BT Home hub problem
 

Yesterday my BT Infinity 1 connection got so slow that it took more than 10 seconds to load a page.

I phoned the broadband help desk, and part of the process of identifying the problem was to reset the homehub3 by inserting a toothpick into the tiny reset hole on the back of the hub. The problem was eventually described as a 'network problem' and was referred to a BT engineer.
Overnight the network fault was corrected

BUT -
The reset of the Homehub has re-enabled the wireless signal which I disabled about 2/3 years ago.

I had found out how to from the BT Community forums. I looked at them again, because I had forgotten how I did it.

I tried acessing Homehub settings page but could not get past the page which said I must change my password. I obtained the original hub password from the small removable section on the back of the hub and tried to change password. The it told me that the original password had been changed once AND COULD NOT BE CHANGED AGAIN !!!!

This afternoon I phoned the BT broadband helpline and after about an hour in a queue (with shoulders aching and numb fingers from holding the phone) I got through to the asian call centre and was struggling to understand him. He had me do yet another reset, as well as numerous attempts at password changes. He didn't know why I couldn't access the homehub setting page because I couldn't get past the password problem. After another hour I could see we were getting nowhere, and my neck and houlder pain was escalating so I ended the call.

So my home hub now wears a tinfoil hat unless I can find a solution.
I didn't resort to tinfoil until I had developed a splitting headache, which subsided when the tinfoil was applied - maybe I am one of those electrosensitive people - maybe I am not - but why be exposed to them when you needn't be? - and I don't need wireless connection.

PS the headache happened before I made the call - the call itself was 'a headache' but wasn't the cause of it

Re: BT Home hub problem
 

Looks to me it's always going to be on in the background Margaret.


How to turn wireless on and off - BT Home Hub 4 and 5 | Help | BT.com Help

see note 9

Re: BT Home hub problem
 

That info is useful - I have homehub 3 which does not provide the temporary password override. At least I know if I persuade Bt to give me a hub 4 I would be able to override the password.

As for 'always on' -
I opted out of FON, and my wireless indicator light was not on at all.

I have raised the problem by email with BT who have called me - I have explained the problem yet again and have been promised a callback.

II mentioned the password override facility on Homehub4 (which I wouldn't have known about thanks :)) and suggested I was supplied with one - and will have more conversation with them later today.

PS I wont bother with a new homehub 4 in view of note 9 - maybe a new homehub3 will work.

Re: BT Home hub problem
 

There's a bit more here Margaret on Hub3's
It may help.

How do I disable WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Set-up) on my BT Home Hub 3, Hub 4 or Hub 5? | Help | BT.com Help

Re: BT Home hub problem
 

Thanks DP - I read that when you provided the previous link.

Since I last posted, the asian call centre:( have phoned me again and (for the umpteenth time) I have reset the hub with a toothpick and made attempts to change my password. Just like yesterday I get the message 'you have changed it once and can't do it again'.

The asian lady then asked me to allow her remote access to my computer.
I politely refused ( well would you ?:rolleyes:), so she decided to take me through the steps she would have taken - the two websites she directed me to did not provide the page she expected me to see so she has given up;) - told me to reset (toothpick again) and make one more attempt at change password and the call centre would call me again tomorrow.

Re: BT Home hub problem
 

PS - She said that overnight a check would be made whether the hub was functioning correctly. I suppose if it is faulty they will replace , but otherwise I am stuck with a hub that cannot be wireless disabled.

The tinfoil hat seems fine - no headache today:D

Re: BT Home hub problem
 

Threaten to leave B.T and see if thet will provide you with a home hub 5. B.T. dont remind you when your contract is up , they just let you keep on paying. I was paying £27.50 for my infinity and anytime calls plus line rental per month.When I threatened to leave them I got my monthly payment down to £ 15.95. Worth a try with them.

Re: BT Home hub problem
 

Had a read of this Margaret..I reckon you are stuck with the tinfoil origami. :confused:

The firmware updates will keep switching it back on.

A comprehensive, one-stop guide for beginners to help Wave Goodbye to pulsed microwaves and electrosmog and so return to full health - - How to turn off Wireless

Re: BT Home hub problem
 

I have orgonite too :D

(I don't really have the option of leaving BT because I have an AgeUK emergency pendant)

Re: BT Home hub problem
 

Hey, steady on Margaret!

Orgone- 'Closely associated with sexuality.'
'Reich and his students were seen as a cult of sex and anarchy'.
No wonder you put a big grin smilie!

