Experienced in both magazine and , Unbiased and independent advice on what to buy, Virgin Intelligent WiFi Pod price and availability, You should buy the Virgin Intelligent WiFi Pod if. Step 5: Tap Settings > Cellular and you should see a Personal Hotspot option. Your WiFi password, network name and other details can be found printed on the underside of the router. The pod can get warm, there is a fan on the back of it which makes a light whirring noise. Despite its inelegant shape, in use the Virgin Intelligent WiFi Pod is elegantly simple. If its not a technical issue you need help with then were here to support you on any account problems you might have from upgrading your services to finding out what packages we can offer you. To do so, open the phone dialer, then enter ##873283# and then tap Call. Some reading suggests that these pods come pre-configured from Virgin (they configure it to your own SSID's before it's posted out.) They're useful, but come with some annoying limitations. Avoid direct obstruction to the Booster, such as cupboards or shelves. To verify click here. Reset your Hub to default settings, start it up and running, connect your pod and leave until it's not pulsating the white light. If you don't see the Personal Hotspot option in the Cellular menu, you may need to manually update your iPhone's carrier settings. All rights reserved. That makes no sense to me as previously I'd have to set up routers to act as wifi boosters. BeakerUK 1 yr. ago Thanks, seems to have done something.. the pod had a double flash and has now stopped. But the basic tech works. The aim of these Pods is to extend the reach of Wi-Fi within the home and make speeds more reliable and faster. So run a patch cable down to your shed, plug it into the Pod and you have a WiFi extender. Some of my IoT kit gets really confused by this. Theyre coded to your router when you order them from Virgin. then google it, you'll probably find that it is the same thing. There are double Ethernet sockets on the Pod. (I did.) Update: Want to get a little more bang for your buck? Plume Setup. Theres some room for confusion between Virgins Intelligent WiFi and its WiFi Plus service. This means your laptop will always be connected to the node with the strongest signal without you even realising anything as changed. The Power light will come on and the Connection light will flash amber. (See below if you run into trouble.). But, of course, if the pod doesn't have a great connection back to the hub, it won't be able to give you a decent connection. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. Read ~6,781 times. And, because the networks insists on putting all the SSIDs on the same frequency - I've noticed an overall slowdown in my WiFi speeds. A Virgin Media Booster can be used for any type of Hub or connection and will boost the signal significantly in under 200 square feet (50m), by picking up signals from far away connections via an antennae thats attached to it. Available with M50 broadband or faster. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Tap it, then toggle it to on. If your WiFi Booster is working but slowly, you can check your broadband speed or follow these steps to speed it up again: Yes. No setup fee is available on all bundles, broadband & phone, and broadband only packages until 2nd April 2023. To try again: No setup fee. That means you will need to manually reconnect things which used the old name. More info. Easy to set up,. This light will also flash quickly. When ready to be paired, the Connection light will flash red. You can now unplug the additional Booster and move it to where you need in your home. When I plug the pod in halfway between the garden and the hub, this is the speed I get at the bottom of my garden: Finally, plugged into the pod's Ethernet: As a basic WiFi extender, they work. Welcome to Virgin Medias help and support page. The pulsing blue light indicates that it's ready to be set up in the Google Home app . Provide ventilation as the Boosters can get very warm while in use. On the existing Booster, thats already connected to the Hub, hold the Sync button on the side for 3 seconds. In order for plume pods to work effectively, the SSID cant be split. Mesh networks were originally developed for enterprise settings like offices, shopping malls but have since gained popularity at home as people invest in more devices and want total coverage throughout the home. 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. A couple of devices kept losing connectivity completely. Some reading suggests that these pods come pre-configured from Virgin (they configure it to your own SSID's before it's posted out.) From setting up new or existing Boosters, to fixing any troubleshooting issues, here is your step-by-step guide. We follow the IPSO Editors code of practice to underpin these standards. Sign in to your Spectrum account for the easiest way to view and pay your bill, watch TV, manage your account and more. Instead, Virgin should automatically push an update to your phone. 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. The better it is placed, and the better your broadband deal, the smoother and steadier your internet experience will be. New live support hours are Monday to Friday, 9 am - 6 pm GMT. 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. It's a hassle, but at least the mobile hotspot function is now available. One of these improvements takes the form of a software upgrade rolling out to its Virgin Media Hub 3 and Hub 4 hardware, while the other boost is a new product, dubbed WiFi Pods, that plug-in throughout your home to increase the signal. Priority is a service from O2 that current Virgin Media customers aged 16+ can also use. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Can't find the setting on your iPhone? 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). Now, press the sync button on the second Booster for 3 seconds. If I'm next door to the Hub, and on 5GHz WiFi, I get these speeds: Unlike traditional boosters, which create a separate Wi-Fi network that youll need to join to benefit from the boosted signal, mesh networks seamlessly move your device between the nodes throughout your home. 