What router do you get with Vodafone broadband?
Vodafone currently offers the Vodafone Power Hub and Vodafone Ultra Hub to all new customers.
Existing customers may still have the Vodafone Intelligent WiFi Hub, which has been succeeded by the Power Hub.
Vodafone Broadband Hubs: in summary
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The Vodafone Ultra Hub brings Wi-Fi 6E to the home. It’s available with the Vodafone Pro II packages, including:
- Vodafone Pro II Full Fibre 74
- Vodafone Pro II Full Fibre 80 (CityFibre network only)
- Vodafone Pro II Full Fibre 150
- Vodafone Pro II Full Fibre 500
- Vodafone Pro II Full Fibre 910
- Vodafone Pro II Full Fibre 1.6 Gigabit
- Vodafone Pro II Full Fibre 1.8 Gigabit (CityFibre network only)
- Vodafone Pro II Full Fibre 2.2 Gigabit (CityFibre network only)
These Pro II packages are available on a 24-month contract. Alternatively, it’s also an optional premium upgrade to other Vodafone packages.
The new Power Hub also adds Wi-Fi 6E as well as a smaller footprint and support for up to 100 devices simultaneously.
| Router Name | Included with Package: |
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| Vodafone Power Hub | All Vodafone fibre broadband packages |
| Vodafone Ultra Hub | Vodafone Pro II packages |
The Ultra Hub Wi-Fi router has 4G back-up capability, if you have a supported broadband service. This means the router automatically switches to a 4G mobile network should anything happen with the broadband connection.
See also: ‘What is hybrid broadband?’
Vodafone Ultra Hub specifications
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Vodafone Power Hub specifications
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Are Vodafone routers easy to set up?
Yes, both the Vodafone Hubs are easy to set up.
You’ll need to set it up on the day of activation for the smoothest experience.
- Connect the red internet port on the back of the device to the BT wall socket using the cable provided. Depending on the connection, you may need to connect a microfilter which should be included in the box.
- Plug the router into a power socket and power on. Look for the white power light on the front and give it a few minutes to synchronise with the network.
- Leave it until you see a steady white light by Internet on the front. Once you see the light, use an Ethernet cable or Wi-Fi to connect a device.
- Check underneath the router for login details.
The Vodafone Broadband app allows you to set up guest networks on the fly, check what devices are connected to your network and can provide a QR code to enable other uses to quickly connect.
Here’s a video walking you through setting up your Vodafone router:
Do I get to keep my Vodafone Intelligent WiFi hub after my contract is over?
Vodafone doesn’t specifically mention returning your router when your contract ends. Providers are required to encourage the return of old equipment so it can be disposed of properly, though.
You can call Vodafone on 08080 034515 or 191 from a Vodafone mobile to discuss it further.
If Vodafone wants it back, you’ll be sent a pre-paid envelope, so you can return it for free.
If you cancel your contract or damage your device, there is a one-off £99 charge for non-return or a replacement.
How can I improve the Wi-Fi signal of my Vodafone router?
Vodafone UK routers already deliver decent Wi-Fi signals in most residential properties. The addition of WiFi 6E means even better wireless signal.
If you live in a larger or older property and need to boost the signal, what are your options?
Position the device in the centre of the home. Wi-Fi uses radio waves to provide connectivity. Placing it in the centre of the home means the signal doesn’t have so far to go and everyone should get a strong signal.
Avoid placing it close to appliances: Any electrical appliance produces interference that can compromise wireless speeds. Avoid placing the router next to large appliances like refrigerators or air conditioning units.
Check the Wi-Fi channels: Use a Wi-Fi analyser app to check what channels are busiest in your home. Select a channel that isn’t busy and change the Wi-Fi channel 1-2 channels up or down from the least busy.
Use a Wi-Fi extender: If you don’t have the Ultra Hub, you can purchase standalone Wi-Fi boosters that plug into a wall socket to boost the signal.
Use a mesh kit: Alternatively, mesh kits can create a larger, more powerful wireless network with the addition of an extra router and Wi-Fi boosters.
Use a powerline adapter: Powerline adapters plug into a wall socket and turn your home’s wiring into a network. Place one close to the router and connect it. Place the other close to where you need it and connect that to your desktop or laptop.
See also: 'Where's the best place to put a Wi-Fi router?'
What’s the password for a Vodafone router?
The default username for a Vodafone router is ‘root’ and the password is ‘123456’.
Admin and Wi-Fi login details should be on a sticker on the rear or bottom of the device.
This information is freely available on the internet, so we strongly encourage you to change both the router admin login and the wireless usernames and passwords as soon as you have completed setup.
Are the Vodafone Hubs good value for money?
Vodafone Hubs are provided free of charge with their respective Vodafone broadband packages, so yes, they are good value for money.
The Vodafone Power Hub is free with all FTTC and FTTP Vodafone Broadband deals
The Vodafone Ultra Hub is free with Vodafone Pro II Broadband contracts.
If you’re an existing customer with the Intelligent WiFi hub, you’ll need to upgrade to the Pro II plan to use the newer Vodafone Ultra Hub with Wi-Fi 6. Alternatively, request a new Power Hub when your contract is up for renewal.
The optional Super WiFi 6E Boosters are free, and you can have up to 3 of them, which is great value.
What are the standout features of Vodafone routers?
Vodafone Hubs offer decent average download speeds using part fibre or full fibre broadband. They’ve proven themselves reliable.
There’s also the Vodafone Broadband app that helps you to monitor your network, create guest networks and provide a QR code to help people connect.
It’s a smart app that’s worth installing if you’re a broadband customer.
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Now discontinued: Vodafone Intelligent WiFi Hub specifications
The Vodafone Intelligent WiFi Hub has been replaced with the new Power Hub but will still work for existing customers.
As there are hundreds of thousands of Intelligent WiFi Hubs still in use, the specs are still relevant.
Vodafone Intelligent WiFi Hub specifications
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The Intelligent WiFi Hub is a great router. but the Power Hub supports speeds of up to 1Gbps, adds Wi-Fi 6 and is smaller than its predecessor.
Can I keep my Vodafone router if I have to move and downgrade my broadband?
Yes, you can keep your Vodafone router if you move or downgrade either superfast or ultrafast full fibre broadband plans.
There is currently no information on whether you’ll keep the Vodafone Ultra Hub if you downgrade the Vodafone Pro II packages, though. You’ll need to discuss this with Vodafone’s customer service.
Can I use my own router with Vodafone Broadband?
Yes, you can use your own router with Vodafone as long as you don’t use Digital Voice (VoIP) in replacement of a standard home phone.
The device has to be approved by BT Openreach, and you’ll still need to use the Vodafone device to connect, but you can connect a third-party router to that.
Vodafone routers review: Expert summary
Vodafone Broadband Hubs are decent devices.
They provide fast Ethernet speeds, reliable wireless and are set and forget. Reliable enough to leave permanently enabled without having to micromanage them.
The Vodafone app provides basic network monitoring and the QR code function for new users is a great idea.
The inclusion of Wi-Fi 6 and the Super WiFi 6E Boosters is a definite upgrade. Whether it’s worth upgrading your package or not depends on how the Intelligent Hub is performing for you.
It’s great that broadband providers are delivering good quality wireless routers that work well and don’t force you to upgrade to your own. That’s a contract trend we would love to see more of!
How do these routers offerings square up against other broadband providers? Find out with these other router round-ups: