But I hope it can be enabled so you get the benefit of sharing when out.

Given the lousy firmware on SHUB1 in routing mode, I find it difficult to believe its going to be touched - wouldn't it be easier to give everyone a Fonera type device?

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

The SH1 is not being used for Public Wifi - at least not in the current trial phase.

Plus Public WiFi will be on the 2.4GHz frequency range so in theory, the SH1 could be used. But it is a useless wireless device and even VM couldn't be that stupid as to put Public WiFi onto it.

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

They could and nobody would notice because nobody would be able to connect to the damn thing.

I do wonder if the SH3 will have additional antennae built into it just for wifi sharing.

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

I doubt it, Kush. That's what modem mode is for.

I mean the SH3 will have modem mode? It will, won't it?

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

virgin email this morning Farnborough GU14 Going FREE WIFI September .well they
will have to improve a lot our current service no end of visits by Techs still not fixed

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

This is what the BQM has been like since the WiFi trial SSID started to be broadcast on 17-Aug-15.

[img]Download Failed (1)[/img]

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

I might sign up for this then given my SH1 in Modem mode has little chance of being able to share its connection (however I can blag other peoples). Maybe they'll be a rush of punters asking for a downgrade to an SH1 !

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

Using a Fonera-type device, such as mine, piggy-backed on the main router, would make it difficult to run the additional connection in the background wouldn't it? I put this as a question because I am not sure.

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

I suspect that this is just an advertising gimmick so that the name Virgin Media pops up on an SSID list as often as BT. Never mind what it does to air wave congestion.

---------- Post added at 10:32 ---------- Previous post was at 10:28 ----------

No - nothing is made difficult in this context by Fonera.

The Superhub 2 can have more than one service flow allocated to it (this was part of the recent firmware change). The new service flow is independent of yours and performs accordingly. So if you haven't opted out of public WiFi then whatever you're doing in your service flow continues and the public WiFi continues as well.

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

It would be better for the superhub to provide the open Guest Wifi with internet access by renote authorization, this is a mature function of many commercial routers, needs to be an isolated AP so no access to your local network, I guess VM could get it to use a second internet IP, but I doubt if they can afford to give everyone 2, so maybe some form of vlan tagging?

I don't see this working in modem mode!

A Fonera type device connected to a LAN would be double-nat with firewall rules to block local network access and it would difficult to isolate traffic accounting.

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

Cool, thank you for the information.

Will share the same 2.4GHz channel as the customer's home network, then :)

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

It is. It doesn't touch your LAN. I doubt they need to give the shared wifi points dedicated IP's, either. CG-NAT would be enough.

No reason why it can't.

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

I've just opted out (temporarily) to see if my BQM graph improves and to see how long it takes for the service flow to be deactivated. Top graph is current snapshot; bottom graph is the live graph to see what happens.

http://www.thinkbroadband.com/ping/s...23-08-2015.png

https://www.cableforum.co.uk/images/local/2015/08/5.png

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

OK. I get the bit about the additional connection. But in the case of additional kit, your normal connection and domestic WiFi would run in its normal way, but a Fonera-type gadget, presumably connected to a dedicated physical LAN port, would utilise the additional connection.

My pure FON is on a sub net. 192.168.10.1

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

SEPH. Does that mean that VM would run the risk of upsetting those of us who prefer to use a fully-fledged router in modem only mode?

I would have to weigh up the pros and cons of opting into the WiFi scheme.

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

Not sure I understand. How would VLAN tagging mitigate the need for 2 public IP addresses?

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

Interesting. Given that the "opt out" is on MyVirginMedia, I wonder if modem mode is an easy way to bypass the wifi sharing while still getting to use it?

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

Not quite how I see it, Roughie.

I don't walk down the street Facebooking like many women I see are doing. But I get the point. Those who want to take advantage when out and about can't if they opt out.

As soon as the trial is over, I'm back in modem mode - especially seeing my BQM graph!

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

The network will also be good for VM's internet telephone calls.

Yes, your graph doesn't look great, but perhaps your area network isn't yet up to the standard required for the national WiFi network or 300Mb.

In the case of the FON network your FON router has to be registered and actively sharing. FON detect from their Spanish base whether or not you are sharing. You get about 6 weeks grace before you lose roaming rights. Within minutes of reconnecting your roaming rights are restored.

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

Can't even see the opt in or out on my Virginmedia, where is it, I've looked where it shows cloud, tvanywhere, etc no sign of Wi-Fi buddy

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

It's probably not active on your account yet.

