Currently using a Virgin Superhub 2, is it possible to use a different router?

[Deftee]

Hi all,

Currently got a Virgin Superhub 2 set up downstairs, but the wifi is a bit weak and unfortunately powerline isn't much of an option with the lack of sockets.

Am I right in thinking I can put the Superhub into a modem mode and connect a seperate router?

Thanks in advance!

[Smudger]

In short, yes, you can. Are pass-through powerline adaptors an option? Mind you, it's probably cheaper to buy a new wifi router than a set of pass-through adaptors for every socket...

[Deftee]

They're an option, though admittedly I'd be screwing my housemate over in that respect hah. Good to know it's possible though, will the Superhub bottleneck a better router at all?

[Smudger]

Don't think so...

[watercooled]

In modem mode it pretty much just acts as a modem; all routing functionality and the WiFi radios are disabled so it should have no impact on the performance of another router.

I'm not too sure how the SH2 compares to other routers in terms of WiFi performance, but you're not guaranteed an improvement by buying a separate router; location of the router and devices and the client devices themselves can have an impact on performance. I.e. you could spend out for a new router only to find yourself in the same situation. Is it possible to relocate the Superhub to see if it improves performance at all?

[jim]

You would need a cable router rather than an ADSL router, just to be clear.

[CustardInc]

I'm using a Super Hub (1) as a modem and an apple time capsule as a router, the reason being that the SH1 can't run 2.4 and 5GHz at the same time. It works pretty well, although any problem with the internet will instantly be blamed on the 3rd party router if you contact VM

[shaithis]

They're an option, though admittedly I'd be screwing my housemate over in that respect hah. Good to know it's possible though, will the Superhub bottleneck a better router at all?

If your virgin package is over 100Mb/s, then you would need a gigabit-capable router to see all the potential speed.

[watercooled]

True, but achieving that sort of speed at range with WiFi will be challenging.

[Deftee]

Unfortunately there's only one location in the house I can place it, but I've managed to find a sweet spot that actually gives me some decent reception.

I think I'll hold off for the time being, I'm hoping to get a few more plugs installed in a few weeks so I may have some space for powerline! Here's hoping I guess.

Thanks for all the help guys!