Superhub Modem Mode Alternate
 

I currently have the SH2 in Modem mode as i have my own far superior router, my question is can we replace the SH as a modem? It is very bulky and the power cable is rather large.

Any alternative? or does the internet have to run through the VM SH?

Re: Superhub Modem Mode Alternate
 

Simple answer is no - you must have a Virgin Media Superhub.

Re: Superhub Modem Mode Alternate
 

Surely there must be a way? The superhub has such a large plug, and thr actual hub is quite large too.

Re: Superhub Modem Mode Alternate
 

It could be worse as at least it does provide modem mode.

Re: Superhub Modem Mode Alternate
 

In the old days, Telewest supplied the Motorola SurfBoard 4100 modem and then some from Scientific Atlanta such as the DPX110. If you wanted WiFi, you had to install your own wireless router.

These days only the hubs are supplied by VM. It would make sense for those of us who run the hubs in modem mode to be able to get only modems, but I'm not aware that VM is thinking along those lines.

Re: Superhub Modem Mode Alternate
 

I'm afraid you're stuck with the big clunky kit. Put it in modem mode and if you really hate it you could put it under the floor? :D

Re: Superhub Modem Mode Alternate
 

Which is precisely what I've done, with the flashing lights pointing away from me.

Re: Superhub Modem Mode Alternate
 

Mine's behind the sofa where I can't see it

Re: Superhub Modem Mode Alternate
 

Unfortunately the vast majority of VM's customer base, alongside indeed the other big ISPs, want a gateway, so combined modem router, and that suits them just fine.

It also reduces the support overhead for the ISP as they can support up to that device and past there is someone else's problem.

It's possible to use alternative devices but is against the terms of service, involves disassembling the existing hub and attacking it with a soldering iron, and is generally not recommended.

TL;DR No.

Re: Superhub Modem Mode Alternate
 

The support issue is one huge reason why you'll never see custom Cable modems, security is another. By allowing your own CPE on the network, it opens up Virgin to all kinds of abuse, account sharing and that kind of deal. I don't know if the situation has improved, but it used to be you could pull the modem details from one modem and clone it onto another - as long as they weren't on the same UBR, you could "share" the account quite easily and it was difficult to crack down on. I believe since DOCSIS3 came along it's been less of an issue, but just goes to show how easily such a thing could be abused.

It'll never happen, just be glad they offer a modem mode.

The day Virgin removes modem mode is the day I seriously consider switching to FTTC.

Re: Superhub Modem Mode Alternate
 

Still don't understand how this isn't a problem for Americans but here its a thing you can't do.

Re: Superhub Modem Mode Alternate
 

I believe that consumer law in the USA is the factor there. Whether or not that has ever introduced the abuse that Kush mentioned, I can't say.

Re: Superhub Modem Mode Alternate
 

I think the difference is the network in the UK is (was?) a lot less secure. AS I said, being able to plug a cloned modem in and for it to "just work" was something that DOCSIS 1.1 fixed, but VM (NTL/TW) didn't seem to implement those best practices until relatively recently - if at all.

Re: Superhub Modem Mode Alternate
 

That's rather silly but it is Virgin after all still a shame you can't but I understand why now.

Re: Superhub Modem Mode Alternate
 

We dont need to implement security for 3rd party devices because we dont allow 3rd party devices to be connected!

So many poor decisions get made security wise because of naive stances like that.

Re: Superhub Modem Mode Alternate
 

In the US most of the cable providers charge a rental fee for their supplied modem. Buying and using your own gets rid of that.

However I understand that even if you do use your own, it has to be from a set of approved modems, and once it's registered then the provider still has final control over it.

Re: Superhub Modem Mode Alternate
 

If I'm honest, I'm actually happy with the setup Virgin has. I can buy my own router and take that with me if I ever leave, whereas if I bought my own modem it'd be useless.

Re: Superhub Modem Mode Alternate
 

yeah, as long as modem mode is around and I can use my own proper router I am happy. If they ever got rid of it I would leave on the very same day and I imagine a lot of other people would as well.

Re: Superhub Modem Mode Alternate
 

I agree with Kush.

Re: Superhub Modem Mode Alternate
 

what about me ;)

Re: Superhub Modem Mode Alternate
 

I never disagree with you. Agreement goes without saying.

Re: Superhub Modem Mode Alternate
 

It is. They have their list of approved modems and refuse to support anything else.

Perhaps a better question would be to ask how the Americans manage it when every other country in the world, except maybe Canada, forces cable customers to use their provider's equipment.

---------- Post added at 21:04 ---------- Previous post was at 21:02 ----------

They're implemented on all DOCSIS 3.0 tiers but there are still some CPE that can be cloned.

The PoS should have been kicked off the network and replacement forced by now but c'est la vie.