Using additional router with Super Hub

freddyq · 02-07-2012, 7:34 PM

Hi All,

Apologies if this has been asked before but having searched here there seem to be different options based on individual requirements. Like several others, my super hub is located at the front corner of the house which is not ideal given all wireless devices are near the back of the house and upstairs. I don't want to move it though because there are a couple of PCs and a NAS drive connected by cable to it.

I'd like to "extend" the connectivity (with a router/repeater?) such that I can broadcast wireless signal from a much more central point of the house and also run a cable from the router/repeater to the TV. What are my options? I'd like a solution where my broadband speed can be maintained as much as possible.

Any help or guidance would be much appreciated.

TIA

maf1970 · 02-07-2012, 8:24 PM

Your best bet is to put InSSIDer on to a laptop or if you have an android smartphone wifi analyser
inSSIDer – Discover The Wi-Fi Around You | MetaGeek

Use it to map the wifi signal strength throughout your house. This will allow you to decide where best to put an access point or 2 if needed. Use homeplugs to connect them back to the main router.

freddyq · 02-07-2012, 8:53 PM

So its access points I need to extend the Wi-Fi?

I've considered HomePlugs before but read that plugged in mobile chargers and loose electric wires in sockets can reduce their effectiveness and we certainly have plenty of the former. Maybe I should reconsider.

maf1970 · 03-07-2012, 10:38 AM

Sorry should have been more specific. A wifi access point will allow you to expand your wireless coverage in your house. This can be done in 2 ways -

1. a standard access point and cable it back to the main router. This can also be achieved using a standard set of homeplugs instead of hard wiring.
TP-Link TL-PA211KIT 200Mbps Mini Powerline Ethernet Adapter - Twin Pack: Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories
TP-Link TL-WA901ND Advanced Wireless N Access Point: Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories
2. a set of homeplugs that also act as a wireless access point.
TP Link TL-WPA281KIT AV200 Powerline Extender with Wireless N Access Point Starter Kit: Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories

The above are just some examples of what to use. You don't have to use TP-Link there are other brands available but TP-Link get good reviews and are very well priced against others. e.g. Devolo.

freddyq · 03-07-2012, 9:47 PM

Thanks maf1970, I think I'll try hard wiring an access point back to my super hub and see how that goes. Although I'll have to travel the cable and probably drill through a couple of walls to get it where it needs to be. Which means either I drill holes large enough for the connectors to get through or I cut the connector off at one end, travel the cable and then re-attach the connector.

jagdeepp · 08-07-2012, 3:16 PM

..Just adding to this: Is it not possible to connect another router to the network and have that act as an extender? I've tried connecting my original sky netgear router through hardwiring on the ground floor where the range of the superhub does not reach. The router however confuses the superhub despite my having changed the ip address and switched off dchp.

mentasm · 08-07-2012, 11:55 PM

You need to put it in bridging mode. I have a couple of D-Link routers connected to the 'Superhub' in this manner to allow for N speed streaming to my PS3/360.

johnloughray · 09-07-2012, 11:57 AM

Sorry for hijacking this thread.
I've recently had a the VM Superhub fitted and it is painfully slow in wireless mode. I intend to switch it to modem and run a separate wireless router of it.

What are the best wireless routers on the go and is dual band the way to go. I need good range to get to the back of the house and something that is reliable and fast.

I was even thinking of eventually having a couple of routers linked to give a better service.

Any thoughts would be helpful.

mentasm · 09-07-2012, 1:33 PM

Might be worth waiting for a bit to see if the new firmware improves things. They've started pushing it out to the lower tiers with the others to follow, and one of the fixes is for the wireless driver (to improve the signal).

johnloughray · 09-07-2012, 4:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mentasm

Might be worth waiting for a bit to see if the new firmware improves things. They've started pushing it out to the lower tiers with the others to follow, and one of the fixes is for the wireless driver (to improve the signal).

Will the router upgrade/update automatically or do you have to log into the router. I've not logged into the router since it was installed.

mentasm · 09-07-2012, 4:44 PM

Yep, it'll be auto-pushed.

freddyq · 04-09-2012, 3:07 PM

OK, so I finally got round to travelling an ethernet cable from my super hub to a second D-Link router in the main lounge. I followed instructions online to assign the D-Link router a static IP address and switch off it's DHCP. I then modified the super hub's DHCP range so that it can't cause a clash. The ethernet cable goes from port 1 on my super hub to one of the LAN ports on the D-Link (i.e. not the Internet port).

I then setup wireless on both devices with the same SSID, security type and password. I fixed the wireless signal broadcast channels so that they don't overlap. Despite this, I encountered one of two situations.

