Crappy Virgin media router: advice needed on replacement

[kropotkin]

I have a virgin router with my package that is a combined router/modem.
They updated the device about 8 months ago and the port-forwarding stopped working. I've tried everything to get it back up and working: resetting, reinstalling firmware etc. My network is now invisible to the outside world which is very annoying as I like to be able to add and start torrents on my raspberry-pi serverette from work.

Gumtree has loads of cheap routers/modems from different companies (virgin, sky etc). Does anyone have any knowledge about what is particularly good? Is there a model supplied by some company that has a hackable firmware to give it more features like forwarding? Are the integral cable modems workable on different suppliers networks (virgin and sky, for example)?
I know that the other opton is to just put the thing in modem mode and get a wifi router as well, but there are enough extension sockets running off the one wall plug as it is and I worry that one more will destroy Bristol and plunge us into the dark ages.

Any advice?

 

[elbows]

Replacing the modem itself will mean you have to talk to virgin to register the device, and depending on model and what speed broadband you have, it could be a pain. So personally I would go down the separate router path.

 

[fishfinger]

AFAIK you can only use a Virgin supplied modem on their network. Best option is to put the "superhub" into modem-only mode and use your own router. Probably the best resource for info on Virgin can be found at http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/

 

[TitanSound]

Regarding the extensions, get one of these, some cable ties and something to label the plugs. It's made my life so much easier (and safer)

http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/produ...&istBid=tztx&gclid=COzZ3O3v_7oCFa3KtAodXnYA6A

 

[WWWeed]

Don't bother with firmware or other modems.

There is nothing wrong with the superhub so long as you use it in modem mode (it is as you say unusable as a router). Which is just as well, because as others have mentioned you can only use a VM supplied modem on the VM network.

Choose a cable router (even a cheapo £20 TP-Link job) and follow the instructions at http://help.virginmedia.com/system/...&LANGUAGE=en&COUNTY=us&VM_CUSTOMER_TYPE=Cable

If you need help give me a shout.

I use a Linksys E4200 with the Superhub 1 in modem only mode and it has been rock solid. I have http, ftp, and SSH port forwards to my home server, and have not rebooted it in years.

Think of the superhub as a modem, and do the port forwards on your own router and you'll be fine...

 

[kropotkin]

I thought that might be the answer! Balls. I sold a perfectly serviceable router six months ago.

 

[mack]

Yeah - what everyone else says - just use the virgin gear in modem mode - I use an old linksys wrt54 (tomatoed) hooked up to the hub via the electrical circuit - then run everything off that - Atv - Nas - everything else.

 

[Quartz]

Why not just get a replacement from Virgin?

 

[WWWeed]

Because they are all shit.

I'm not sure if it is the firmware or hardware, but what ever they are doing VM sure know how to make the most unreliable/unflexable routers ever.

Getting a replacement will not solve the problem kropotkin is having since he as after the port forwarding rules which you cant set on a VM superhub, the option is simply not there. Getting a replacement will mean that you have the same problem since the firmware and/or hardware will be the same.

Using your own router in modem mode is the only option for port forwarding.

 

[sim667]

Mines surprisingly reliable these days, has it updated itself?( I have a super hub)

 

[kropotkin]

Thanks everyone. I hate having to get new stuff when the hardware is perfectly fine if only it can be hacked into shape.