Virgin or Sky, Do I stay or go

frank

frank

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I'm considering at the moment maybe changing isp's from Sky to Virgin, I only use Sky for ADSL broadband and phone ...no tv packages.
Sky Router (old Sagem 54G type) is located in back room and hardwired into the desktop, when I use laptop or Xbox in the front room the signal is very patchy , constant drop outs, a lot of the time non existent. It's not a big house, one level. Router is approx 4 mtrs away from front room with 2 doors in between and one fairly thin brick wall, I live in a 3 roomed four in a block type of house. My wireless problems seem to have started when a close neighbour got Virgin broadband installed recently so I wonder if this is affecting my wifi. Inssider program puts his signal a lot stronger than my own.

I've did all the usual checks on the line for line noise which is ok, router is always plugged into master phone socket. Can't move router to other phone socket in the house due to lack of phone jacks and don't want extension cables lying all over.

Apparently Sky is due to announce tomorrow (according to Sky User Forum) a new router "Sky Hub SR101", unfortunately the beta testers have been keeping very tightlipped about it so no-one knows what the specs are or how it will perform ...unless anyone here knows :-) I'd maybe consider purchasing if suitable with a stronger signal.
Virgin's superhub covers both 2.4 ghz and 5ghz, does anyone know if it can do both simultaneously, Xbox 360 slim I believe is 2.4ghz only, I don't know if it can be upgraded.
 
Virgin have recently updated the superhub router software but I have mine set to 'modem mode' and use my own new router. I have an Asus RT-N56U and it is great for signal strength and throughput. The router is at the front of the house and I can still browse at the bottom of the back garden 100 feet and a house thickness away.

The superhub with original software was terrible. Poor range and dropping connections if you could even connect in the first place. No idea if it has improved now.
 
I've been through all the channels, feels like I have a stalker at times cos one of the neighbours always seems to go onto to whatever channel I change to. I guess his is set to auto.

I'm no expert on routers and their settings but I have just spent the last couple of hours reading on third party routers, seems like the dual band N type is the way to go. Unfortunately Sky's latest Sagem N type router is only 2.4ghz, am I right in saying connecting a decent quality dual band router with 5 ghz going to be pointless on the Sagem?

Maybe I should hang on a few days and see this new Hub SR101 Sky is supposed to be offering soon.
 
I've got a couple of TP-Link 200mbps thingys that plug into the mains but apparently plugging one into the front room and other in the back room next to router circuits are different , something to do with ring main or similar, I'm not a spark so getting them to work is a problem. Their ok in the same room but that's not much use.
 
I think that there are solvable problems here and suspect switching ISP you would have the same issues. If you have a stable and fast enough connection from the router (ideally master BT socket connected), its what happens inside the premises that is the problem as opposed to what the ISP is providing to your house.

regarding xbox, I have found it much more stable to be on a wired connection - ping times are all important and if you tell them you are using it for gaming there are tweaks on your connection sky can do that should improve that side of things.

I would suggest you sign up at www.skyuser.co.uk and ask on the forums there
I think you will get better assistance from the community there and there is input from sky from time to time also.
 
frank said:
I've got a couple of TP-Link 200mbps thingys that plug into the mains but apparently plugging one into the front room and other in the back room next to router circuits are different , something to do with ring main or similar, I'm not a spark so getting them to work is a problem. Their ok in the same room but that's not much use.
Click to expand...

+1 same here, that's what I am using works perfectly for me
router in the master socket behind TV, sky and xbox, with TP-Link 200mpbs powerline adapter to send upstairs to desktop PC, which has media centre etc on it

they work well OOTB on the same ring main. What might be an issue is if you are in a flat and therefore on the same ring main as a neighbouring flat. However, you can use tools on your computer to configure (isolate) the network of your own powerline adapters and encrypt it so other adapters that might belong to someone else should not be able to connect to it.
 
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I use homeplugs all over the house & even the shed. Never had a problem with them on different circuits, the shed is even on its own RCD :D
 
If you are still considering moving, might be worth checking other people's results for speed on speedtest.net - comparing sky and virgin in your area - my wife's grandad changed from sky to virgin and his internet connection has almost ground to a halt...... It may be different in your area?

Cheers,

Ste
 
Uswitch have a map where if you type in your postcode, it shows you the speeds people are getting in your area.

I did try the plug system, but couldn't get them to work, got rid and then found out issue could be due to me using in extensions and not straight into the main plug socket.
 
Lot of info on http://www.thinkbroadband.com/

Horror stories about every ISP of course but as others have said changing ISP is not likely to improve your wireless signal unless the new ISP gives you a better modem. If you are out of contract might be worth phoning sky and ask them what deal they will give you to stay with them.
 
Decided to stay with Sky for the time being, bought a Sky Version 6 N type router cheaply off Ebay, (mine is old 54G) so will see if that improves the wifi signal a little. Failing that I'll wait and see what this new sky router will be like that's currently being beta tested and supposedly announced this month sometime. Any Sky beta testers here with it?
 
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