Either the wireless devices in the lounge would still pick up the Super Hub's signal (the weaker one) or despite the fact that I can see my wireless network with full bars in the lounge, when I attempt to connect it tries and then fails. Sometimes it would connect on my laptop but underneath "Connected" I'd see "No Internet Access".

Can anyone enlighten me as to what's going on and what I've done wrong? It just looks like the wireless on the D-Link isn't working.

maf1970 · 04-09-2012, 8:06 PM

I would refer you to my first post regarding InSSIDer and WiFi Analyser. You would use either or both to determine what are the best channels for each router to use.
When configuring the Static IP address of the second router did you set its subnet mask to 255.255.255.0 and set its gateway to the IP address of the Superhub?

freddyq · 05-09-2012, 2:26 PM

Oh, I forgot to mention I do have InSSIDer which shows that there are quite a few WiFi networks on the lower channels in my vicinity so I tried to set the channels as best I could.

Pretty sure the gateway is set to the SuperHub's IP but can't remember the subnet mask - I'll have a look tonight.

freddyq · 05-09-2012, 4:02 PM

And also, reading other posts on the forum still suggest the Super Hub's wireless is poor compared to other routers. Where my Super Hub is located I don't really need wireless, the secondary router (D-Link DIR-615) is in a more central location so rather than trying to "extend" my wireless, am I better off just sticking the SuperHub into modem mode and using the D-Link's wireless only?

freddyq · 06-09-2012, 2:56 PM

Anyone?

**Curly99** · 06-09-2012, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by freddyq

And also, reading other posts on the forum still suggest the Super Hub's wireless is poor compared to other routers. Where my Super Hub is located I don't really need wireless, the secondary router (D-Link DIR-615) is in a more central location so rather than trying to "extend" my wireless, am I better off just sticking the SuperHub into modem mode and using the D-Link's wireless only?

yes it's how I do it.

Curly

freddyq · 07-09-2012, 10:46 AM

Ah but reading more about the modem mode...it renders all but the main port on the super hub inactive and I currently have two PCs and a switch connected to the other ports.

Thinking aloud, could I re-arrange my setup so that I connect the switch to the main port and then the two PCs and D-Link to the switch? Will that work?

freddyq · 07-09-2012, 7:21 PM

Where do I find the default gateway on the admin pages of the D-Link DIR-615? Anyone know?

freddyq · 09-09-2012, 1:25 PM

*Bump*

gobstopper · 12-09-2012, 1:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by freddyq

Thinking aloud, could I re-arrange my setup so that I connect the switch to the main port and then the two PCs and D-Link to the switch? Will that work?

Yes - that's essentially what putting to SuperHub into modem mode requires (just as if you had one of the older cable modems).

Your new router's external/WAN/Internet port is connected directly to the SuperHub (and configured to use DHCP to retrieve its IP address). Then you connect your PC's to the LAN/Intenal ports. Most router boxes, by default, will already be pre-configured with a static IP address (192.168.1.1, 192.168.0.1, or similar) and a DHCP service to allow your PC's to pick up an IP address, DNS server address and default gateway automatically.

freddyq · 01-10-2012, 1:36 PM

Hmm, gobstopper I'm not sure you understood my setup correctly. In Room 1 I have the Super Hub, a switch and two PCs. The switch is connected to the super hub and then I've got a NAS drive, and the two PCs connected to the switch. In Room 2 I've setup a D-Link router with an ethernet cable going between the two rooms connecting the Super Hub to the D-Link.

So, since all but the main port on the Super Hub won't work in modem mode I can't have the switch and the D-Link connecting to the Super Hub so what do I do? My question is, can I connect the switch to the super hub's main port and connect everything else (including the D-Link) to the switch?

You mention that the new router's internet port should connect to the Super Hub but then how do I connect up the PCs and NAS drive in room 1? Since the D-Link is in room 2 I can't connect these devices to that directly; it'd be way too much cabling.

Hope that makes sense. If it's not possible, then I'll just have to spend more time getting the "wireless extension" working.

TIA

Captaingadget · 05-10-2012, 4:19 PM

I have an additional router working with the superhub. I cabled a wired port from the superhub to my old Linksys router and connected it to the INTERNET port. The IP address of the superhub is 192.168.0.1 the linksys is 192.168.1.1. Worked first time.

freddyq · 14-12-2012, 10:34 PM

How can I check which router my laptop is connecting to the internet via? As I've set them both up to have the same SSID I can't tell whether my laptop is still picking up the Super Hub wifi or the D-Link one.

