30M : Router options

[passingbat]

I have a non superhub modem connected to my router and recently I have to reboot the router more often than I used to and I think It would be a good idea to replace the router.

I don't have a use for wireless as my flat is hard wired.

So would it be best to just replace the the current modem and router with a superhub, i.e., is it just the wireless side of the S/H that is bad as a router and the hard wired side is fine? Or would it be best to buy a new separate router, and if so, can you get non wireless ones with a good firewall?

When my area gets the speed doubling to 60meg (quite a way into next year) I will need to upgrade my modem to the superhub, as I'm on XL broadband but just recieve 20 meg at the moment. My current VM modem is rock solid and I can't remember the last time it needed to be rebooted, hence part of my hesitation on the superhub.

Thanks for any advice.

[thenry]

which router have you got at the moment? do you only need 4 LAN ports for your hard wired devices?

how much are you paying for XL20?

[passingbat]

Originally Posted by thenry

which router have you got at the moment? do you only need 4 LAN ports for your hard wired devices?

how much are you paying for XL20?

This is the router and it will be four years old next month:
3Com 3CR858-91-UK Officeconnect Cable/Dsl Router


http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B...ls_o00_s00_i00

This has four LAN ports; all four ports are used, one of which goes into the other room and is connected to a 7 port switch which feeds several devices in that room.


Because of the way VM show billing now, I haven't a clue how much I pay for the 20meg BB. I pay £67.90 in total for which I have:

XL TV
XL BB
XL Phone
2 1TB Tivos
Talk 08 2

On XL BB I should get 30 meg, but because I valued the stability of my current modem, I was happy to stay with just 20 meg. But now that I may need a new router, I thought it may be worth considering the superhub.

[thenry]

Sod the SuperHub until they send it out themselves. You could log in to MyVirginMedia to see if theres a self install link for the upgrade, that should get a SuperHub sent out free. Don't worry if there isn't, just wait for VM to send it on their own accord.

In the meantime buy a D-Link 615 on ebay for £10. you can disable wifi. Thats the only cheap decent option.

[passingbat]

Originally Posted by thenry

Sod the SuperHub until they send it out themselves. You could log in to MyVirginMedia to see if theres a self install link for the upgrade, that should get a SuperHub sent out free. Don't worry if there isn't, just wait for VM to send it on their own accord.

In the meantime buy a D-Link 615 on ebay for £10. you can disable wifi. Thats the only cheap decent option.

Thanks for that. So are you saying that if you're just using the Superhub router part in wired mode, then it is fine as a router, but just useless as a router if you are using WiFi?

[qasdfdsaq]

No, he's saying it sucks either way.

[thenry]

Originally Posted by passingbat

Because of the way VM show billing now, I haven't a clue how much I pay for the 20meg BB. I pay £67.90 in total for which I have:

XL TV
XL BB
XL Phone
2 1TB Tivos
Talk 08 2

todays prices for those tiers...

XL TV = £29.50
XL BB M = £19.50
XL Phone = £8 + £14.99 line rental
2 1TB Tivos = £10 (£5x2)
Talk 08 2 = not sure £2 ?

total £83.99

the total of course doesnt include bundle/loyalty discounts. not sure how thats worked out. Ben could work that out.

[passingbat]

Originally Posted by thenry

todays prices for those tiers...

XL TV = £29.50
XL BB M = £19.50
XL Phone = £8 + £14.99 line rental
2 1TB Tivos = £10 (£5x2)
Talk 08 2 = not sure £2 ?

total £83.99

the total of course doesnt include bundle/loyalty discounts. not sure how thats worked out. Ben could work that out.

Those prices you quote presumably will be the Feb 2013 prices? In Feb, my price was due to go up by £5.60 on top of the £67.90. But they reduced that increase by £3.50, making my Feb 2013 price around £70. I did a 'Build your own bundle' price on the VM website, and it seems that I am getting a discount of around £7 p/m. I have been with cable fifteen years though.

[thenry]

price are as stated now.

log in to MyVirginMedia and look at your bill. itll state a bundle discount if you have 1 and/or loyalty.

[Sephiroth]

Let's be absolutely clear on best advice.

By all means get a SuperHub as it opens the way to much higher speeds.

But run it in Modem Mode. I'll say it again - run it in modem mode to avoid the problems experienced in router mode. Attach the DIR-615 you're gonna buy for a few squids and you'll be right all the way up to 60 meg with decent wireless.

[passingbat]

Originally Posted by Sephiroth

Let's be absolutely clear on best advice.

By all means get a SuperHub as it opens the way to much higher speeds.

But run it in Modem Mode. I'll say it again - run it in modem mode to avoid the problems experienced in router mode. Attach the DIR-615 you're gonna buy for a few squids and you'll be right all the way up to 60 meg with decent wireless.

Yes, I've decided to wait until my area gets the speed doubling before getting the superhub, when I should get one issued free with no extension of contract. That was always my plan (and also to run it in modem mode). but having my current router playing up caused me to think about getting the S/H earlier. The D Link arrived today so I'm OK if my Current router does need replacing. I'm leaving the old one in place ATM, as although I had to reboot it twice yesterday, it's been fine since yesterday evening.

Thanks very much to everyone who has given me advice.

---------- Post added at 18:09 ---------- Previous post was at 17:56 ----------

Originally Posted by thenry

price are as stated now.

log in to MyVirginMedia and look at your bill. itll state a bundle discount if you have 1 and/or loyalty.

I have a 'Triple combo loyalty discount'. But as is the case with the changed bill details, there is no value against it (or any of the bill components), just a monthly Package total.