I'm also not sold on the mesh concept. You can read about how the Plume adaptive WiFi works in their whitepaper. Available to Virgin Media customers with the Hub 3 and Hub 4 routers, is the Pod the Wi-Fi saviour youve been looking for? (Or subscribe to this Atom Feed. Place them no more than one floor or two rooms away. Is adding yet another broadcast to the mix such a great idea? This is the same underlying technology seen in rival products from Google, Amazon, Netgear, and BT. Press and hold the WPS button on the larger Booster for about 10 seconds and release it. In order for plume pods to work effectively, the SSID cant be split. Jeff Dodds, Chief Operating Officer at Virgin Media, said: Intelligent WiFi Plus is our most advanced and impressive WiFi service to date that will help remove broadband blackspots and bring faster and more reliable speeds throughout the home. PDF Wireless Set-up guide - Virgin Media The video guide also displays instructions that come along. Virgin says that managing your new mesh network will be handled using the existing Connect smartphone app. Virgin Media X Plume. They are paired with the Virgin SuperHub. All rights reserved. Virgin Intelligent WiFi Pod Review | Trusted Reviews I ran each test a few times at the same time of day. Hope you didn't use the password for anything sensitive! Virgin WiFi Pods | ASMR | Unboxing & Re-Boxing - YouTube Enjoy the sounds and visuals of ASMR unboxing of the Virgin Media WiFi Pods. For me, stability has improved in weaker areas, coverage is better and there have been fewer connection issues. I pay for 500Mbps and I get it. If you move the Pod too far away it will loose connection. Confusing info about that? chargers. If I'm next door to the Hub, and on 5GHz WiFi, I get these speeds: For example, Plume boasts that its system continuously learns from your use and performs self optimisations to keep things running smoothly this includes automatically detects the brand and model of your connected devices, ensuring your beloved devices are given capacity to run at full potential. Plume recently launched a new feature, dubbed Sense, that transforms its existing SuperPod hardware into motion sensors to alert you when a potential intruder is moving around the house when all family members are out-and-about. The Plume powered Virgin WiFi Pod is a hexagonal-shaped device (I am tempted to call it The Hex in reference to Wandavision), and its inelegant shape makes for an awkward fit alongside another plug. Trusted Reviews is supported by its audience. However, for iPhone owners in particular, it's not immediately clear how to enable the feature. Plug in the new WiFi Pod halfway between the Hub and where you're experiencing poor WiFi as already mentioned by @Adduxi If the connect lights flashing red, and the power lights solide white the pairing has failed. I kinda get why they do this - better to connect to a slow but stable 2.4GHz than a flaky but fast 5GHz - but it is annoying for those of us who rely on segregated names. Virgin Media customers are about to get a major Wi-Fi boost With more people staying indoors, home Wi-Fi has taken a battering. Thats meant once reliable speeds and coverage arent quite as robust. That means you will need to manually reconnect things which used the old name. Virgin Media has announced two upgrades designed to boost Wi-Fi signal throughout your home for those struggling with dead zones not reached by their router. While Wi-Fi 6 devices are still in the minority, the technology is more future-proofed and adds even faster speeds. All going well, for the majority of the WiFi Pods lifespan you wont see the light in action. Press and hold the WPS button on the larger Booster for about 10 seconds and release it. Volt M250 Fibre Broadband . The apps available to everyone with a Hub 3, 4 or 5. What is a Wi-Fi Router, and How Does It Work? | Virgin Media Learn more. It also means it cant speed up the performance of Sky Q boxes/mini boxes as they have their own Wi-Fi connection they converse in, although you can follow our guide to fixing Sky Q connectivity issues if you do want to run the system over this mesh network. Step 2: Once you're signed in, tap Settings & Preferences. So, how much of a boost does the WiFi Pod bring? There are a number of reasons why the Booster isnt working. 