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. They're useful, but come with some annoying limitations. Then switch the power on. Move closer to the BoosterTry moving to a different room or closer to the Booster before connecting the device Press and hold the WPS/Virgin Media button on the Hub until the lights start blinking. Its packed with WiFi 6 the latest generation of WiFi technology so more devices than ever can be used at the same time. Two additional WiFi Pods can be added for those with bigger homes. WiFi Pod Compatability. The Boosters are successfully paired when the lights stop flashing. If you can get / afford multiple pods, they should form a mesh network to create a higher throughput backhaul. How to set up a Virgin Media Hub . Or, take a look at our installation guide. That process can start up again if theres a change in the Wi-Fi environment, or if the Virgin Hub has reset itself. Having had the WiFi Pod plugged in for nearly six weeks, the performance is what the Wi-Fi Doctor ordered. Hope you didn't use the password for anything sensitive! However, for iPhone owners in particular, it's not immediately clear how to enable the feature. At least 20Mbps download speeds in every room or 100 one-off credit. To verify click here. 1 Reply More posts you may like r/VirginMedia Join 6 days ago So, the big test! Now insert the Virgin Broadband Wireless Set-up CD into your computer's CD drive. Nope. Think streaming in Ultra HD, grabbing that game update before your mates, and downloading massive files in a flash. Thats meant once reliable speeds and coverage arent quite as robust. For verification see virginmedia.com/fast. Got one of our newer WiFi Pods instead? If youre using an extension youll want one with at least three sockets. Comparing WiFi guarantees of major UK ISPs. You can check our list of the best Wi-Fi extenders for other options in boosting your home Wi-Fi. Its important to leave the Boosters alone during this time, so that everything works properly. Nothing too loud, but you probably don't want to place it near where you sit. Your email address will not be published. Step 2: Once you're signed in, tap Settings & Preferences. While Wi-Fi 6 devices are still in the minority, the technology is more future-proofed and adds even faster speeds. Press and hold the WPS button on the larger Booster for about 10 seconds and release it. The wireless and power lights will start to blink. You could also connect the Pod via ethernet cable as a backhaul, and this will negate the need for the Pod to be close to the Hub. You can unsubscribe at any time. Check the Ethernet cable is securely connected from the main Booster and the Hub. They work! You can now unplug the larger Booster and move it to where you need in your home. 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. The Boosters will then start copying the Hub's details. 2 0 obj If the connect lights flashing red, and the power lights solide white the pairing has failed. You won't be able to connect Powerline adaptors, using HomePlug technology, to your Booster network. TV 360, home phone, Volt benefits and WiFi Guarantee not currently available in 2022/23 network expansion areas. Available with M50 broadband or faster. Comes with four gigabit Ethernet ports you can plug in up to four wired devices at a time. 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. If I plug an Ethernet cable directly into the SuperHub, my laptop gets these speeds. Disconnect your old Hub (note: the coaxial cable will need to be unscrewed). The unaffiliated community for Virgin Media subscribers to discuss broadband, TV, phone and mobile services. Port 53 is open on the device - but doesn't seem to respond to anything. 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. 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. 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. Both of these boosts, designed to improve speeds to all devices in your home, will be available free to some customers while others will need to cough-up 60 a year for the privilege. The WiFi Pods are part of Virgins rollout of its Intelligent WiFi Plus service, available to Virgin customers with Hub 3 and Hub 4 routers. Yeahit doesnt. Press and hold the WPS button on the larger Booster for about 10 seconds and release it. Amazon Eero mesh Wi-Fi review: a true rival to the Google Nest Wi-Fi? Plug the additional Booster into a mains socket, in the same room as the Booster that is connected to the Hub. Virgin send the pods out preconfigured. If youve a Virgin Media Booster, use the tip of a pen to press the Reset button on the additional Booster, for 7 seconds. The dual Ethernet means that they can be wired in directly to your cable modem. He writes CNET's popular Cheapskate blog and co-hosts Protocol 1: A Travelers Podcast (about the TV show Travelers). Offers are subject to eligibility and availability. Connect the coaxial cable to your new Hub and secure it with a spanner (this will be included when you receive your new Hub). Is this booster on some kind of subscription? Depends what you mean by "work". Use a pen tip to press the rest button for 7 seconds on all the Boosters in your home. check for an fcc id. Within 2 minutes, hold the Sync button on the additional Booster for 3 seconds. First up, the new WiFi Pods will bring a so-called mesh network to your home. It will be available now to all Ultimate Oomph and Gig1 customers at no extra cost. You should also note that after your hotspot period has ended, the Personal Hotspot option will disappear from the Cellular menu. The sounds of stroking and scratching the cardboard. Virgin Media hasnt revealed whether these motion-sensing capabilities are also built into its Plume-developed WiFi Pods, but if so, it could be something that really sets this mesh network option apart from rival BTs Whole Home