SSID split to 2.4Ghz only

[jab13]

Hi, I am a brand new Vodafone broadband customer and have just set up my system network. I have a white Vodafone Power Hub DSL with WiFi6 router.  Whilst most things have connected to the router OK (including my Echo Dot which is 2.4GHz and had to be connected via the Secondary Wifi, which you can use if you toggle on the Compatibility mode), I have several other 2.4Ghz devices (CCTV, Smart sockets, light bulbs etc) that are unable to connect to the new network. These worked fine with my previous broadband supplier TalkTalk (as I was able to split SSIDs and have one specific to 2.4Ghz only).

Unfortunately, I don’t seem to have an option to split the networks with Vodafone and give a different SSID to the 2.4 network as there are no band selection options. The Compatibility Option does not work as it creates an SSID which combines 2.4Ghz/5Ghz with no option to split it. Or rather the option to split is there but cannot be applied when selected (why have the option there if it cannot be applied)! I have just spent a frustrating 2 hours on WebChat with Vodfone with three seperate advisors to no avail (absolutely frustrating).

In short, all I need is an SSID that has 2.4Ghz (which will ensure a stable connection for my CCTV).

Has anyone had a similar experience and have you resolved it?  

[hallergard]

Reading older posts on this forum, you are certainly not alone.  If you have another router you could set it up as an access point and create a 2.4 GHz SSID

[Cynric]

Failing that, just get a cheap access point. As long as it can be configured to your needs.

[jab13]

Yes, I read the older posts and I have tried everything suggested to no avail. As the last post on this subject was c2023 I thought maybe newer routers may have resolved the problem but looks like unfortunately not.

When you say set up another router as an access point, how would I do this? Do I connect an another router to my new Vodafone Router by ethernet cable or something else and then the other router router will pop up on discoverable wifi networks? Thanks for your help.

[CrimsonLiar]

Usually the easiest solution is to change the WiFi SSID and password to those you've previously used.  Devices dont need the bands to be split in oder to use them, it's just often easier to set them up in this maner!

*Exception, a Samsung Soundbar here needs to be on the same band, same access point, and same SSID with an Alexa device, in order for it to work as a psudo-Alexa device.  This has meant (on a third party router) setting up a specific Alexa SSID as both the Alexa device and the soundbar can use either 2.4GHz or 5GHz, but in order to talk properly they need everything in common on their connection!  I've no issues with other Alexa specific devices, and it's usually just set-up that's an issue, and not ongoing use!

[jab13]

In my case, I do need a separate 2.4Ghz.  I have a CCTV (purchased approx 10 years ago) that works perfectly well on a separate 2.4GHz band; but it won't work on a split band.  Believe me, I have tried many times and spent many hours trying to make it connect.

[Jayach]

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@jab13 wrote:
In my case, I do need a separate 2.4Ghz.  I have a CCTV (purchased approx 10 years ago) that works perfectly well on a separate 2.4GHz band; but it won't work on a split band.  Believe me, I have tried many times and spent many hours trying to make it connect.

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There should be no reason a 2.4GHz device can't connect to the 2.4GHz band of a combined SSID, the usual problem is that the setup program need to be run from a device also connected to the same band.

Tell us more about the CCTV device and it's setup method and see if we can make any suggestions.

Do you still have the Talk Talk router?

[jab13]

Thanks, I think the problem is the fact that my CCTV is approx 10 years old and is effectively "old technology".  It just won't connect to a split SSID.   I have however now found 2 solutions, which I have detailed under my opening question.

[hallergard]

@jab13Yes connect with ethernet and connect to the other routers config page (address varies with router brand) using a PC or mobile device.  Tweak settings, disabling things like Internet and DHCP and add your 2.4GHz WiFi

[Marek_Cropper]

I have had the same problem....cannot split the vodafone power hub.  But the answer may be that the '_extra' network created by switching compatibility to 'on' offers you two levels of security.  Whilst the main network has both WPA2 and WPA3 the secondary '_extra' only has WPA2.  So the '_extra' network would effectively only lob up a 2.4GHz connection.   I'm now going to try it.