Why is the light on my Virgin Hub Green?

A solid Green light (specifically the base light on Hub 3/4/5) indicates the device is in 'Modem Mode'. This means Wi-Fi is disabled and it is acting purely as a modem for your own third-party router.

What is the Virgin Media Hub Login IP?

In Router Mode (default), the IP is 192.168.0.1. If you have enabled Modem Mode, the IP changes to 192.168.100.1.

What are Volt benefits for speed?

If you have an O2 SIM and Virgin Broadband ('Volt'), your broadband speed is boosted to the next available tier (e.g., M500 becomes Gig1) at no extra cost.

My Gig1 upload speed is only 52 Mbps. Is this normal?

Yes. Standard Docsis 3.1 Gig1 plans have an upload speed of ~52 Mbps. Only newer 'Nexfibre' (XGS-PON) areas offer symmetrical upload speeds.

How to fix a red light on Virgin Hub?

A solid Red light usually indicates overheating on Hub 3/4/5. Ensure the vents are not blocked and the Hub is upright. If it persists, contact Virgin Media for a replacement.

Virgin Media Speed Test

This page helps Virgin Media customers in the UK understand their internet speed test results and determine whether the connection is performing within the normal range for Virgin Media Cable or Nexfibre services.

Virgin Media operates its own dedicated network (distinct from Openreach), offering some of the fastest widely available speeds in the UK, such as the Gig1 service (1.1 Gbps). The service is delivered via the Hub 3, Hub 4, or Hub 5.

How to interpret your Virgin Media speed test result

A Virgin Media speed test measures three core performance metrics:

Download speed – Should be ~110% of your plan speed (e.g., Gig1 often tests at ~1140 Mbps). Virgin over-provisions to ensure stated speeds are met during busy times.

Upload speed – This is the main limitation of Cable. Gig1 upload is typically capped at ~52 Mbps. M500 is ~36 Mbps. Expect lower upload speeds compared to Full Fibre providers.

Latency (ping) – Typically 10–25ms. Virgin uses 'Puma' chipsets in Hub 3 which historically had jitter issues, but Hub 5 (Wi-Fi 6) has significantly improved this.

These values should be evaluated based on the type of connection (Ethernet vs. Wi-Fi) and the time of day.

Virgin Media: Expected Performance

Connection characteristics

Technology: Primarily Hybrid Fibre-Coax (HFC) and increasingly XGS-PON (Nexfibre). HFC is fast but has asymmetrical upload speeds.

Hub 5: The newest router supporting Wi-Fi 6. It has a dedicated 2.5 Gbps Ethernet Port (Port 4) to allow full Gig1 speeds to a single PC.

Peak Hours: 8 PM–10 PM. Cable is a shared medium, so local node congestion affects speeds more than pure dedicated fibre.

Typical real-world performance

Download speed: ~1130 Mbps (Gig1), ~524 Mbps (M500), ~362 Mbps (M350), ~264 Mbps (M250).

Upload speed: 52 Mbps (Gig1), 36 Mbps (M500, M350), 25 Mbps (M250).

Volt Boost: If you are a Volt customer (O2 SIM + Virgin), your speed is automatically boosted to the next tier (e.g., M125 -> M250). Check your account if you haven't received this.

Common Causes of Slow Virgin Media Speeds

Slow speed test results are often caused by Wi-Fi limitations or old hardware.

Frequent causes

Hub 3 Limitations: The older Hub 3 (Arris TG2492) struggles with many devices. Request a Hub 5 if you are on a faster plan.

Double NAT: If you use your own router but forgot to put the Virgin Hub in "Modem Mode", you are running two routers, causing lag and speed issues.

Signal Levels: Check your "Network Status" in the Hub settings. If Downstream Power Levels are outside -6 to +10 dBmV, you need a technician.

Virgin Media Hub Login – Default IP, Username & Password

Access your Hub admin panel to enable Modem Mode, split 2.4/5GHz bands, or check signal stats.

Virgin Hub Details	Information
Login IP Address	192.168.0.1 – Default (Router Mode) 192.168.100.1 – Use this if in Modem Mode
Default Username	admin (usually not needed, just password)
Default Password	(Printed on the base sticker as 'Settings Password'. Note: This is NOT the Wi-Fi password, though they look similar.)

Steps to Login

Connect to your Virgin Media Wi-Fi
Open a browser
Enter 192.168.0.1
Enter the "Settings Password" from the sticker
Navigate to "Advanced Settings" for Modem Mode

Troubleshooting Gateway Lights

Solid White (Hub 3/4/5): Normal operation. Online.

Solid Green (Hub 3/4/5): Modem Mode enabled. Wi-Fi is OFF. Connect your own router to Port 1 (Hub 3/4) or Port 4 (Hub 5).

Solid Red: Overheating. Ensure vents are clear. If cool to touch and still red, replace it.

Flashing Green: Updating software. Wait 10 minutes.

Wired vs Wi-Fi Testing on Virgin Media

For Gig1 plans, Wi-Fi 5 devices (older laptops/phones) will max out at ~500 Mbps.

To verify Gig1: Use a Cat6 cable connected to the 2.5G Port (Port 4) on the Hub 5. Standard ports are 1G and will cap your test at ~940 Mbps.

When to contact Virgin Media support

You should consider contacting Virgin Media support (150 from Virgin landline) if:

Your light is Flashing Green (Update) for more than an hour.

You are getting <50% of your guaranteed minimum speed for 3 days in a row (eligible for compensation).

You see frequent "T3 Timeouts" in the Network Log.

Virgin Media Speed Test FAQs

What is SamKnows RealSpeed? Virgin Media embeds SamKnows software in the Hub. You can run a "RealSpeed" test to see the speed *to the Hub*, proving if the issue is Virgin's network or your Wi-Fi.

Can I use my own router? Yes! Virgin Media is the most "own-router friendly" ISP in the UK thanks to its dedicated Modem Mode. It avoids Double NAT completely.

Is Gig1 available everywhere? Almost. Virgin upgraded their entire HFC network to DOCSIS 3.1, so Gig1 is available to almost all 15 million homes.

Competitors & Alternatives

If Virgin Media isn't available or reliable for you:

BT Full Fibre Speed Test: Uses Openreach FTTP. More symmetrical upload speeds but top speed typically 900 Mbps.
Vodafone Speed Test: Often cheaper, uses same Openreach fibre lines (or CityFibre for 900/900 speeds).
Sky Broadband Speed Test: Known for stability and TV bundles.