Wi-Fi mesh. So whether it's technical issues, hub problems or you need support, we'll help you with our complete set of general help guides and answers - like our billing and payments help guides. You can read about how the Plume adaptive WiFi works in their whitepaper. At least 20Mbps download speeds in every room or 100 one-off credit. Today, it has a new solution for better Wi-Fi: the Intelligent WiFi Pods. Virgin Media customers suffering from less than average speeds around the home can look forward to boosting it with the WiFi Pod. Then follow the steps to set them up again in our installation guide. (note: the coaxial cable will need to be unscrewed). Follow these instructions to set up your Plume with modem-router combo box: Download the HomePass app and sign up to start the setup. Then scroll down to Manage Mobile Hotspot and tap it. The power light (dots) will stay on. Virgin Media has been lagging behind the competition, providing just a single router and optional wireless boosters that run over your homes power lines. Receive expert tips on using phones, computers, smart home gear and more. A light should flash quickly. But, I'll be honest, I think Virgin are a bit cheeky to charge extra for these. But, yeah, if you need WiFi in your attic or shed, they'll do. When Ethernet is not available throughout the home, which is the case of most people, our pods will use Wi-Fi to backhaul the network traffic from your devices to your modem. Simply plug it in, turn it on and let it #sync or integrate with the router. We expect you to get full satisfaction from our Mobile Deals and Broadband, TV, Landline Packages, and that is why weve worked hard to put together a learning and help space where all of your problems can be resolved quickly and efficiently - today. Good luck. Press and hold the WPS/Virgin Media button on the Hub until the lights start blinking. 18 month contract. Hard reset router for at least 30 seconds when it loads back up give the pods 24 hours and see if that improves. Upon receiving the parcel, youll only need to plug the node into the mains socket. Founded in 2004, Trusted Reviews exists to give our readers thorough, unbiased and independent advice on what to buy. Leave for around 15 minutes to pair up to the smaller Booster and download the latest software updates. Want to update or remove your response? The Boosters will then start copying the Hubs details. From there, the setup is nice and simple. It's also quite large - and might block the plug next to it. (Optional) Connect one of your Plume pods to a LAN port on your modem-router combo box via the included Ethernet cable. If youve requested an upgrade, youll receive a new Virgin Media WiFi Hub in the post. Connect the coaxial cable If you have a big home, put a pod in every room and you'll have fast WiFi broadcast everywhere. 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.. With support for in-home roaming, devices are pushed to the closest port of Wi-Fi access whether thats the Hub or Pod. It is an improvement, but this isnt the fastest wireless mesh system. Virgin Media have provided me with a test unit of their new Intelligent WiFi pods to review. The Virgin Media Connect app is the control unit for your WiFi that helps you get your Virgin Media broadband up and running. Virgin Fibre Areas only. Powered by unlimited lightning-fast broadband, our Hub serves up the WiFi strength you need to scroll, meme and stream. (That . HSn0]zmZ`Y+ Rwv9 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. Now switch it on. This pod plugs into a power socket and listens for WiFi signals from the hub. Pretty crappy! WiFi and Internet speeds are fickle beasts. The power light will stay on. Step 4: You'll see a confirmation screen noting your start date ("Now") and end date. Dual 100/1000Base-T Ethernet with autosense WAN or LAN configuration. They do broadcast the SSID that they were set up with and you can connect to that and use it (if you have the password). Here are the most common and what to look out for: Use power sockets on internal walls, but dont use extension cables. Rick Broida is the author of numerous books and thousands of reviews, features and blog posts. Excludes broadband faults and broadband network outages. Here youll find all the help you need for Virgin Media related problems and issues. Supercharged. 1. This is the same underlying technology seen in rival products from Google, Amazon, Netgear, and BT. Up to 3 WiFi Pods . Re: WiFi Pod Keeps Going Green on 12-11-2021 16:28 You need to move your Pod nearer to the Hub so it can resync, and move it back. Obviously, if your walls block WiFi, there's a limit to what the pods can do. Youll know when the copying process is done as the wireless light on the larger Booster will stop blinking and go off. they look like plume pods, wouldnt be surprised if someone has reflashed them to a generic firmware. Cheers for your help and apologies if I've got this completely wrong. Fastest WiFi guarantee of any major provider Otherwise set-up is a case of plugging the Pod in and waiting itll automatically see your router settings and network conditions, joining and extending your wireless network wirelessly, creating a mesh network. Tap Next to complete the purchase. If you can set up using a Self-Install pack, but choose to use an engineer for the installation, youll still be charged 30 for this service. They are assigned to the router and the account not just able to be swapped around. I havent encountered any issues, but then my speakers arent in close proximity to the Pod either. (And your first time is effectively free, as Virgin is offering a $5 account credit between now and July 16.) Delivered Tuesdays and Thursdays. My friend had 2 pods at home but has since removed one as he needed the socket. You can also tap Wi-Fi Password if you want to modify the random one created by the service. Virgin will remotely log in to your SuperHub and forcibly rename your 5GHz network to be the same as your 2.4GHz one. Terms of guarantee vary by provider.