Unstable Internet Connection - Running ISP Router in Modem Mode and Home Router Setup
Unstable Internet Connection - Running ISP Router in Modem Mode and Home Router Setup
I’m facing really unstable internet, with drops happening every half minute. It works okay for streaming once it reconnects. But during work hours it’s a problem—Teams or Zoom calls get cut off, and when I connect from home via VPN to my PC through the Archer C7, the session ends abruptly. I’m based in London on Virgin Media and use a Virgin Hub 3 in modem mode linked to an Archer C7. The connection feels very unreliable. When I switch to router mode with the Hub 3 off, it works fine. Plugging an Ethernet cable into the Hub 3 causes it to drop. It seems like the problem lies with the Archer C7 itself, but I’m not sure if my router or Virgin’s equipment is faulty. Anyone else have similar issues? Any suggestions on how to troubleshoot would be appreciated—I really need some guidance!
Yes, I can access Ethernet. On it, data travels through physical connections. Without the VPN, traffic remains exposed and potentially vulnerable.
I have access to an Ethernet connection. I haven't attempted a direct Ethernet link with the Virgin Hub 3 in router mode since my laptop lacks an Ethernet port, and my PC is in another room. My main PC is linked to the Archer C7 via Ethernet through a powerline adapter. It seems the powerline adapter isn't the problem because removing it doesn't enhance my stability.
The modem configuration must exclude all Ethernet links except those connected to the router.
That's correct—the Virgin Hub 3 operates in modem mode with only a single Ethernet cable connected to the Archer C7.
You're experiencing the same problem on WiFi, likely because the Archer C7 is handling the connection. Check the Ethernet cable for any wear or damage.
It functions as a connection hub, offering both Wi-Fi and Ethernet options. No visible signs of harm—additional cables are available for testing.
When the Virgin Hub operates in bridged mode, the Archer C7 should function as a standard wireless router, not as an access point. It only needs AP mode if the Virgin Hub stays in its default gateway role or if another NAT device is present. Regarding the Ethernet connection, please specify which port you're using for uplink to the Virgin Hub. Also, let me know the exact model of the C7 you have.
I tested the Virgin Hub in modem/bridged mode connected to my Archer C7 via Ethernet. The Archer C7 was set to router mode. To check if the problem lay with the Archer C7, I switched the Virgin Hub to router mode and connected the Archer C7 through Ethernet (the same cable used for the Virgin Hub). I plugged that Ethernet into the WAN port on the Archer C7—though the exact port name isn’t clear.
Consider changing the port on the Virgin Hub and using a different port. Keep the Virgin Hub in bridge mode and the C7 in router mode. Perform a complete factory reset on the C7 and reconfigure it. Test the connection by connecting directly to the C7 via Ethernet from your computer. This method won’t work through powerline because it could interfere with the test, as powerline is known to cause similar issues.