12.00 a month *. The most pirated show of 2020 probably won't shock you, Some lucky Britons can now upgrade their broadband using a satellite, Stunning Great Escape-inspired electric bike has a top speed of 60mph. It comes at a cost of 5/month, and in the short-term thats easy to accept; over the course of a few years it might sound a little too steep. The former is a free update to Hub 3 and 4 routers that automatically sorts out any Wi-Fi kinks. They're useful, but come with some annoying limitations. I had my old hub 3 plus booster pod and 1 v6 box replaced last weekend, after new hub was installed it took 3 days to appear in connect app, my pod would not connect and after a phonecall we were told we needed a new pod due to compatability issues with the old pod and new hub. If it's pre configured does that mean you cannot change your SSID or password in the future? Receive expert tips on using phones, computers, smart home gear and more. Follow these instructions to set up your Plume with modem-router combo box: Download the HomePass app and sign up to start the setup. Whether our customers are working, streaming, browsing, playing or keeping connected online, the combo of new Hub features and WiFi Pods provides a step-change in connectivity that wont let you down.. 3 0 obj<>stream After the lights have flashed on, connect the Booster to the Hub, using the Ethernet cable provided. Your response will then appear (possibly after moderation) on this page. Then scroll down to Manage Mobile Hotspot and tap it. Up to 3 WiFi Pods . The wireless and power lights will start to blink. Or, take a look at our installation guide. Virgin Media is taking a dual-pronged approach to eliminating dead zones from your home, Virgin Media is giving away an amazing Google freebie to all customers, UK broadband boost: finally, some good news about your internet speeds, The new bundle, dubbed Intelligent WiFi Plus, is free to some customers and 5 a month for others, BT Whole Home Wi-Fi review - Boosting your broadband is now cheaper, Nest Wifi review: Fixes your broadband, saves you buying a Google Home. But those features are unavailable. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. WhatsApp: 07305327112, Press J to jump to the feed. Tap to select that option, and then tap Update. 2 0 obj Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Virgin Media WiFi Hub; Intelligent WiFi Technology; 132Mbps 264Mbps average download speed; 20Mbps 25Mbps average upload speed; About your speed. To verify click here. The better it is placed, and the better your broadband deal, the smoother and steadier your internet experience will be. 18 month contract. Up to 3 WiFi Pods if needed. Comparing WiFi guarantees of major UK ISPs. As well as the new hardware to extend your Wi-Fi signal, Virgin Media has started to roll out some new software improvements. The power light (dots) will stay on. Some general googling and the FAQ here hasn't explicitly answered my question so here we go. To verify click here. So second hand ones dont work Im afraid. How to enable Virgin Mobile's hotspot feature on your iPhone Leave for around 15 minutes to pair up to the smaller Booster and download the latest software updates. The Power light will come on and the Connection light will flash amber. BeakerUK 1 yr. ago Thanks, seems to have done something.. the pod had a double flash and has now stopped. Pretty good! Plug the larger Booster into a mains socket, in the same room, and switch it on. How to setup or install virgin media pod in your home or office? Call: 0345 454 1111 1 0 obj Now insert the Virgin Broadband Wireless Set-up CD into your computer's CD drive. If they sourced a decent hub with external antenna - rather than the crappy Arris product they use - their customers would have better WiFi without the need to pay for more gadgets. Any insight? The Boosters are successfully paired when the lights stop flashing. Can I use a second hand Intelligent WiFi pod? : r/VirginMedia - reddit Virgin suggests a manual re-connect if the doorbell wont re-connect on its own. The wireless and power lights will start to blink. If you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Virgin WiFi Pods | ASMR | Unboxing & Re-Boxing - YouTube Now switch it on. Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. VM WiFi "pods" Experience : r/VirginMedia - Reddit If your WiFi Booster is working but slowly, you can check your broadband speed or follow these steps to speed it up again: When settled, move to desired location. It's fairly time-consuming process then, but with similar mesh devices costing around 100 to purchase outright, it's reasonable that Virgin only want to supply what's necessary. Your WiFi password, network name and other details can be found printed on the underside of the router. Which means they log into your SuperHub, and copy your SSID and password to the pod. Additionally, there's no plug pass-through, so this will take up a socket in your home. The power light will stay on. Offers are subject to eligibility and availability. Plume Setup. Virgin's Intelligent WiFi Pod is here to wipe Wi-Fi blackspots from existence, Kob began his career at What Hi-Fi?, starting in the dusty stockroom before rising up the ranks to join the editorial and production team as the Buyers Guide editor. Good luck. And, because the networks insists on putting all the SSIDs on the same frequency - I've noticed an overall slowdown in my WiFi speeds. No setup fee. Using this app, which is available in the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, customers will be able to test the strength of their WiFi signal in each room, manage the number of devices connected to their home network, pause devices handy when the children are up past their bedtime, and access customer support to help resolve any issues. I havent encountered any issues, but then my speakers arent in close proximity to the Pod either. the combo of new Hub features and Wi-Fi Pods provides a step change in . Fully locked to the router they are assigned to and they can't be changed on the users end. I've been mostly satisfied with Virgin Mobile service on my iPhone 5S , especially the $30-per-month price tag for nearly unlimited everything. Reset your Hub to default settings, start it up and running, connect your pod and leave until it's not pulsating the white light. This pod plugs into a power socket and listens for WiFi signals from the hub. Pick a category to get started. Required fields are marked *. UKs fastest widely available broadband Relocate the BoosterMove the Booster to another socket ideally an internal wall and away from interfering devices with a motor like a washing machine. The pods virgin uses seem to be rebranded plume pods: https://www.plume.com/homepass/shop They're known as wifi mesh systems - most of this sub seems to swear by the tp link deco m5: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B071241G3R/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_6HDVMMHTW57F2PNBATAQ badservice21 2 yr. ago You can now unplug the larger Booster and move it to where you need in your home. (And your first time is effectively free, as Virgin is offering a $5 account credit between now and July 16.) Basically none. TV 360, home phone, Volt benefits and WiFi Guarantee not currently available in 2022/23 network expansion areas. Step 2: Once you're signed in, tap Settings & Preferences. Move the Booster to another socket ideally an internal wall. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct. But the basic tech works. The Virgin Media Connect app is the control unit for your WiFi that helps you get your Virgin Media broadband up and running. They are assigned to the router and the account not just able to be swapped around. For purposes of this tutorial, let's keep the focus on that phone-based option, as I think it's the most expedient method. Whereas before my top speed was over 500Mbps on WiFi, it has now dropped to about 480Mbps. It can be used to extend WiFi coverage throughout the whole home. You can use the Virgin Media Connect app to scan your home and smooth out any snags. The Connection light will start to flash very quickly. "When I plug the pod in halfway between the garden and the hub" guess they're okay as long as you have sockets in the middle of your lawn? Our intelligent Boosters: WiFi and Wired, use your home's internal electrical wiring to help connect your devices to the Hub from any room with a working socket. Virgin Media services are only available in eligible Virgin Media network areas. However, if you have Ethernet in your home, you can connect the pods to the Ethernet jacks in the home and that backhaul traffic will travel over the Ethernet cable. (I did.) If the program doesn't start automatically, click on the My Computer icon You should also note that after your hotspot period has ended, the Personal Hotspot option will disappear from the Cellular menu. The way it works is simple - the VM supplied SuperHub broadcasts 5GHz and 2.4GHz WiFi. If youve a Virgin Media Booster, use the tip of a pen to press the Reset button on the additional Booster, for 7 seconds. After a few seconds the Installation Wizard should appear. If youve invested in a bucketload of smart home gadgets from smart lighting, Alexa or Google Assistant-powered smart speakers, connected audio systems like those from Sonos, or security products, like Nest or Ring Doorbells this update should prove particularly useful. Virgin Media have provided me with a test unit of