Hub 3.0 into modem, what router?

callmenever · 6 Sep 2020 at 20:28

I am fed up with the weak WiFi signal that the hub 3.0 provides and the crap speeds I'm getting from it.

Can someone advice me on a router to replace this with please.

The building is 3 floors, the virgin hub will do signal up to 2nd floor but only at 26mb from 230mb next too modem.

So, need one that will give good coverage please

Thanks

WJA96 · 6 Sep 2020 at 22:12

Don’t replace the router, add an access point (or two).

UniFi is the generally recommended option. I’d start off with an AP-AC-Lite mounted in the top floor and see what you get with that. If it’s not adequate add another one in the middle floor. It’s very unusual that one UniFi access point won’t cover an entire house in the UK.

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/ubiquiti-networks-unifi-ap-ac-lite-indoor-access-point-nw-002-uq.html

Or the Long Range version

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/ubiq...long-range-indoor-access-point-nw-001-uq.html

callmenever · 6 Sep 2020 at 22:19

WJA96 said:
Don’t replace the router, add an access point (or two).

UniFi is the generally recommended option. I’d start off with an AP-AC-Lite mounted in the top floor and see what you get with that. If it’s not adequate add another one in the middle floor. It’s very unusual that one UniFi access point won’t cover an entire house in the UK.

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/ubiquiti-networks-unifi-ap-ac-lite-indoor-access-point-nw-002-uq.html

Or the Long Range version

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/ubiq...long-range-indoor-access-point-nw-001-uq.html

This is an old style house with thick walls. The router is downstairs, so I would have to connect it and leave it downstairs.

Would this be good enough to give coverage 3 floors up?

WJA96 · 6 Sep 2020 at 22:49

No. If you want good wireless LAN, you’ll need to run a cable. Ask a TV aerial installer to do it. It won’t be silly expensive. Maybe £100 depending on where you are in the country.

callmenever · 6 Sep 2020 at 22:51

What cable, ethernet cable?

WJA96 · 6 Sep 2020 at 22:59

Yes, an Ethernet cable from your Hub 3 to the access point on the top floor.

callmenever · 6 Sep 2020 at 23:07

Wouldn't haveing a long ethernet cable reduse the speed?

WJA96 · 6 Sep 2020 at 23:25

No. Ethernet cables transfer data, without loss, at 1Gbps. What will reduce speed, is wireless back-haul mesh systems.

callmenever · 9 Sep 2020 at 00:40

Thank you. Is it okay to run a Ethernet cable on the outside of the building? if so, is they different ones for external or will any normal market one work?

bremen1874 · 9 Sep 2020 at 00:53

Yes.

Best to use external grade cable. The jacket on external grade cable is heavier and doesn't suffer from UV degradation as PVC does.

I'd buy solid core cable and terminate it at a wall-mounted faceplates at both ends rather than trying to use a pre-terminated cable.

callmenever · 9 Sep 2020 at 01:01

Thank you for the quick response, very much appropriated.

VM did send some boosters out for free, I'm getting 50MB from them, I'm very surprised when the electrical cable in this house is the old stuff (Brown cable I think) and it's 3 floors up from modem. They do a good enough job until I get round to putting up cable.

neodude · 24 Sep 2020 at 19:43

I do this. I have a Unifi AP mounted on the ceiling above my stairs. I have 2 ethernet cables running from my Man Cave where my router is straight up the outside wall into the loft (I have another cable running around the full exterior of the house to the opposite side to behind my TV in the living room). The AP gives me excellent signal throughout the whole house, out to the garage and the bottom of the garden.