The Virgin Media Hub 5 was launched again in 2021, with a wider launch all through 2022.
Virgin began to supply the Hub 5 as customary to new Gig1 clients in addition to present clients with out a Hub 4 who upgraded to Gig1.
Nonetheless, it isn’t assured you’ll get one attributable to inventory ranges on the finish of final yr and the beginning of this yr. Some Gig1 clients anticipating a Hub 5 might have obtained a Hub 4 as a substitute. Virgin will (ultimately) contact these clients to supply them a Hub 5 by way of e-mail.
I not too long ago upgraded from the M500 package deal and was on the older Hub 3, and I used to be despatched the brand new Hub 5.
I’ve beforehand written a information on the variations between the Virgin Media Hub 5 vs Hub 4 vs Hub 3.
What is the distinction between a Virgin Media Hub 3 / 4 and Hub 5?
The Virgin Media Hub 5 surpasses its predecessor, the Hub 4, when it comes to capabilities. It not solely accommodates Wi-Fi 6 but in addition boasts a 2.5Gbits/sec Ethernet port for enhanced wired connections. This function might show useful as Virgin is on its approach to increase speeds past a gigabit.
Presently, it seems that Virgin Media is together with the Hub 5 as a default providing for patrons subscribing or upgrading to the Gig1 Fibre Broadband.
Do you have to face difficulties in sustaining a constant Wi-Fi sign all through your residence, it is advisable to seek the advice of with Virgin. The prolonged vary supplied by Wi-Fi 6 might probably resolve your downside. Nonetheless, keep in mind that to totally make the most of Wi-Fi 6’s capabilities, you will want suitable units corresponding to smartphones and laptops. Fortuitously, most units offered lately are more likely to help this newest Wi-Fi customary.
Wi-Fi 6 Speeds
With Wi-Fi 6, relying on the way you configure the router, it ought to have the ability to obtain theoretical speeds of 2400Mbps if the router makes use of 160MHz channels or 1200Mbps for 80Mhz. Actual-world speeds for LAN transfers (not Web) would usually peak at round 1500Mbps for 160Hz or 900Mbps for 80Hz. So, for the Virgin Gig1 connection, you’d want to make use of 160MHz to max out the connection.
2.5GbE is essential if you wish to get the total pace
When you have a Hub 4, you will not have the ability to obtain the marketed speeds of 1130Mbps as a result of the router is restricted to gigabit Ethernet ports.
I examined my connection utilizing a gigabit port, and the most effective pace I achieved was 948.63Mbps down and 105.45Mbps up.
With the Virgin Media Hub 5, in case you use the two.5GbE port and the remainder of your community (or the PC you plug into that port), it is possible for you to to get larger speeds. I persistently recover from 1030Mbps. It isn’t an enormous distinction, but when I’m paying for it, I wish to profit from it.
Present Virgin Media Prospects: Upgrading from Virgin Media Hub 3 to Hub 5
If you’re on the outdated Hub 3, you need to have been invited to improve your Hub freed from cost. I do not recall getting an invitation, however I solely used it in modem mode, so it wasn’t an enormous difficulty.
Virgin acknowledged again in 2021:
“As a part of a phased roll-out, Virgin Media will provide the Hub 5 to present clients first at no further price. Eligible clients will probably be contacted and given the choice of upgrading forward of a wider launch in 2022.”
If you’re out of contract and/or improve to a brand new contract, you need to have the ability to request a brand new Virgin Media Hub 5. Specifically, in case you transfer to Virgin Gig1 and are utilizing an older Virgin Media Hub 3, you’ll have to improve to the brand new up. It is because the older Hub 3 used DOCSIS 3.0, and Gig1 requires DOCSIS 3.1.
Virgin Media Hub 4 Free Upgrades to Hub 5
If you’re nonetheless on contract and utilizing the Hub 4, then Virgin Media aren’t at the moment doing free upgrades attributable to low inventory ranges.
Again in October 2022, Virgin did have a suggestion on the place you possibly can request a brand new Hub 5, however this marketing campaign has ended, and there would not seem to have been any subsequent campaigns.
Your finest guess could be to attempt to name buyer providers and request a brand new one. I have never tried this, however you can complain concerning the Wi-Fi speeds as the brand new Hub 5 makes use of Wi-Fi 6.
The best way to arrange a brand new Virgin Media Hub
Virgin Media do not ship technicians out to put in the brand new Hub, however they’re straightforward sufficient to do your self.
- Change off the outdated Hub
- Disconnect your outdated Hub – the coaxial cable coming from the wall must be unscrewed relatively than unplugged like an Ethernet cable
- Join the coaxial cable and safe it with a spanner (this will probably be included if you obtain your new Hub).
- Plug in any Ethernet cables that you simply used in your outdated Hub
- Join the brand new Hub to the mains energy provide and plug it into the wall.
It’s price noting that the brand new Hub can have new Wi-Fi credentials, and in case you have been utilizing your outdated Hub in modem mode, this may want establishing once more.
I wrote a information on learn how to entry the Virgin Media router settings and alter it to modem mode.
Do I must ship my Virgin Media Hub again?
You do not personal the Virgin Media Hub, and you’ll possible must return your outdated Hub. You ought to be suggested about this if you order your new Hub, and the brand new gear ought to include return particulars.
Once I upgraded from the Hub 3, I used to be not suggested to return the Hub, and the alternative router did not have any return directions.
Virgin Media states:
Until you have been requested to ship it again to us, please get rid of our gear in an environmentally pleasant approach
I personally stored the Hub 3, simply in case they do ask for it again (or cost me for it).
I’m a UK tech blogger and have been within the trade for over 10 years now, operating Mighty Gadget and its sister websites and contributing to different websites across the internet. I’m enthusiastic about all tech, together with cell, wearables, and residential automation. I’m additionally a health fanatic, so I cowl as a lot health tech as potential.
