Virgin media broadband users have fallen foul of technical problems with UK cable broadband giant"s new SuperHub. The hub which is custom built Netgear hardware, combines a cable modem and wireless router in one. It has had a large volume of issues since it launched on Virgin"s 30 Megabit service earlier this month. Users are reportedly having trouble maintaining synchronization with the cable network, dropping wireless connections and the speed dropping to unacceptable levels. The hub also seems to reboot randomly if you change the wireless frequency from 2.4Ghz to 5Ghz.
A large number of users have been very vocal on the issue in the Virgin Media forums. At the start of the month, Virgin began tempting existing 20Mbit customers with offers to assist them migrating to their new DOCSIS 3.0 platform which will allow much faster speeds in the long run.
Virgin has said that the issues are being caused by faulty firmware in the devices. Staffers have stated that they are looking to issue a firmware update in May which should resolve the issues as well as introduce a new bridge mode which will allow connection of a standalone wireless router.
"Testing is under way, and we expect to resolve the issue by a firmware update which will be automatically pushed out to SuperHub users as soon as a fix has been confirmed."
Users affected by this issue should keep an eye on the Virgin Media forums for updates.