How much of this organite have you got lying around there?

Re: BT Home hub problem
 

Not enough it seems ;)

Re: BT Home hub problem
 

Have you tried using Internet Explorer to access the hub and change the password? Some routers only like IE. The tin foil is a fire risk and might be doing nothing to stop the rf.

Re: BT Home hub problem
 

I have opened IE and found this -
How does password override work on the BT Home Hub 3, Hub 4 or Hub 5? | Help | BT.com Help
This is the first mention I have found that hub3 allows password override.
I will be trying it today, when I am fully awake.- thanks

I will remove the tinfoil hat when I go to bed - the bedroom is a long walk away from the hub.

Re: BT Home hub problem
 

http://192.168.1.254/html/common/b_p..._override.html

I have tried this and despite several attempts the serial number and wireless key number are not accepted. (i have rechecked them several times on the base of the hub)

BT are due to phone me back early afternoon - so I will leave it alone till then.

Re: BT Home hub problem
 

A little off-topic, but the contract never actually ends, it just has a minimum term. Typically, companies use the minimum term to either recoup the cost of equipment or to get you so dependent on the service that leaving at the end is just too much hassle.

It's the same technique used by mobile carriers and insurance companies.

Re: BT Home hub problem
 

It`s a bit unlikely, but are you sure you aren`t connecting wirelessly to a neighbours hub. Is wireless disabled on your computer/laptop.

Re: BT Home hub problem
 

I never disabled wireless on my PC or laptop - just the hub - I was content when the hub wireless blue light was OFF.

Re: BT Home hub problem
 

Just to be sure then, disable the wireless on your computer.

Control Panel>network and internet>network and sharing. On the left hand side "change adapter settings". Right click the wireless connection and disable.

Re: BT Home hub problem
 

Margaret, you said you had BT Infinity.
That requires BT hub 4. That's what BT told me when I asked to upgrade to Infinity, I had Hub 3 at the time.
The hub and set up were free.
If what I was told is correct you must not have Infinity but just normal broadband.
Has anybody else here got infinity and did you have to have the Hub 4?

Re: BT Home hub problem
 

We have a business hub 3 at work, and it has BT Infinity connection on the back.

Re: BT Home hub problem
 

When I upgraded to Infinity 1, I opted to keep the Homehub3 because I didn't want the hassle of wireless disabling a new hub, and I don't need the 'extra gadget facilities' it provides - I will mention this when BT phone me. thanks

Re: BT Home hub problem
 

I have Home Hub 5 with my infinity so I don't need the open reach modem.

Re: BT Home hub problem
 

I have looked at that (thanks) - it shows 'Wireless Network Connection' and 'attempting to authenicate'. Which indicates that I never set up any wireless connection on this PC. (I never have and never will use wireless)

I haven't risked pressing 'disable' until BT have been given one more chance to get me sorted.

Re: BT Home hub problem
 

Have you checked your download speed Margaret?
Round here the infinity is about 38mb download and normal broadband with BT is 10mb.
I'm about 50 yards from the cabinet where the fibre optic line terminates. The normal cable runs underground to my house from the cabinet.
To get fibre optic right up to the house is a lot more expensive.
I watch Skygo on my PC a lot and even at 10mb download the picture is perfect and no buffering.
That's no help to your problem though is it Margaret.
I thought it was just a case of resetting the hub and using the password on the bottom, then going into hub settings and disabling WiFi leaving the Ethernet cable connected.

Re: BT Home hub problem
 

OK, I always disable wireless when connected by cable, only confuses matters having your laptop searching for a wireless connection when you want it to go through the wired route (not to mention eating your battery).
If you look down by your clock you should see your connection type, you should have an icon like a monitor.

Re: BT Home hub problem
 

I have no idea where the BT cabinet is near me, because I haven't been outside since I moved here last July (health problems). I did notice a slight improvement in page loading time when I switched to Infinity. Down here at the bottom end of Clayton I am a long way from the exchange and amongst an estate full of families. I do somtimes get buffering when the local kids get home from school and switch on. Last time I checked my speed it was 'good' :rolleyes:

Re: BT Home hub problem
 

That icon shows 'Network2' only which confirms that my PC has not been setup for wireless.

I am amazed at all the good help you folks are providing - better than those BT call centre numpties.

Re: BT Home hub problem
 

It was a long shot, but with the info from the bottom of your router not working the only suggestion I had was that you aren`t connected to your router but maybe a neightbours.