their new Intelligent WiFi pods to review. Plus, if you ever need us, were on live chat from 8am to 10pm, 7 days a week. The sounds of stroking and scratching the cardboard. Nothing too loud, but you probably don't want to place it near where you sit. Note: Make sure you plug the Booster directly into a mains socket, not an extention lead, power strip or surge protector. ), Preview: Virgin Media's Intelligent WiFi Plus Pods. Terms of guarantee vary by provider. People are using the web to socialise more, game, hold meetings over Zoom, as well as stream video and music. Despite its inelegant shape, in use the Virgin Intelligent WiFi Pod is elegantly simple. Go to our WiFi Pod installation steps. Position away from devices that may cause interference i.e. All of the products on this page are subject to survey, network capacity and a credit check. So whether it's technical issues, hub problems or you need support, well help you with our complete set of general help guides and answers like our billing and payments help guides. You can check our list of the best Wi-Fi extenders for other options in boosting your home Wi-Fi. Virgin is also using the older Wi-Fi 5 technology, rather than Wi-Fi 6, as used on the far more expensive Orbi RBK852. Check the Ethernet cable is securely connected from the main Booster and the Hub. Saturday, 4th March 2023See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. Well update this article when we hear about exactly how WiFi Pods compare with the existing Pods available from Plume in the United States. Dual 100/1000Base-T Ethernet with autosense WAN or LAN configuration. But it does seem to come with a cost. Can't find the setting on your iPhone? Virgin Ultimate Oomph and Gig1 customers can, however, sign up at no extra cost. If you spot any other LED colours or notice it didnt blink during set-up, you may have an issue. <>stream (That may not seem like a lot of data, but consider that the average user typically consumes less than 1GB in an entire month. Need to contact Virgin Media Customer Services? HSn0]zmZ`Y+ Rwv9 Would changing my Wifi creds to match his fool the Pod into thinking its still in his house? If you don't see the Personal Hotspot option in the Cellular menu, you may need to manually update your iPhone's carrier settings. M250 Fibre Broadband. Typically, SuperPods should be placed about 9-12 meters apart through walls but can be placed up to 18-24 meters apart for large open spaces (like a large living room). It will be available now to all Ultimate Oomph and Gig1 customers at no extra cost. 1. Terms of guarantee vary by provider. Video guide prepared by Luqman Khanhttps://www.luqman.euHere is with how to self install virgin media pod. WiFi and Internet speeds are fickle beasts. If you currently have a Hub 3 or older model (including the Superhub 1A, 2A etc.) Step 5: Tap Settings > Cellular and you should see a Personal Hotspot option. Then follow the steps to set them up again in our installation guide. At which point, it may be more cost effective to buy a decent router or your own mesh system. For those who live in . Thankfully, the carrier now offers that capability, as $5 buys you a day's worth of using your handset as a Wi-Fi hotspot for up to five devices. Avoid direct obstruction to the Booster, such as cupboards or shelves. The Boosters will then start copying the Hub's details. Available with M50 broadband or faster. Testing speeds with the TamoSoft Throughput and close to the router revealed upload and download speeds in the 90Mbps+ range (average of 74Mbps and 81Mbps respectively). Virgin Media Hub 5 Installation and change WiFi Network Name and Hub 5 WiFi Password Lurgs How To Guides 71.2K subscribers Subscribe 47K views 1 year ago Virgin Media Hub 5 & Virgin Tivo. Yeahit doesnt. If you want to boost reliability, its a good upgrade, but if you want much faster speeds, opt for a different mesh system. Virgin Media's Boosters use G.Hn technology and will only connect with other kit using G.Hn. The 5GHz barely connects and the 2.4GHz is a bit wobbly. WiFi Pods wont need to be installed by an engineer. Contact Us. Then switch the power on. In regards to setting up and finding the best spot for your intelligent WiFi Pod, we suggest the following: Make sure to keep the WiFi Pod out in the open. Theres some room for confusion between Virgins Intelligent WiFi and its WiFi Plus service. A couple of devices kept losing connectivity completely. 