02-07-2012, 7:34 PM	#1
freddyq Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Thanks: Gave 0, Got 1 Posts: 72	Using additional router with Super Hub Advertisement Want to Advertise? Hi All, Apologies if this has been asked before but having searched here there seem to be different options based on individual requirements. Like several others, my super hub is located at the front corner of the house which is not ideal given all wireless devices are near the back of the house and upstairs. I don't want to move it though because there are a couple of PCs and a NAS drive connected by cable to it. I'd like to "extend" the connectivity (with a router/repeater?) such that I can broadcast wireless signal from a much more central point of the house and also run a cable from the router/repeater to the TV. What are my options? I'd like a solution where my broadband speed can be maintained as much as possible. Any help or guidance would be much appreciated. TIA
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02-07-2012, 8:24 PM	#2
maf1970 Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Aberdeen Thanks: Gave 10, Got 244 Posts: 1,697	Your best bet is to put InSSIDer on to a laptop or if you have an android smartphone wifi analyser inSSIDer – Discover The Wi-Fi Around You \| MetaGeek Use it to map the wifi signal strength throughout your house. This will allow you to decide where best to put an access point or 2 if needed. Use homeplugs to connect them back to the main router.
	Quote

02-07-2012, 8:53 PM	#3
freddyq Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Thanks: Gave 0, Got 1 Posts: 72	So its access points I need to extend the Wi-Fi? I've considered HomePlugs before but read that plugged in mobile chargers and loose electric wires in sockets can reduce their effectiveness and we certainly have plenty of the former. Maybe I should reconsider.
	Quote

03-07-2012, 10:38 AM	#4
maf1970 Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Aberdeen Thanks: Gave 10, Got 244 Posts: 1,697	Sorry should have been more specific. A wifi access point will allow you to expand your wireless coverage in your house. This can be done in 2 ways - 1. a standard access point and cable it back to the main router. This can also be achieved using a standard set of homeplugs instead of hard wiring. TP-Link TL-PA211KIT 200Mbps Mini Powerline Ethernet Adapter - Twin Pack: Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories TP-Link TL-WA901ND Advanced Wireless N Access Point: Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories 2. a set of homeplugs that also act as a wireless access point. TP Link TL-WPA281KIT AV200 Powerline Extender with Wireless N Access Point Starter Kit: Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories The above are just some examples of what to use. You don't have to use TP-Link there are other brands available but TP-Link get good reviews and are very well priced against others. e.g. Devolo.
	Quote

03-07-2012, 9:47 PM	#5
freddyq Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Thanks: Gave 0, Got 1 Posts: 72	Thanks maf1970, I think I'll try hard wiring an access point back to my super hub and see how that goes. Although I'll have to travel the cable and probably drill through a couple of walls to get it where it needs to be. Which means either I drill holes large enough for the connectors to get through or I cut the connector off at one end, travel the cable and then re-attach the connector.
	Quote

08-07-2012, 3:16 PM	#6
jagdeepp Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: AVshire Thanks: Gave 356, Got 285 Posts: 1,929	..Just adding to this: Is it not possible to connect another router to the network and have that act as an extender? I've tried connecting my original sky netgear router through hardwiring on the ground floor where the range of the superhub does not reach. The router however confuses the superhub despite my having changed the ip address and switched off dchp.
	Quote

08-07-2012, 11:55 PM	#7
mentasm Prominent Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Thanks: Gave 18, Got 598 Posts: 4,788	You need to put it in bridging mode. I have a couple of D-Link routers connected to the 'Superhub' in this manner to allow for N speed streaming to my PS3/360.
	Quote

09-07-2012, 11:57 AM	#8
johnloughray Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Edinburgh Thanks: Gave 8, Got 2 Posts: 154	Sorry for hijacking this thread. I've recently had a the VM Superhub fitted and it is painfully slow in wireless mode. I intend to switch it to modem and run a separate wireless router of it. What are the best wireless routers on the go and is dual band the way to go. I need good range to get to the back of the house and something that is reliable and fast. I was even thinking of eventually having a couple of routers linked to give a better service. Any thoughts would be helpful.
	Quote

09-07-2012, 1:33 PM	#9
mentasm Prominent Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Thanks: Gave 18, Got 598 Posts: 4,788	Might be worth waiting for a bit to see if the new firmware improves things. They've started pushing it out to the lower tiers with the others to follow, and one of the fixes is for the wireless driver (to improve the signal).
	Quote

09-07-2012, 4:44 PM	#11
mentasm Prominent Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Thanks: Gave 18, Got 598 Posts: 4,788	Yep, it'll be auto-pushed.
	Quote

