MacBook Pro booster connection dropping

[RichardR66]

Hey everyone, 

I have the Vodafone Pro II package with 2 additional boosters. Every device works just fine, except my MacBook Pro laptop, which consistently drops connection - but only when connected to a booster. It works just fine when connected to the main ultra hub. 

The laptop is mostly used in the office upstairs, so naturally connects to the booster. Works ok for 5-10mins then stops working, it shows it's connected to the internet, but just hangs. The only way I can get it to work is to turn the wifi on and off on the laptop. Before I got the boosters, no issues at all. 

I've been on live chat so many times to no avail and I'm running out of ideas. 

Any help would be hugely appreciated. 

[Mark]

Does this happen when you're connected to your WiFi in range of your router, or when using a wired connection @RichardR66?

[RichardR66]

Hi Mark,  yes in range and connected to WiFi. If I’m in living room near ultra hub, it connects to that no problem and doesn’t drop connection. Upstairs connected by WiFi to booster, as it’s closer, connection keeps dropping. 

[Mark]

That is a curious issues @RichardR66, I'd suggest speaking to our Home Broadband team and see if they can work out what is causing this for you. You can reach them be calling 0333 304 0191 from any UK line, or by using our online chat service.

[RichardR66]

Thanks Mark, I’ve lost count of how many live chats I’ve done with the team. No joy up to press. It has to be something to do with the booster but can’t put my finger on it. 

[Mark]

If it's only happening with your Mac @RichardR66, the cause of the issue maybe connected to that and not the booster. If that's the case, our team may not be able to offer a permanent resolution.

[RichardR66]

Thanks Mark, I'm really not sure. I have no problem with the Mac connecting to the ultra hub and to other wifi, just the booster. 

[RichardR66]

Quick update, after another half an hour on with live chat. 

The solution from Vodafone is to turn off the boosters, connect the laptop to the main hub, then turn the boosters back on but stay close to the router so it doesn't connect to the boosters. Really! 

I appreciate this is probably an issue with the laptop talking to the boosters, but I can't for the life of me figure it out.  

I've noticed when it's connected to the booster it seems to be on Channel 36, so perhaps that's congested but I don't think you can change the channel on the router. 

[markcalv]

@RichardR66 are you still having issues with this? I have had the same issues when I am using my older 2016 MacBook to connect to the WiFi via a booster. When my boosters are turned off and I am connected to the main hub I get a more stable connection, however this is a pointless fix as it causes issues with other devices in the house that need the boosters. One thing that has slightly helped is turning on compatibility mode in the Vodafone Broadband app and ensuring the Macbook is only connected to the Main WiFi rather than the Compatibility Mode (Premium) WiFi. I am not convinced this has fully sorted the problem, but has made it slightly better. 

My work MacBook Pro which is a 2023 model works absolutely fine on the booster so it appears to just be an issue with older devices. 

If you try Compatibility Mode and it does/doesn't work let me know as I am still looking for a proper resolution on this as it's proper annoying!!! 
 

[RichardR66]

Thanks for asking. Compatibility mode is on, but no difference at all sadly. 

I've given up if I'm honest. When I'm connected to the booster then I just hotspot off my phone - only way I can get consistent connection. I'm in living room now, close to main hub and not a problem at all - the minute I go upstairs it will lose connection.

Sad but I've run our of options and there's no way of forcing the MacBook to ignore the boosters.