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

The details seem to be ISP/ device specific but I believe some ISPs deliver IPTV and VOIP using this method, tagged packets can get special routing to specific hardware ports, but when traversing the internet they use your modem/router IP.

It seems there are already users with the SH2 and wifi sharing, so not a lot of point speculating - do wifi guests get a to use your internet IP?

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

UPDATE:


I turned public WiFi off at 11:00 but the wild BQM continued. I rebooted the SH2 at 15:00 and the graph stabilised nicely. At 17:00 I went back to public WiFi (which appeared instantly on setting it ON in My VM) and, as you can see, the BQM remains nice.

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

Interesting. I wonder if rebooting kicked someone off the wireless and they've yet to reconnect? I may have to do some experimenting myself. Perhaps a full torrent running on the "guest" wifi to see how it affects my main Wifi.

When it roles out here, that is.

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

Nah Kush. Only the SSID is being broadcast and the credentials to get past that are not known to me. The thing doesn't go live before 01-Sep.

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

Where in 'My Virgin Media' is the opt in/out setting?

All I get on VM 'My profile' is Oops, something's broken. We're sorry this isn't the page you wanted.

This part of the site isn't working at the moment, but it'll be up and running again soon.

Other parts of the site might be working as normal, so try using the links below to help you find what you want.

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

Are you sure? I thought it would have used the same app people use to get on the Wifi on the underground?

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

Yeah - I'm sure. We were told this behind the scenes.

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

Ahh fair enough :)

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

isng in, click on my profile and scroll all the way down to the bottom. The last option is a check box for opt in or opt out for wifi and then you click on confirm to update. I did it yesterday with no probs and I have just logged in again now to check it for you and had no probs.

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

Thanks for checking, all I get is the oops message . Another call to VM to sort this out. :mad:

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

Is there a page with settings where that doesn't happen? Switching off "advanced error search" doesn't work either. I'm assuming my VPN problems are related to that and not something stupid that VM are doing with VPN traffic.

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

No such option there for me (maybe its because i've got an SH1 which doesn't look like it'll be able to do this anyway ?)

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

One of the MY VM links is broken. There is more than one and the others work but I haven't the time to find them for you. Sorry.

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

Guests will not use the same public IP as the customer whose property the Superhub lives in.

There are no customers with WiFi sharing live right now. :)

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

No they are not.

---------- Post added at 13:14 ---------- Previous post was at 13:10 ----------

I doubt it. The biggest problem with using any type of wireless network for IP calls is the lack of quality-of-service. Roaming between APs is a pain even on a single-controller corporate network, depending on how the "far end" is set up on a guest-wifi network it may not work at all and just result in dropped connections every 30 seconds.


Yes, but this isn't FON - and with BT FON they don't detect, so it's all up to the ISP.

---------- Post added at 13:14 ---------- Previous post was at 13:14 ----------

No, hasn't this been repeated 50 times already?

This wouldn't even be legal in the UK.

---------- Post added at 13:15 ---------- Previous post was at 13:14 ----------

Even if that were the case, it should not have the effect seen here (aside from possible software bugs on the SH, and don't get me started on that...)

Given the dedicated service flows, and the fact the BQM doesn't monitor "over the wifi" there's no reason any amount of guest wireless load should be affecting it.

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

Stated many times a separate connection, and different IP confirmed by Ignitionnet, but what what IP do they get - CG_NAT?

If I enable guest WIfi on my Asus router, my guests get a isolated local lan IP, but share the WAN IP. If I plug in my Fon device so does anyone passing (via double nat). I am not sure Fon use is within VMs T&Cs, but that's civil contract law not criminal? I don't know how BT Fon works, but the multiple channel nature of VM network seems to offer a much better solution. Various places offer free guest wifi after clicking through web splash screen in an attempt to pass on responsibility for use of connection, but I doubt if record keeping is that high integrity, the ones that require an SMS code at least link to a mobile in the possession of the user.

Can the first post be updated when new facts confirmed? Will wifi sharing ever be enabled on SHUB1 or any SHUB in modem mode? Can I connect to my own shared Wifi connection to make use of the second connection? What control will user have over wifi channels? Wifi sharing only on 2.4GHz, so 5GHZ on SH2 available, but sharing same 2.4GHz on same congested channels would mean guests degrade internal use. A home connection has many users, can remote connection be use any family member, or just one with permission of account holder?

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

SH1 possibly. SHUB in modem mode, I wouldn't expect so.