04-09-2012, 3:07 PM	#12
freddyq Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Thanks: Gave 0, Got 1 Posts: 72	OK, so I finally got round to travelling an ethernet cable from my super hub to a second D-Link router in the main lounge. I followed instructions online to assign the D-Link router a static IP address and switch off it's DHCP. I then modified the super hub's DHCP range so that it can't cause a clash. The ethernet cable goes from port 1 on my super hub to one of the LAN ports on the D-Link (i.e. not the Internet port). I then setup wireless on both devices with the same SSID, security type and password. I fixed the wireless signal broadcast channels so that they don't overlap. Despite this, I encountered one of two situations. Either the wireless devices in the lounge would still pick up the Super Hub's signal (the weaker one) or despite the fact that I can see my wireless network with full bars in the lounge, when I attempt to connect it tries and then fails. Sometimes it would connect on my laptop but underneath "Connected" I'd see "No Internet Access". Can anyone enlighten me as to what's going on and what I've done wrong? It just looks like the wireless on the D-Link isn't working.
	Quote

04-09-2012, 8:06 PM	#13
maf1970 Senior Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Aberdeen Thanks: Gave 10, Got 244 Posts: 1,697	I would refer you to my first post regarding InSSIDer and WiFi Analyser. You would use either or both to determine what are the best channels for each router to use. When configuring the Static IP address of the second router did you set its subnet mask to 255.255.255.0 and set its gateway to the IP address of the Superhub?
	Quote

05-09-2012, 2:26 PM	#14
freddyq Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Thanks: Gave 0, Got 1 Posts: 72	Oh, I forgot to mention I do have InSSIDer which shows that there are quite a few WiFi networks on the lower channels in my vicinity so I tried to set the channels as best I could. Pretty sure the gateway is set to the SuperHub's IP but can't remember the subnet mask - I'll have a look tonight.
	Quote

05-09-2012, 4:02 PM	#15
freddyq Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Thanks: Gave 0, Got 1 Posts: 72	And also, reading other posts on the forum still suggest the Super Hub's wireless is poor compared to other routers. Where my Super Hub is located I don't really need wireless, the secondary router (D-Link DIR-615) is in a more central location so rather than trying to "extend" my wireless, am I better off just sticking the SuperHub into modem mode and using the D-Link's wireless only?
	Quote

06-09-2012, 2:56 PM	#16
freddyq Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Thanks: Gave 0, Got 1 Posts: 72	Anyone?
	Quote

07-09-2012, 10:46 AM	#18
freddyq Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Thanks: Gave 0, Got 1 Posts: 72	Ah but reading more about the modem mode...it renders all but the main port on the super hub inactive and I currently have two PCs and a switch connected to the other ports. Thinking aloud, could I re-arrange my setup so that I connect the switch to the main port and then the two PCs and D-Link to the switch? Will that work?
	Quote

07-09-2012, 7:21 PM	#19
freddyq Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Thanks: Gave 0, Got 1 Posts: 72	Where do I find the default gateway on the admin pages of the D-Link DIR-615? Anyone know?
	Quote

09-09-2012, 1:25 PM	#20
freddyq Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Thanks: Gave 0, Got 1 Posts: 72	Bump
	Quote

01-10-2012, 1:36 PM	#22
freddyq Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Thanks: Gave 0, Got 1 Posts: 72	Hmm, gobstopper I'm not sure you understood my setup correctly. In Room 1 I have the Super Hub, a switch and two PCs. The switch is connected to the super hub and then I've got a NAS drive, and the two PCs connected to the switch. In Room 2 I've setup a D-Link router with an ethernet cable going between the two rooms connecting the Super Hub to the D-Link. So, since all but the main port on the Super Hub won't work in modem mode I can't have the switch and the D-Link connecting to the Super Hub so what do I do? My question is, can I connect the switch to the super hub's main port and connect everything else (including the D-Link) to the switch? You mention that the new router's internet port should connect to the Super Hub but then how do I connect up the PCs and NAS drive in room 1? Since the D-Link is in room 2 I can't connect these devices to that directly; it'd be way too much cabling. Hope that makes sense. If it's not possible, then I'll just have to spend more time getting the "wireless extension" working. TIA
	Quote

05-10-2012, 4:19 PM	#23
Captaingadget Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Desborough Thanks: Gave 0, Got 15 Posts: 93	I have an additional router working with the superhub. I cabled a wired port from the superhub to my old Linksys router and connected it to the INTERNET port. The IP address of the superhub is 192.168.0.1 the linksys is 192.168.1.1. Worked first time.
	Quote

14-12-2012, 10:34 PM	#24
freddyq Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Thanks: Gave 0, Got 1 Posts: 72	How can I check which router my laptop is connecting to the internet via? As I've set them both up to have the same SSID I can't tell whether my laptop is still picking up the Super Hub wifi or the D-Link one.
	Quote

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Using additional router with Super Hub