New build with Virgin Media branded ethernet sockets - what to expect?
 

I went to view a new build property last night and was pleasantly surprised to see it had been cabled for Virgin Media.

What I didn't expect (And was an even more pleasant surprise) was that the bedrooms and living room all had Ethernet sockets in them, with a Virgin Media logo on a (otherwise empty) plate next to them.

Am I right in thinking this is possibly FTTP?

(Sorry, I didn't think to take pictures at the time).

Now, to my understanding, Virgin uses RFoG so the end point equipment is the same - same Superhub, same TiVo box - somewhere the fibre gets converted into a coaxial output. What I'm having trouble grasping is how this works with Ethernet sockets?

I couldn't spot an omnibox anywhere. There might have been a coaxial wall plate in the Living room but I didn't get a good look, nor could I find any kind of patch panel for the Ethernet sockets (I didn't get to look in all of the cupboards, though).

I'm guessing this is fairly standard for new builds, but I can't find any information on it - what should I expect? A Cupboard somewhere with a bunch of coax dangling and a patch panel? Or is there like a shed somewhere in the street passing straight up Ethernet to the houses? (I'm not sure how I'd feel about that and I don't see how that would work with TiVo).

Anyone got anything like this?

Re: New build with Virgin Media branded ethernet sockets - what to expect?
 

Yes I'd imagine there will be a point somewhere in the house with a patch panel. Interesting though! I wonder how the Tivo is supposed to connect?

Re: New build with Virgin Media branded ethernet sockets - what to expect?
 

This is what I'm wondering! I'm guessing there was a coax point that I just didn't see, but I really don't know.

The plot I viewed was the show home, the plot I've reserved isn't going to be ready for a while but when it is I'll take pictures.

Re: New build with Virgin Media branded ethernet sockets - what to expect?
 

Perhaps they wire up ethernet in advance as part of the deal but do the coax like a normal install, or perhaps they do all the TV over IP? Certainly they should have the bandwidth if it's a fibre connection externally, I think Sky do similar on some new builds to deliver without dishes.

Re: New build with Virgin Media branded ethernet sockets - what to expect?
 

From my experience with new builds there usually is either 2 setups...

If it is a house under the stairs there is a double blanking plate with all the wires behind if it's a flat usually this is in the airing cupboard.

The coax will come from the distribution cabinet normally in the basement or cupboard in one of the communal hallways if a flat or straight to the street cabinet if a house

Re: New build with Virgin Media branded ethernet sockets - what to expect?
 

It's a house and I did look under the stairs, but there wasn't anything there. There is a second cupboard upstairs though, which I didn't look in - could be there.

Re: New build with Virgin Media branded ethernet sockets - what to expect?
 

We don't wire Ethernet. The branded sockets you would have seen are either just a blanking plate or an angled F connector in a Euro Module panel. We only fit RG6 coaxial cable in New Build properties. We do recommend that developers fit Ethernet but that's at their own cost and expertise.

Regardless of whether its an FTTP or HFC build, the internal wiring is still coaxial.

HTH

Re: New build with Virgin Media branded ethernet sockets - what to expect?
 

And handily, you can see that on this site here

http://www.virginmedia.com/lightning...rty-developers

There is a PDF which details exactly how Virgin Media recommend installation in a new build :)

Re: New build with Virgin Media branded ethernet sockets - what to expect?
 

Shame no one took any notice of that when they were doing my building haha!

Re: New build with Virgin Media branded ethernet sockets - what to expect?
 

I found this before, but it may as well have been greek to me! Haha.

Okay, that does make sense! I'll get another look at the place in a couple of weeks, I'll be sure to take pictures this time for those that are curious. I'm hoping it's FTTP, for future proofing.

Re: New build with Virgin Media branded ethernet sockets - what to expect?
 

If its the show home then it's likely got every option under the sun. When you come to buy then you'll likely find ethernet is just another added option, most offer it these days. Some for an extortionate amount considering what it actually costs to put in during the build.

Re: New build with Virgin Media branded ethernet sockets - what to expect?
 

