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?  

[Jayach]

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@Marek_Cropper wrote:
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.

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I think you may be misunderstanding compatibility mode, yes it drops the WPA3, but still has both 2.4Ghz and 5GHz.

How did you get on when you tried it?

It would be nice, now that they a compatibility mode, to allow us to have greater control over it.

[Marek_Cropper]

FAIL.  My idea about considering security was rubbish...and I am now confessing that this wasn't my idea in the first place but rather the Vodafone support team!  I will take this up with them shortly. BUT.....

I have had SUCCESS by connecting to an old hub which I knew didn't support 5GHz and Smart Life worked first time although you need the 'add manually' option. So I can now join the group which believes this router is not fit for purpose.

[hezie99]

I'm having the same issue.. i had to change my wifi password and now i cannot connect 2 security camera's because they NEED a 2.4ghz band. The funny thing is i managed to get these connected a few months ago when i joined vodaphone now I cannot. Like everyone else all the settings are blocked out. Seems a bit stupid to have an EXPERT mode but not allow you to actually use it.

[hallergard]

@hezie99  Have you tried to reset the security cameras before connecting?

[jab13]

Yes, to no avail, unfortunately.

[hallergard]

@hezie99  Have you tried reset of the security cameras before connecting?

[jab13]

Yes, to no avail, unfortunately.

[hallergard]

Sorry for double posting.  Did not know that Vodafone required an hour to censure 😛

[jab13]

OK, I have finally found 2 detailed solutions.  The first option using a WiFi Extender is the easiest and worked for me.  The second option shows detailed instructions on connecting a second router (looks a lot more complicated).

Option 1: This solution works perfectly with my old Netgear WiFi Extender

Buy a “Wi-Fi Extender" (I used an old Netgear one and it worked perfectly), which can take in both frequencies i.e. 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz.

Set up the Wi-Fi Extender on your Vodafone network. Set it up to 2.4 ghz connection only (mine did this automatically but if yours doesn't then look at your WiFi Extender instruction manual and it should tell you how to do this).

Now all my devices that only work with 2.4ghz are using the WiFi extender’s 2.4Ghz and all the other devices are using my router's 5Ghz connection.

Option 2: Steps to Set Up a Second Router for 2.4GHz Only

1. Connect the Second Router:
   -Physical Connection: Connect an Ethernet cable from one of the LAN ports of the first router to the WAN port of the second router. This provides internet access to the second router.

2. Configure the Second Router:
   -Access Router Settings: Connect your computer to the second router (via Ethernet or Wi-Fi) and access its settings through a web browser. This typically involves entering an IP address like 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 (check the router's manual).
   -Login: Enter the admin username and password (default credentials can usually be found on the router or in its manual).
   -Change the SSID: Set a unique SSID (network name) for the second router to distinguish it from the first. For example, you could name it "MyStudent2.4GHz".
   -Set the Frequency Band: Look for the wireless settings and ensure that the 2.4GHz band is enabled. Disable the 5GHz band if the option is available.
   -Security Settings: Set up a secure password (WPA2 is recommended) for your 2.4GHz network.

3. Adjust IP Settings:
   -IP Address: Change the IP address of the second router to avoid conflicts with the first router. For example, if your first router's IP is 192.168.1.1, you could set the second router's IP to 192.168.1.2.
   -DHCP Settings: If the second router has DHCP enabled, you might want to disable it to prevent conflicts with the first router's DHCP server. Alternatively, ensure that the DHCP range on the second router does not overlap with the first.

4. Connect Your Smart Devices:
   - Once the second router is configured, connect your Amazon Echo and smart devices to the new 2.4GHz network using the SSID and password you set up.

Additional Tips

• Placement: Place the second router in an area where it can provide good coverage for your smart devices.

• Firmware Updates: Ensure both routers have the latest firmware for optimal performance and security.

• Check Compatibility: Make sure your smart devices are compatible with the 2.4GHz network and configured correctly.

This setup should allow you to connect your CCTV, Lights, Amazon Echo and any other smart devices to the 2.4GHz network while still having access to the internet through the first router.

Thanks to Quora for these detailed instructions (I had to read through quite a bit of “helpful” instructions on how to do this

[Jayach]

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@jab13 wrote:
Buy a “Wi-Fi Extender" (I used an old Netgear one and it worked perfectly), which can take in both frequencies i.e. 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz.

Set up the Wi-Fi Extender on your Vodafone network. Set it up to 2.4 ghz connection only (mine did this automatically but if yours doesn't then look at your WiFi Extender instruction manual and it should tell you how to do this).

Now all my devices that only work with 2.4ghz are using the WiFi extender’s 2.4Ghz and all the other devices are using my router's 5Ghz connection.

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Glad you have found a solution, I was going to suggest a similar one using the old TalkTalk router as an access point. (which is why I asked if you still have it)

I would be very interested in (although I fully understand why you would probably not want to do this) if you switched the Vodafone Wi-Fi off and gave the extender the same SSID and password as the Vodafone router, connect the CCTV to it, then switch the extender off and re-enable the Vodafone Wi-Fi and see if it still connects.