2. Theres also the Virgin Connect app (iOS/Android) to check on the health of the home Wi-Fi as well as search for any blackspots. Nope. Intelligent WiFi reduces WiFi traffic by automatically finding quiet channels to use. Got one of our newer WiFi Pods instead? Switch to Virgin Media and Upgrade your existing connection with one of our broadband packages. Make sure you havent pressed the WiFi button on the side of the Booster, as this turns the WiFi on and off. So, for example, if you fire it up at 9 a.m. on Monday, you've actually got until midnight on Tuesday -- effectively giving you two days for the price of one. Incidentally, those numbers spell out UPDATE. Once paired, the Connection lights will go out on both Boosters. Update or delete your post and re-enter your post's URL again. Take control of your WiFi with the Virgin Media Connect app The latest generation of WiFi technology takes advantage of dual band reach for guaranteed speed, coverage and reliability and less WiFi lag. Amazon Eero mesh Wi-Fi review: a true rival to the Google Nest Wi-Fi? Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Supercharged. And away from interfering devices with a motor like a washing machine. Welcome to Virgin Medias help and support page. Virgin media pod is an intelligent #wifi extender that helps #internet reach black spots within your #residential and #commercial property.It is super easy to install. Nice! The Virgin Intelligent WiFi Pod is a simpler, more integrated option that works with your existing router, building a wireless mesh network. Virgin Media upgrade to boost your Wi-Fi signal throughout your home On the existing Booster, thats already connected to the Hub, hold the Sync button on the side for 3 seconds. That's because it's not there -- yet. Theres an Ethernet socket for a hardwired connection, while visual touches are restricted to a red Virgin logo on the top surface and an almost imperceptible LED light. Make sure you choose an internal wall, free from obstructions, such as: cupboards and shelves with lots of ventilation. You can also tap Wi-Fi Password if you want to modify the random one created by the service. Want CNET to notify you of price drops and the latest stories? Similarly, I couldn't find a way to access the BLE functionality. Virgin will remotely log in to your SuperHub and forcibly rename your 5GHz network to be the same as your 2.4GHz one. Some of my gadgets get confused when there are multiple networks with the same name. That process can start up again if theres a change in the Wi-Fi environment, or if the Virgin Hub has reset itself. Turn WiFi on and offIt may sound simple but try turning the WiFi setting off and on again from the device you are using to find a stronger signal. \, Follow these simple instructions to install the Booster. <>stream 8p/m extra or included with Gig1 or Volt. The Hub 5s casing is made from 100% recycled plastics, so not only is it our most advanced Hub yet, its nicer for the planet too. We follow the IPSO Editors code of practice to underpin these standards. Yes. Further exclusions & legal stuff apply. Instead, Virgin should automatically push an update to your phone. Connect the coaxial cable Update: Want to get a little more bang for your buck? (not very secure I know). So run a patch cable down to your shed, plug it into the Pod and you have a WiFi extender. You may find that some equipment roams onto the 2.4GHz network because it is marginally stronger and never connects to the faster 5GHz network. Scanning Virgins Troubleshooting section and there can be issues with Ring doorbells, too. , Your email address will not be published. For those who arent subscribed to these pricier bundles, youll need to cough up an extra 5 a month for the improvements. The pulsing blue light indicates that it's ready to be set up in the Google Home app . Is this booster on some kind of subscription? Plan ahead. If you take a bundle with both Virgin Media and O2, youll have separate contracts and bills one for Virgin Media, and another for O2. Once youre all set-up, the Virgin Media WiFi Pods are designed to reduce the impact of neighbouring WiFi networks by automatically changing settings to stop interference. Virgin Media is home to the UKs fastest widely available broadband. Press and hold the WPS/Virgin Media button on the Hub until the lights start blinking. Read ~6,781 times. Its important to leave the Boosters alone during this time, so that everything works properly. He lives in Michigan, where he previously owned two escape rooms (chronicled in the ebook "I Was a Middle-Aged Zombie"). The Boosters are paired correctly if the connection lights (arrows) and the WiFi light are off. Virgin Fibre Areas only. Fastest WiFi guarantee of any major provider They