The document that Ben linked shows a VM master socket module, maybe it's that you saw?

Re: New build with Virgin Media branded ethernet sockets - what to expect?
 

Its not FTTP ;)

Also I made that developers guide :cool:

Re: New build with Virgin Media branded ethernet sockets - what to expect?
 

Heh, I was going to say that but wasn't sure whether you would want people to know or not ;)

Re: New build with Virgin Media branded ethernet sockets - what to expect?
 

Oh cool, guess that's about as authoritative as you can get!

Re: New build with Virgin Media branded ethernet sockets - what to expect?
 

Sorry to hijack this post. I have just moved into a new build and the lounge has the TV plate with sockets and modules and pre wired with VM.

My understanding was the VM cable connection and phone connection would be on euro modules like the new build developers guide so it's nice and neat. The engineer came today and took one look and said we don't fit them so then pulled the cables through 2 empty module spaces and fixed new VM surface mounted cable and phone face plates under the TV face plate. It's looks ugly as sin and I know it will be hidden behind the TV unit but surley after all the effort to install a nice TV plate they could install it properly.

Does anyone know if you can get the VM module as I understand it has an inline isolator. I know I can get a master phone socket on a module.

Failing that I may just drill a hole in the blanking module and do it that way.

Thanks

Mike

Re: New build with Virgin Media branded ethernet sockets - what to expect?
 

Hi Mike


Do you want to PM me your address and contact details and I will get one of the local liaison engineers on it for you.


Cheers


Stephen

Re: New build with Virgin Media branded ethernet sockets - what to expect?
 

Thanks Stephen, will do. I have attached a photo of what was installed!

VM are calling me today to see how the install went so will also mention it.

Thanks Mike

Re: New build with Virgin Media branded ethernet sockets - what to expect?
 

Jesus Christ.


(In reference to the shoddy work done there, not the thread hijacking).

Re: New build with Virgin Media branded ethernet sockets - what to expect?
 

It's a good point though, the whole time i was an installer i could not order nor was i supplied the correct fittings for this...

Re: New build with Virgin Media branded ethernet sockets - what to expect?
 

Its in the attached document as well...So if they cant supply, why detail it!

Re: New build with Virgin Media branded ethernet sockets - what to expect?
 

Not sure but the engineers have to order their van stock and when i was there (left in September) there was nothing on the consumables form mentioning the part in the document... actually this is the first time i've seen / heard about it and i worked for them for 5 years...

Re: New build with Virgin Media branded ethernet sockets - what to expect?
 

This item is normally fitted at second fix by the developer, the stock hasn't made it to site for whatever reason. I have your details Mike, will get the local team to contact you and resolve.

Re: New build with Virgin Media branded ethernet sockets - what to expect?
 

Nice one.

cheers

Mike

Re: New build with Virgin Media branded ethernet sockets - what to expect?
 

Just had a call from my local VM installation manager regarding the faceplate install issue (see my pic in previous thread). He told me that they have to have isolators to stop surges etc. so they have to use the surface mounted face plates as I had it installed. Its the same on all new builds apparently. There are 70 new houses in the development I live in all pre wired for VM like mine and he said they will need to be installed the same, with the surface plates. What the point then!

He said well your TV is in front of it isn't it? Well yes true, you can't see it behind the telly but I know its there. So frustrating.

Can you get the phone modules compatible with VM?

Cheers Mike

Re: New build with Virgin Media branded ethernet sockets - what to expect?
 

Ha, with shoddy attitudes to work like that it's no wonder they've been under an embargo in places.

Speaking of, I've had no luck finding any information about what's going on in Liverpool, nobody seems to know what's going on and nobody is getting back to me about it :(

Re: New build with Virgin Media branded ethernet sockets - what to expect?
 

I think Stephen needs to contact your local team again. There's no excuse for carp work like that.

Re: New build with Virgin Media branded ethernet sockets - what to expect?
 

As i mentioned above...

The install manager is one of the contractors too... who doesn't have access to the modules... just like the installers...