Re: BT Home hub problem
 

It's hard work trying to establish what they are saying from bt call centre. I know I've rang them once or twice myself. I find myself saying "Can you speak more slowly please so I can understand you"

Re: BT Home hub problem
 

Result of today's phone call from BT -

My current Homehub3 is to be replaced by a new Homehub3.
I asked if I should really have a Homehub4 and she said I would be charged £30 for it.
She said that a new Homehub3 was all I needed.

Incidentally she said that many customers have complained about 'drop outs' and other faults on Homehubs 4&5, and there have been reported problems with Homehub3, but not as many.

I will get yet another call from BT in 4 days, by which time the new hub will have arrived.

Due to my disabilities I have found this escapade more stressful than any healthy person would. The need to have phone conversations of considerable length caused aggravation and increased pain in my neck shoulders and hands.I have almost thrown the towel in a few times and just hope for the best with the tinfoil hat. It was only when Neil said that was a fire risk that I decided to see it through.

I really appreciate all the help you have provided which gave me more incentive to persevere - THANK YOU ALL :kiss:

Re: BT Home hub problem
 

Margaret, I have been watching this thread but because I had no useful information that would help, I hadn't posted.
I am pleased to hear that at long last you are sorted out.(it must have been a real trial for your patience)
It has been very pleasing to see the number of helpful responses you have had......it just shows that Accyweb members are the salt of the earth and will do their very best to help and advise others.
Look after yourself Margaret

Re: BT Home hub problem
 

Does your laptop connect to your hub with a cable between the two devices?
If you are not using wifi on your laptop you should disable it, until you disable it it's radio will be active.

Re: BT Home hub problem
 

I haven't disabled the wireless on my laptop but I only have it for emergency use if and when my PC is out of action. It just lies there switched off and not connected to anything. About once or twice a year I connect it and update it - otherwise it is not used.

I am reluctant to disable it because if I ever went into hospital I would need it.

Re: BT Home hub problem
 

Margaret, all the laptops I have had, probably seven or eight, have all had either a small switch or button on the keypad to turn Wi Fi off.
You can see a Red Cross over the wifi symbol on the bottom right corner of the screen when it is disabled. If you decide you need it all you do is press the switch again.
But a switched off laptop emits less radio activity than an normal human brain and that's the last thing you want turning off.
Hopefully.

Re: BT Home hub problem
 

Do you have a network cable plugged directly from your PC to your BT hub?

Re: BT Home hub problem
 

I think she does Neil, Margaret said she had the WifI disabled a while ago.
Margaret, if you have a cable from your hub to your PC how long is it?
If the cable is short you maybe sat near the hub even though you are not using Wi Fi the signal will still be there if it is not disabled.
You could even absorb less wireless radiation if the hub was in another room and you used wi fi.
Failing that if you still don't want Wi Fi you could still have the hub in another room by connecting the cable through the adapters which plug into your mains socket. I use a pair to get a wired signal from my hub to my BT vision box.

Re: BT Home hub problem
 

I'm here again Margaret.
I've just been looking into the settings for a BT home hub 3.

There should be a little plastic removable card on the back.
Get hold of that. If no card then the information is on a label underneath.
Go into your browser and type in bthomehub.home, this should get you to the admin section of your hub.

When asked for a password it will be on the little plastic card titled "admin password", enter that. Probably eight characters.
If you have reset your hub then that is the correct password.

Go to "advanced settings " and select "wireless configuration".
The very first option you have there is "wireless network enable" if it is ticked as "enable" just tick "no".

That then leaves you without the worry of Wi Fi.

You can also change your password at the same time but I never do.
All anybody needs to do is a reset and the password is back as it was.

I hope you can understand all that and I hope you get the result you want eventually.

Re: BT Home hub problem
 

My hub is connected to my PC with 5' ethernet cable.
It is not practical to extend the cable to the bedroom because it is too far away.
(you may recall that from my thread about potential phone extension)
I have gone through the procedure of entering those serial and admin password numbers numerous times since sunday and the hub does not accept they are correct - that is why BT decided my hub is faulty and a replacement hub is on its way

Re: BT Home hub problem
 

Can you not use a powerline adaptor Margaret?

The 13 best Powerline adapters 2014: Here are the best Powerline adapters you can buy in the UK right now - PC Advisor

Re: BT Home hub problem
 

See post eleven in this thread
http://www.accringtonweb.com/forum/f...ion-65477.html

Using any extension cables to reach the bedroom is not practical.