work! Each service has a minimum contract length thats shown in your basket. But, yeah, if you need WiFi in your attic or shed, they'll do. On your phone or tablet, open the Google Home app . Unlike traditional boosters, these new systems allow you to move around the house on a FaceTime call without dropping signal. Want to update or remove your response? How to setup or install virgin media pod in your home or office? #diy # Reduce connection problems on multiple devices. Easy to set up, coverage has been better, wireless range extended and there have been fewer connection drops. Pods should be spread evenly around the home, especially in rooms and open spaces where is more common to use Wi-Fi. The aim of these Pods is to extend the reach of Wi-Fi within the home and make speeds more reliable and faster. Excludes broadband faults and broadband network outages. Founded in 2004, Trusted Reviews exists to give our readers thorough, unbiased Simply plug it in, turn it on and let it #sync or integrate with the router. Virgin Media X Plume If so the Pod can be replaced at no extra cost. The dual Ethernet means that they can be wired in directly to your cable modem. Broadband Only Deals | 0 Setup | March 2023 - Virgin Media But there's one feature I've missed: mobile hotspot. Virgin Medias mighty Hub brings the magic right into your home. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Virgin send the pods out preconfigured. The Virgin Intelligent WiFi Pod is a solid option for Virgin Media customers with Hub 3 and Hub 4 routers looking to boost Wi-Fi speeds and stability around the house. It can be moved between rooms at a later date. To activate it again, you'll pretty much need to repeat the entire process (sign into your account, buy the add-on, and so forth). Virgin media pod is an intelligent #wifi extender . Leveraging the US companys technology, your in-home WiFi coverage is extended through the creation of a cloud-controlled mesh network which constantly adapts and evolves, Virgin Media says. If youre using an extension youll want one with at least three sockets. Does hardwiring pods improve Wi-Fi performance? - Virgin Media X Plume From there, the setup is nice and simple. Delivered Tuesdays and Thursdays. For those who live in high-rise flats, this should be particularly important. With the WiFi Pod plugged in, speeds jump to an average of 69Mbps upload and 75Mbps download. Compare this to the speeds in the blackspot sans the WiFi Pod and theyd fall to average upload and download figures of 47Mbps and 58Mbps. That's what I'd normally expect to do myself with any other booster. endstream endobj 4 0 obj He writes CNET's popular Cheapskate blog and co-hosts Protocol 1: A Travelers Podcast (about the TV show Travelers). First up, the new WiFi Pods will bring a so-called mesh network to your home. If you have a big home, put a pod in every room and you'll have fast WiFi broadcast everywhere. This means your laptop will always be connected to the node with the strongest signal without you even realising anything as changed. Its unclear exactly how many of the systems developed by Plume (and available from their own SuperPods system) will be available to those who sign-up for the Virgin Media-branded version of these mesh network gadgets. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. New pod arrived and looks exactly the same as the old one and since it arrived on Thursday its been plugged in but still a slow flashing white light and the + button in the app to add a pod says I do nit have any to install. any ideas, the hub 3 and old pod worked great so not sure why the new hub/pod won't connect. Basic Setup & Configuration - Virgin Media X Plume Preview: Virgin Media's Intelligent WiFi Plus Pods Now, press the sync button on the second Booster for 3 seconds. They're also meant to come with ad-blocking and speed-testing. (Learn More), Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive brand new posts by email. <>/ColorSpace <>/Font <>/ProcSet [/PDF /Text /ImageC /ImageI ]/Properties <>/MC1 <>>>/ExtGState <>>>/Type /Page >>endobj When you click Finish on the final screen your wireless set-up is complete. For verification see virginmedia.com/fast. It pulsates during set-up, blinks when it is improving the Wi-Fi signal and once its done it turns solid before turning off completely. So, the big test! Virgin Media Pod Installation - DIY Guide With How To Setup And Install Step 3: There's only one option here, and it's $5/250MB Daily Mobile Hotspot. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. Virgin Media WiFi Max Speed Booster - Choose.co.uk