Superhub : Superhub2 vs Asus Router

[slysy]

Im thinking it's time to upgrade my router. I'm currently using an old router in conjunction with an old standalone cable modem from 2006. Trying to decide between getting a superhub 2 from VM (to use as both modem/router), or getting an Asus router from elsewhere (e.g. rt-n56u or rt-n66u) and keeping my old cable modem.

Does anyone know how these two products compare speed-wise (when used around 10m away)? Will I get better performance from one of the Asus routers than the super hub 2? Wifi speed is important to me for NAS usage. Any info would be much appreciated

[Sephiroth]

They compare the same at 10m (wifi) being similarly constructed. I tried it.

But the SH family is lame on router features like choosing DNS and QoS and a whole raft of others. So IMO modem mode and an ASUS router is the way to go.

Another reason for doing this is that ypou'll never have to worry that the router in the SH2 is letting you down.

[Kushan]

A dedicated router will always beat out a hub from Virgin, if not in performance then in additional features. Another thing to consider is that you can take your fancy new router with you if ever decide to change ISP's, whereas the SH2 will still belong to Virgin (And they'll want it back when you're done) - even if you paid £50 for it.

That said, it really comes down to what you're willing to spend. If you could wrangle a SH2 from Virgin for free then I'd say go that route but I'm not sure you'll be able to as it's for higher-tier customers only (For now). It never hurts to call up retentions and give it a shot though.

If not, don't give them your money, spend it on a decent router instead like one of the ones you mentioned. I have the N66 and love it, but there's quite a few you could choose from.

[raging bull]

Likewise I have the Asus N56, (got it whilst awaiting 60meg update) using with SH1 get a very good range in 2.4GHz with 1 desktop and 2/3 laptops.

[slysy]

Thanks guys. One other thing I wanted to ask - is there any benefit to the sh2 as a modem over my existing ntl 250 modem? Currently on the 20mb service.

[Risco]

With the Superhub 1; a separate router was a necessity as it was utterly useless in router mode, especially the wifi. I have just got the super hub 2 and it has blown away my Netgear WNDR3700 which is still a very capable router, this is also compared to it's performance with gargoyle firmware as well.

You seem interested in NAS speeds. Well I changed the wifi settings to performance mode and I am getting over 30MB/s to 35MB/s copy and write speeds over wireless. The range is far superior and I have to be honest I never mess around with either DNS ( Virgin has always come out the fastest in all tests ) and QoS is not needed as I am only gamer / downloader in the house.

[Kushan]

Originally Posted by slysy

Thanks guys. One other thing I wanted to ask - is there any benefit to the sh2 as a modem over my existing ntl 250 modem? Currently on the 20mb service.

Not really. The main benefit of the hubs (And the Ambit 300) is that they connect to multiple channels, which spreads the bandwidth around and helps avoid congestion and such. The old modems only connect to one channel.

Each channel has around 50mbit worth of bandwidth so you're not going to see any real improvement, especially as you're only on 20meg. That being said, you would be worth calling up retentions as 20meg is legacy. They may be able to upgrade you to 30meg for free, a one-off fee or possibly even a reduction in your monthly bill - the catch is that you'll probably get a SH1 which is a poor router. You can put it in Modem mode though and this is still better than the old Ambit 250 you have there (for the above mentioned reasons).

[Sephiroth]

Originally Posted by slysy

Thanks guys. One other thing I wanted to ask - is there any benefit to the sh2 as a modem over my existing ntl 250 modem? Currently on the 20mb service.

The answer is slightly more complex than the above two (which are correct). So I'll muddy the waters a bit.

If you're staying on 20 meg and performance is excellent and you don't need 30 or 60 meg, then stay as you are. Reason is that you might be on the legacy network and there might be fewer people left on that as they've all migrated to the busier DOCSIS 3 network. So you might keep your 20 meg nicely and low latency which might otherwise get shot if you upgrade your broadband service.

VM won't tell you in advance whether or not the DOCSIS 3 network in your area is congested. And the buggeration factor is that they can move your 20 meg service over to the frequencies used by DOCSIS 3 (keeping you on DOCSIS 1) anyway.

If your router connected to the 256 is 7 years old and you want to do NAS stuff which has nothing to do with broadband, then you are thinking on the right lines with an ASUS model router.

So what is my recommended bottom line? Get the ASUS router and stay as you are. Eventually VM will move you as part of their upgrade policy and they'll send you a SH1 or SH2. Then stick it in modem mode and it'll behave as your Ambit 256 except it'll be on DOCSIS 3 with bonded channels and hopefully you won't be in a congested area.

Told you it was more complex that simple.

[Kushan]

It would be Sephiroth that doesn't live up to his Avatar.

[Sephiroth]

At least I'm not shagging mine, Kush!

[Kushan]

Missing out!