The general minimum speed offered by VM soon may well be 100Mbit so why would you want to? Plus few devices would allow you to do that easily, you'd have to choose between one or the other.

Virgin Media WiFi can be used by anyone that has valid sign in details to the service.

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

So the question is:- if you are in modem mode, and can't share, but don't opt out in My Virgin Media, will you still be able to use this service ?

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

So far the answer to that question has been carefully avoided!

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

One would assume if you opt in, new firmware would be deployed forcing the Superhub into Superhub mode and disabling modem mode altogether. Th
at would make sense.

As opting in would be the "send new firmware to disable modem mode, force Superhub mode, or if and when you opted out would send the previous firmware you was on before.

---------- Post added at 17:24 ---------- Previous post was at 17:21 ----------

Just as I posted the above I get the email from Virginmedia saying coming to my area in September lol

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

It seems from what's been said you're automatically opted in unless you opt out. So will people in modem mode suddenly find there routers don't work and their wireless now rubbish? Stand by for a few complaints ! There's no way I'm using my Superdud1 in router mode -serves them right for giving customers cruddy equipment. As the Dragons say, I'm out !

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

Technically you're opening yourself up for criminal liability if someone uses your connection for something illegal. This is unfortunately a side effect of the legal framework in the UK, which has similar impact on places that offer free guest wifi:
http://www.techweekeurope.co.uk/mobi...8000-fine-2612

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2014/11...wifi_networks/

---------- Post added at 17:57 ---------- Previous post was at 17:55 ----------

Not to mention trying to get that over 2.4Ghz wireless reliably.

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

I will be opting out as i dont need to use the service my mobile data allowance will be more than enough for me.

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

Can the FAQ clarify the relationship between modem mode and WiFi sharing?

Also the point about "will this slow down your connection" is dubious. If you are on an over utilised segment there is no guarentee that the people "lodging" on your conenction will be also on the same segment.

---------- Post added at 20:34 ---------- Previous post was at 20:26 ----------

Out of interest, is there a sensible solution where you might want to opt in and use the new service but still want to retain your (better) router and all the features that come with it?

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

I'm unable to edit the OP, I'm afraid :(

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

which is why i suggested a mod kept on top of it!

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

absolutely, that is why I logged in and opted out as soon as they sent me the email explaining it all the other day. I don't think we have ever talked out it on this forum but hopefully there is a large enough number of users (I would guess 25%) that use modem mode that it has made VM pause for thought and address how they are going to get round it.

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

I'd like to keep modem mode - how do I opt out in my account? I've not received any emails/letters saying I will have access to the service yet.

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

you sign into my virginmedia, click on profile and then scroll all the way down to the bottom to the wifi section and select opt out.

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

Those who have the public WiFi enabled firmware are able to see the opt-in/opt-out in My Virgin Media (assuming that you can navigate to there!).

Modem mode remains a free choice at the Superhub.

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

There's nothing to say what happens to modem mode so I'd not panic just yet.

They won't just turn it off as part of the roll out, Virgin don't like generating more support calls.

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

The FAQ asserts that the "lodgers" use of your WiFi will not degrade your service:
The assertion that these users are not using their service at home and therefore will not impact your service is dubious. This is only true if they are also assigned to your cable segment, hard to prove but I would think that this scenario would be a minority one.

This raises a potential issue with this new service: if your segment is over-utilised then this additional traffic can only exacerbate the problem. How much by will be governed by the QoS, Bandwidth and Speed settings which AFAIK have not been released yet.

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

The thing is, this applies regardless of local congestion. People are going to be upset if the shared wifi impacts their connection and it could impact them if the QoS isn't up to snuff - even in an area with zero congestion.

Ding ding ding! Virgin's entire operation revolves around upselling services and reducing support. It would be insane to retroactively disable a feature that was so heavily requested in the first place, because the only reason they created the feature was due to the number of support calls the non-modem mode firmware generated.

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

Modem mode is not being removed, nor will your choice to use Modem mode be reset.

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

So Ben, can you comment on what happens if you don't opt-out but continue to use Modem mode? Is this a possible loophole?

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

Nope ......
Been checking this for several days and there is nothing on my profile about WiFi.
Not too concerned, as I'm in Modem Mode and even if I was in Router Mode, the SH WiFi does not reach outside the house :)

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's Wifi Sharing
 

I agree, I already have to move gangs of youths on from outside my property, if it gets around that there is free wi-Fi as well I will be deluged.
Does this work if you are set to modem mode?

