Virgin blocks Belkin N1 Router

rj55 · 09-08-2008, 08:11

For some months I have been using a Belkin N1 F5D8231-4 wireless router with Virgin/NTL cable broadband.

I had no real problems until a couple of days ago when the service stopped working and I got this message in my browser:

******

"Hi there!

We're sorry to have to interrupt your surfing, but we've got an important update to tell you about, and it'll help improve your Virgin Broadband service. Here's the deal...

What's happening?
We've noticed that some customers are using the Belkin wireless G Router (F5D7230 v7xxx) - which looks a bit like the picture to the right. belkin router pic

There's a glitch with this model of router, which is slowing down your service and causing some issues with our network. We think you're using this kind of router, so you're not getting the broadband speeds you should be getting...."

*****

It went on to give a link to the Belkin webite and instructions on how to do a firmware upgrade. Naturally I couldn't do a firmware upgrade as I don't have the Belkin G router, and my N1 router has the latest firmware already.

The link to belkin was the only internet address I could reach, and all other attempts to access the internet were blocked, including email, ftp etc.

I called the Virgin broadband helpline and they knew nothing about this message and could only suggest I disconnect my router.

Has anyone else encountered this issue?

Cheers,

09-08-2008, 08:30

I'm sure I recall a thread about this a while ago, but can't find it now. As I recall, there was a problem with the Belkin firmware which was causing excessive traffic on the network, so VM were getting people to upgrade the firmware. As far as I know, it was only the Wireless G model, but it could be that a) the same issue is occurring with the Wireless N or b) it is a cock-up on VM's part.

If you phone VM again, refer them to

http://www.virginmedia.com/help/belkin.php

eth01 · 09-08-2008, 08:40

How do VM know you have this particular router? hmm.

09-08-2008, 08:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by eth01

How do VM know you have this particular router? hmm.

If it IS causing the same issue as the 'G' one did, presumably VM can see the effect on the network.

eth01 · 09-08-2008, 08:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnHorb

If it IS causing the same issue as the 'G' one did, presumably VM can see the effect on the network.

Which was?

09-08-2008, 08:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by eth01

Which was?

See the link I posted. If I can only find the original thread - I'm sure there were more details there.

Acathla · 09-08-2008, 08:50

this thread?

http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/87...gin-media.html

09-08-2008, 08:56

No, this one

http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/87...r-upgrade.html

...claims the fault (continuous DHCP renewals) was crashing UBRs.

monkey2468 · 09-08-2008, 09:08

This also applies to some Dynamode routers.

ruddock08 · 09-08-2008, 15:54

i have same router as you mate, not had this message, .....yet :P

Pedro1 · 09-08-2008, 16:10

I am running a F5D7230-4 and never had any probs or got that message. Mine is the one with the 2 antenna, maybe as mine is just slightly different i guess.. Or again the firmeare differs..

handyman · 09-08-2008, 17:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by eth01

How do VM know you have this particular router? hmm.

They might be able to detect the router via mac address and be sending this email out to those with router in a specific range. This might be why they are picking up routers that are not part of the problem as well.

i could be wrong though.

Pedro1 · 09-08-2008, 18:21

MMMMM.. No to sure it is the MAC. BUT the MAC can be changed by the user in some hardware, some can't. Depends an the vendor if they allow these types of changes.

deed02392 · 09-08-2008, 21:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by handyman

They might be able to detect the router via mac address and be sending this email out to those with router in a specific range. This might be why they are picking up routers that are not part of the problem as well.

i could be wrong though.

It's quite possible. VM could be checking MACs associated to Belkin. Possible spoofing your mac address would fix the problem. I can't blame VM for blocking Belkin though, they're crap routers.

Pedro1 · 13-09-2008, 06:23

Always had good experiances with belkin my self. Found them to be reliable anf the lifetime warranty is a good thing as most other manufacturers don't offer it.

But then, everyone is different, we all have our experiences with different products.