The 13 best Powerline adapters 2014: Here are the best Powerline adapters you can buy in the UK right now - PC Advisor
Those look interesting but I don't want spend both night and day in the bedroom.

PS just read the detail -- a wifi spot in the bedroom- EEK :eek:- just what I am trying to avoid

Re: BT Home hub problem
 

My mistake Margaret I was thinking it was the isdn (ethernet) line you wanted extending.

Some powerline adaptors have wi-fi but most dont.

Re: BT Home hub problem
 

If I ever become bedridden (heaven forbid:eek:) I can see how that would provide an ethernet type extension to the bedroom.
However if I get that sick I would look to moving the bed to the lounge (I do have plenty of room for it)

Re: BT Home hub problem
 

Powerline adapters are evil things and create a lot of RF interference between about 25Mhz and 30Mhz. The mains wiring in your house becomes great big aerial all over your house transmitting nasty RF noise. Most fail the EU EMC standards but the manufacturers get away with it because of how they test them

Re: BT Home hub problem
 

Lets hope a new hub can be made to disable Wi Fi Margaret.
If you follow my post earlier it is really a very simple procedure, provided you can access the settings. That appears to be your problem at present although once you do a full reset on the hub the admin password should revert to the key on the bottom of the hub or the card.

It does seem a bad thing to have the admin password on the hub though, anybody with a will to do so could easily reset the hub, get into your settings, change the wi fi password and then get into your PC. That's why the little removable card is a good idea, I keep mine secure and scrape the label off the hub.

Re: BT Home hub problem
 

As long as I can get my weekly fix of "Hell on Wheels" "Ray Donovan" and be ahead of the UK for episodes of "Homeland" on my unlocked Amazon Fire TV box Neil, I don't think I am gonna wory about any SW radio hams in my neighbourhood. I remember back in the day when CB radio caused all sorts of havoc with TV's back in their hey day.

Powerline HomePlug Adapters - The Pros and Cons


The Problem with Powerline Adapters?

http://www.frequencycast.co.uk/image...twaveradio.jpgThere is one inherent problem with Powerline adapters, and that's that they can cause interference to short wave radio reception.
HomePlug adapters are often referred to as PLT (Power Line Telecommunication) devices, and shortwave radio enthusiasts claim that they can effectively turns your home into a low-powered transmitter, as your home's mains cabling radiates a low-power "noise" in the band used by short wave radio (2Mhz to 30Mhz).
If you're using a Powerline adapter and you have a radio amateur living two or three doors away, you may be broadcasting noise on a frequency he's using for his hobby. The interference can radiate out around 100 metres. There's also evidence that Powerline adapters can cause interference to FM and DAB radio reception.
Shortwave is also used by some long-range aircraft and shipping, and many still use SW radio to listen to broadcasts from other countries, sometimes using a radio system called Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM), which is in use in parts of Europe, notably Germany.

Re: BT Home hub problem
 

Forgot Neil, after you original post on the buying and selling thread, I struggle to find any interference on my FM or DAB radio setups both fixed and utilising the domestic wiring circuit or on my portable DAB radio.

Found this online survey.
Your thoughts on Powerline / HomePlugs:
I use them and they work well (879 votes) 52.48%
I use them, but they don't work well (195 votes) 11.64%
I have no need for them / use Wi-fi (141 votes) 8.42%
I won't use them / Save Shortwave (308 votes) 18.39%
Never heard of them / Don't care (152 votes) 9.07%
(Total Votes: 1675 )

Re: BT Home hub problem
 

Some members think I am paranoic about radiation, but I do feel some effects (whether this is 'all in the mind' or not I don't want exposure).

In my 'palatial' oversized bedroom I have positioned my bed about 5' away from any wall wiring/sockets and can switch my bedside items on and off by a remote control so I don't need to get out of bed to switch off my clock radio and bedside lamp at the wall. so whilst sleeping my exposure is very limited, (and my dreams are wonderful - no nightmares ever :D)

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Energenie-Re...ords=energenie

Re: BT Home hub problem
 

It's all that orgonite you've got in there Margaret!

Marvellous all this help the experts are giving you- I'm totally confused, don't know about you.
But remote control to switch things off? By your bed? Don't they use radio waves as well? Mine do.

Re: BT Home hub problem
 

Maybe when pressed but not otherwise

Re: BT Home hub problem
 

Ahh, you're more technical than I am. Maybe you're not confused after all!

Re: BT Home hub problem
 

You are right to be concerned Margaret, we all should be. Unfortunately radiation is everywhere and the modern world and its technologies couldn't function without it. The unstoppable march of progress, as they say.