As weesteev mentioned it's the developer who should fit these or supply these... you'll probably find that the manager isn't aware of the modules... i know that Reading and Guildford managers weren't aware when i worked there

Re: New build with Virgin Media branded ethernet sockets - what to expect?
 

So do you think I should go to the developer (Bellway) to see if they can get hold of them?

Re: New build with Virgin Media branded ethernet sockets - what to expect?
 

That's the impression i got from weesteev... yes

But you would need an installer to visit and connect them up

Re: New build with Virgin Media branded ethernet sockets - what to expect?
 

As Stephen is the New Build Officer I think he will be having words. Work like this affects his good reputation.;)

Re: New build with Virgin Media branded ethernet sockets - what to expect?
 

Yes I would get someone back out.

Re: New build with Virgin Media branded ethernet sockets - what to expect?
 

I'm sure he would...

I wish i had known about these modules when i worked for virgin....

Re: New build with Virgin Media branded ethernet sockets - what to expect?
 

Update - Just had a VM site manager round as he was looking at another house anyway. He took one look at the install and said that's not how its meant to be. They are meant to be euro modules.

He is now taking if forward for me and assured me it WILL be done correctly!

I'll keep you guys posted and thanks for your help to date.

Mike

Re: New build with Virgin Media branded ethernet sockets - what to expect?
 

Stephen works in mysterious ways. Do update us when you can.

Re: New build with Virgin Media branded ethernet sockets - what to expect?
 

I just hope they don't try to recharge the installer for damages as he would have been unaware of the modules.

Re: New build with Virgin Media branded ethernet sockets - what to expect?
 

Hope not. If anything it will just be 4 small holes where he attached the phone and cable boxes to the wall. Bit of filler, it will be right.

Re: New build with Virgin Media branded ethernet sockets - what to expect?
 

On a new build a touch of filler and a bit of magnolia emulsion. Simples!

Re: New build with Virgin Media branded ethernet sockets - what to expect?
 

So to update on my saga, I spoke to the new builds team today. Apparently Virgin can't service my new house because the cab nearby doesn't have power yet. They're speaking to the power company tomorrow about getting it wired up.

Still, it means I am weeks away :(

Re: New build with Virgin Media branded ethernet sockets - what to expect?
 

I would have installed the isolator the same way. It's not possible to do it any other way as you need an isolator

Re: New build with Virgin Media branded ethernet sockets - what to expect?
 

There already is one. From the developers guide:

Re: New build with Virgin Media branded ethernet sockets - what to expect?
 

Technicians have no way to order them. If the builder has left the wire as it is to get service to the customer this is the only option a virgin technician has

Re: New build with Virgin Media branded ethernet sockets - what to expect?
 

It's deffo something virgin should look at, as from my experience this euro module setup is also becoming popular on refurbishments.

Re: New build with Virgin Media branded ethernet sockets - what to expect?
 

They will have to allow contractors the ability to order barrel isolators so these can be used more neatly

Re: New build with Virgin Media branded ethernet sockets - what to expect?
 

As Stephen said earlier,

There should be no need for the technician to have to order them.

Re: New build with Virgin Media branded ethernet sockets - what to expect?
 

Things break

Re: New build with Virgin Media branded ethernet sockets - what to expect?
 

In case anyone's following on this. I spoke to Virgin yesterday, apparently the guy from the power company brought the wrong plans so another meeting needs to be scheduled.

After someone comes back from holiday.

Sounds encouraging. I'd take your "weeks away" in exchange for my "Well, it's anyone's guess, now. If ever." :)

Re: New build with Virgin Media branded ethernet sockets - what to expect?
 

You mean sometime between Now and Then, don't hold your breath.

Re: New build with Virgin Media branded ethernet sockets - what to expect?
 

Beck to the euro modules in the faceplate saga....

So just had a call from VM saying they have spoken to area manager etc. etc. and how its been installed is to VM standard so that's where is stops, complaint closed down. I'm left with an ugly installation. I would be happy if they wired the phone socket in a euro module, which I know are available as I have a BT one in the same faceplate and just drilled a hole in a blanking plate, pushed the cable through and put maybe an in-line isolator. The splitter is just lying on the carpet so why not the isolater?