---------- Post added at 12:32 ---------- Previous post was at 12:30 ----------

Ps if Virgin can get more data up and down my connection I want them to offer it to me, personally me and the wife don't need mobile wi-Fi we both have all you can eat 4g data plans, what an absolute stupid idea!

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's Wifi Sharing
 

So the speed doubling, then? Virgin can theoretically go even way above that.

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

pps there just opted out and any attempt to make my shub2 do anything than act in a modem will result in me leaving.

---------- Post added at 12:40 ---------- Previous post was at 12:37 ----------

Well offer me 400mb internet then Virgin instead of offering me stuff I don't need, I'm sat here having my dinner near a field using 4g, there is not a chance I could get a signal from a super hub here, absolute waste of time and money idea jeez.

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

Well, unfortunately Virgin has several million customers, many of which will make great use of the service.

It's also a pretty efficient way to increase monetisation of their network - A software update - no doubt Virgin's wifi sharing will become part of a bigger wireless network that Virgin can charge 3rd parties access for.

It's shame that you won't personally find it useful, but I wager you also don't watch every single TV channel that comes through your box.

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

In reality it's closer to 1%.

---------- Post added at 13:19 ---------- Previous post was at 13:19 ----------

Do nothing.

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

Don't think I would ever use this either, and as for the TV, there are days I don't even turn it on ....
Then again, I'm an old fart who still reads the Radio Times and can separate my phone from my hand ;)
I've even been known to read paper books .........

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

I found the opt out section easily on my profile so I used it as I do not wish to use the shared wi-fi service.

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

I don't think I would every use Sky TV but that doesn't mean it isn't extremely popular among the rest of the populace.

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

Indeed, the point is... each to their own. Virgin has to make a service that's appealing to as many people as possible, so obviously some aspects are going to be unused by some people.

To put it another way - how many of you used the free F-secure license? Or (dread to think) ever used Virgin Media security. Or the cloud backup stuff. Or the photo printing service.

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

Really? I find it very surprising that's its only 1% in modem mode. There must be lots with SH1's and they can't surely be trying to use it as a router ? Do VM actually know how many are in modem mode, or don't they know?

I'm guessing then, reading between the lines, that VM aren't going to boot you off modem mode, but you'll be unable to share your connection with it. However it sounds as though you'll still be able to blag other peoples connections if you don't opt out in MyVM. If so, guess VM wouldn't want this to be widely known. However would be good to get this confirmed ? Ben ?

This is rapidly becoming an Frequently Unanswered Questions thread rather than a FAQ one... :)

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

Fact or your opinion? What would the source be if fact?

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

You overestimate the level of technical knowledge and "give-a-damn"-ness of the general public.

It's really not going to make enough of an impact on VM's bottom line for any of the paper pushers to care. After all BT's similar service that's been running much longer has far wider impact and coverage as well as a commercial option to purchase access and they've never given a damn.

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

how else are you going to watch Judge Judy?

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

My only worry so far is security. As you have two connection on the same router they have to make sure that it will be impossible for one user to access the other connection.

As it is the same hardware, if there is a security issue discovered with the firmware a hacker could gain access to your own connections and snoop around.

Because of this I will opt out for now until everything is stable.

In an ideal world, Virgin should give us a new router that is actually two separate hardware so even if it is exploitable, as they are not physically connected it does not matter if the public hardware is compromised.

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

If there was a security issue with the firmware, a hacker wouldn't need to log onto the separate service flow to access your private service flow, which can be directly hacked then.

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

knowing what a half assed job VM do with firmware and how they love to rush it out it wouldn't surprise me at all if somebody was able to find a vulnerability within a week. I will laugh my ass off when it happens and quote

"How does it work?
We’ll switch on a separate internet connection to your Super Hub, which will become part of the WiFi network. But don’t worry, the broadband you love and pay for will stay exclusively yours – and remain just as secure."

Re: FAQ on Virgin Media's WiFi Sharing
 

Actually I'd be surprised if there was such a vulnerability. It's relatively trivial to completely separate two networks, the hard bit (that's prone to error) is when you try to create secure bridges between them.

It sounds as though there's two completely separate service flows live on the UBR for each hub, there's nowhere to "Cross over" except deep inside Virgin's network and that would have much, much bigger consequences.

Or, as alluded above, they'd have to find some kind of exploit in the hub's firmware that allows them to access say the WPA information of the home network - again, that would have bigger consequences and Virgin can push out a security update fairly quickly. The fact that updates are so rare says quite a lot about the security of the hub.