Re: BT Home hub problem
 

Margaret, we all know our bodies...especially when we have lived with them for so long......and all of us are unique.
I am glad that the advice you have received has not appeared to ridicule your desire to limit your exposure to electronic waves.
Not everyone will react in the same way to exposure, but we all have the right to protect ourselves from perceived harm.

Re: BT Home hub problem
 

That someone would have to be in your house to read those numbers. They might as well just take your PC. Anyway they would only get access to your network not your PC.

Re: BT Home hub problem
 

You can't escape it because you have no control over your neighbours or the Radio Ham 2 doors down legally pushing 400 watts RF your way

Re: BT Home hub problem
 

That may well be a fact - so no need to generate more of my own in my very close proximity.

Incidentally, I always feel more alive when everyone else is asleep.
I sometimes wonder if this is due to fewer electrical gadgets operating then.

The new hub has arrived. I struggled to unpack it (disabled hands). Now I read that they expect me to pack and return the old one - fat chance !
I am unable to visit a post office or a 'collection centre' and object to paying for extra time for my care agency ladies to do it.

I feel grim today so am leaving the setting up alone for now - hoping for a better day tomorrow.

Re: BT Home hub problem
 

Do you have central heating in your flat Margaret?
If so it will probably have a thermostat situated somewhere and in a lot of modern buildings it controls the boiler by radio waves. It is not hard wired.

Re: BT Home hub problem
 

I now have a Homehub which emits no wireless signal :D

There is one residual problem I need you to advise about -

On the day I moved in The BT engineer arrived before the furniture.
The old hub got plugged into a socket near the floor and a heavy bookcase, with my TV atop it, now prevents access to unplug it. I tried using that same power supply lead for the new hub but it didn't fit.

So the old useless power supply is still plugged in doing nothing and its cord is dangling over the front of the bookcase. Paranoic (as I am:D) I think 'that cable and its little metal end are live'.
Is this a risk- fire or electric shock?

Re: BT Home hub problem
 

I'm not an expert, Margaret, but I would think it's OK to just coil it up and drop it behind the bookcase.
Unless-- there was a transformer on the plug, making the plug into one of those big lumps which weigh a ton, or a transformer on the end of a short cable which the hub cable plugged into.
My Hub5 has a transformer plug, a big lump, but I can get at it.
I know transformers can overheat, I wouldn't leave one plugged in forever.

I'm sure our experts will be able to help.

Re: BT Home hub problem
 

No, you have nothing to fear.

Unless...

No, really, don't worry about it. Just get someone to unplug it next time you have a visitor.

Re: BT Home hub problem
 

All the B.T Home hubs from 2 to 5 that I now have have been powered from either a plug with a transformer built in or a 240 volt lead plugging into a transformer. You will be safer unplugging the lead.

Re: BT Home hub problem
 

It's not drawing any current it is just sitting there, it can wait until an able bodied person unplugs it rather than she struggles to do it herself.

Re: BT Home hub problem
 

Less, I'm sure I found transformers were still warm, even when the device was switched off. Doesn't that mean they're still using some current?

Re: BT Home hub problem
 

Which do you prefer?

Tell an old lady she is in danger with it plugged in thus forcing her to get down on her knees and attempt to unplug it herself.

OR

Tell her it's not a problem, leave it until someone able bodied can do it for you.

If I lived around the corner I'd nip in and unplug it, matter solved, but I don't so until she has a visitor why worry her about something as unlikely to burst into flames now as it was when it was supplying power to something?

Re: BT Home hub problem
 

I did say 'I wouldn't leave one plugged in forever'.

I know Margarets son pops around to see her. If she felt really worried I'm sure she'd call him.

Re: BT Home hub problem
 

Ay up Less! You're rather mellow today, practically bubbling with Bonhomie it seems. :)

Re: BT Home hub problem
 

Yep, they are giving it away free with every John Smith's down at the Railway, I must admit I'm feeling the effects of numerous of such strange shandys.

Re: BT Home hub problem
 

My son will be visiting in about 2 weeks (my birthday soon - he never misses it)
I will let it dangle until then.

He doesn't visit frequently because he knows my 'carer ladies' are doing a good job and he has his hands full bothering about very poorly in-laws who are 10 years older and 10 times sicker than me.

Unfortunately my carer ladies are not allowed to move heavy furniture (employers directive - health and safety)

Thanks all for your help and concern.