Re: New build with Virgin Media branded ethernet sockets - what to expect?
 

Might be worth contacting BBC watchdog? They're kind of on a Virgin Media rampage at the moment.

Re: New build with Virgin Media branded ethernet sockets - what to expect?
 

Is there any reason the isolator could go just before the splitter. So the cable could come through the wall on a length of cable, into the isolator and then straight into the "in" of the splitter before splitting off to the tivo and hub?

I just read somewhere that the isolator should be as close to the equipment as it can.

Re: New build with Virgin Media branded ethernet sockets - what to expect?
 

That is possible, although leaving it on a floor also wouldnt look nice

Re: New build with Virgin Media branded ethernet sockets - what to expect?
 

Might just get a plastic enclosure or 3d print a custom one to suit. Then I could get the isolater and splitter in 1 neat box.

Re: New build with Virgin Media branded ethernet sockets - what to expect?
 

That's Steve's credibility down the drain then when a customer has to resort to making his own enclosure to make good the pigs ear VM install!

Re: New build with Virgin Media branded ethernet sockets - what to expect?
 

Hi Mike

Are you referring to the phone or the coax euro module? We only supply coax euro modules and I can make sure this gets changed over for you if it hasn't been already. We cant terminate a master phone point in a media plate unfortunately and neither can Openreach. Media plates should only be used as extension sockets but this isn't always the case.

If our master phone point has been terminated by the developer in the media plate then there really isn't a way to resolve this currently without taking out the media plate and rewiring everything, this really wouldn't be an option.

The best thing I can suggest for now is hang tight until digital voice launches in your area and then migrate over to that, it will negate the need for a copper master socket as your Hub3 (or new version) will be your new phone socket and the wiring can be removed.

Drop me a line if you need any assistance.

Re: New build with Virgin Media branded ethernet sockets - what to expect?
 

@weesteve see post 12.

Re: New build with Virgin Media branded ethernet sockets - what to expect?
 

The document actually refers to Telco euro modules as extensions, not masters. The Openreach guide specifically states not to deploy master sockets in a media plate either, they still require an NTE5 as we require a master socket for testing.

Re: New build with Virgin Media branded ethernet sockets - what to expect?
 

My bad it is actually post #18 where there is a photo of the "pigs ear" install.

Re: New build with Virgin Media branded ethernet sockets - what to expect?
 

Well spotted Pip, that passed me by! Yes this just requires a coax euro module, Mike drop me a line with your details and I will get this sorted for you.

Re: New build with Virgin Media branded ethernet sockets - what to expect?
 

Thought that might be your reply. I still can't understand when the complaint was put in it was closed as "up to VM standard". Perhaps the standards need to change and the ability of the install techs to have the ability to order the modules so that issues like this don't rise again.

Re: New build with Virgin Media branded ethernet sockets - what to expect?
 

The modules aren't a standard fit at the moment as they require a barrel isolator... these are retained for faults issues as they used to be used as a sneaky way of extending a drop cable. The process is being looked at just now but what should be happening is the euro module insert should be left unconnected at second fix but for whatever reason this hasn't happened here.

Not great to be honest, will make sure this is fed back to the relevant teams and we tighten things up a bit.

Re: New build with Virgin Media branded ethernet sockets - what to expect?
 

I understand what you are saying Steve but without you getting the feedback from customers...

Re: New build with Virgin Media branded ethernet sockets - what to expect?
 

Thanks, I have PM' you. If VM don't do the phone socket only extension, fair enough.

---------- Post added at 14:53 ---------- Previous post was at 14:49 ----------

I've seen master sockets as euro modules. They have a yellow component on the back. TLC direct sell them for £10 Are these not the same thing?

Re: New build with Virgin Media branded ethernet sockets - what to expect?
 

They are Mike but Virgin Media wont connect them, the master socket can be utilised as a slave but for a VM installer to connect a phone socket it would have to be into a standard phone socket unit. Have responded to your message, we will get this sorted for you ASAP.