WIFI CHANNEL CHANGE

[maughanorama]

hey all 

is there some magical invisible page on the new router that allows me to change the 2.4/5ghz channels ? the auto channel function just isnt working. 

and before anyone says look here and there and posts a link to the app. i have tried the app and im unable to even sync the app with my router.. 

is there a config editor that can open the backed up config so i can change it there and upload it back ? 

why has this function been removed from the firmware ? make 0 sense 

my internet is perfect until i try to use a 2.4ghz device then its hampered by my neighbors devices. theres a free channel i can see but unable to change to it

thanks 

[Anonymous]

The simplest option would be for Vodafone to reinstate the option on its routers so that those who need to may change the channel themselves.

Vodafone is the first ISP I've used  ever that has disabled this option for users.

Surely it's more trouble to support  issues relating to bad channels, but we'll never find out because I doubt Vodafone know and there is no support from them at all.

[richardbradley]

I've been waiting 3 months for Vodafone to fix a problem preventing access to the "my account" portal.

The technical problem at the VF end was eventually escalated to someone who was able to fix the problem on their system, however the escalation occurred only after I wrote a letter of complaint on paper and posted it to:

Customer Relations Manager
Vodafone Limited
The Connection
Newbury
Berkshire
RG14 2FN

Perhaps we all need to post them paper letters explaining our dissatisfaction.  The cost of handling postal complaints may be enough for them to reconsider their position on the WiFi channel configuration.

(If you include your Vodafone account number and phone number in the letter, and request that they respond, then you should hear back from them.)

[KarlonUser0603]

Maybe worth a try, but post is slow and in your case three months is un-acceptable for any problem. A temporary fix is ideal with the promiss of something more permanent to follow is the way to go. On mass complaints through the post might make a difference, but those needing to make these sort of changes compared to those with simple setups and no complaints are probably minimal.

[richardbradley]

Postal delays and a 3 month wait for a Vodafone fix are nothing compared to the WiFi channel config topic. I've been waiting since last July for Vodafone to even acknowledge that this is a problem.

I have implemented my own fix - the Vodafone router's WiFi is turned off and another router is servicing my kit - but that isn't the solution for everyone and isn't a customer experience VF should be happy with.

Now I know that the paper complaint process gets results I'll be writing another letter - or two: one for the WiFi channel config issue and; one for the perception that there is a backdoor into our routers' configuration that VF engineers can use to change the channel (a potential security concern).

[gipjon]

I dont understand why they would remove the option . Makes no sence .

[KarlonUser0603]

the fewer options  available means the fewer problems that can be caused by users, thus leaving fewer problems to resolve whilst still getting money from premium rate phone lines for those needing specific changes not available at normal access rights levels. Restricting access is king to stop complex problems being created on a huge scale. Call centre personnel then have a dumber set of problems to try and resolve and a minimal set of problems to escalate to expensive specialist personnel, calls get resolved quicker and the company looks better...

Perhaps I am just being too synically.

[Anonymous]

You're crediting Vodafone with too much intelligence!

The removal of the  change channel option was probably a mistake and now nobody can work put how to het it back.

If customers changing channel numbers did create huge problems then ALL ISPS would have disabled  it years ago.

In reality, most customers won't change channels, some will only change it when and only when there's a problem. Those customers who experience poor wifi performance will simply move to another ISP as soon as they can.

There is absolutely no logic nor good reason for disabling wifi channel changing.

[_rik_]

Nige_UK : completely agree. Blocking wifi channel selection has zero advantages for users and for vodafone because 90% of the users doesn't even know what is a wifi channel and they don't even think to look for such an option. The other 10% that knows about channels would probably bother to change channel only if there is a problem. Those 90% with a wifi problem, as you say, simply will give Vodafone 1 stars on trustpilot and move elsewhere. So I agree that if this is a commercial planned thing, they must be more stupid than expected! 😗

Jayach
There are problems solved in recent firmwares, so factory resetting will solve the wifi problem but will bring back others problems. Probably the solution won't even last long because maybe the router will update the firmware automatically after a few weeks.

The easiest solution is to buy a simple wifi only router, connect it to one of the lan ports and disable the wifi on the vodafone router.

A better solution for those a bit techie 🤓 is buying a modem + router, keeping the Vodafone router just in case you have to call for line problems or for emergency. This is a better solution because the modem inside the vodafone router is not great. I've tested an old ECI modem and an HG612 and the first one gives +5Mbps and the second one +6Mbps (Despite I am on an ECI cabinet).
This solution isolates completely from vodafone so it solves the problem of TR-069, alleged backdoors, and vodafone resetting your config as soon as you say "Hello!" (happened to me with no notice. I already had spent time to name all devices, natted ports, etc.  😣). You can then do what you want, update when you want, with no limitations and with the best speed.

[Jayach]

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@_rik_ wrote:

Jayach
There are problems solved in recent firmwares, so factory resetting will solve the wifi problem but will bring back others problems. Probably the solution won't even last long because maybe the router will update the firmware automatically after a few weeks.

Factory resetting doesn't revert the firmware, it just resets all the configuration settings. I still have the latest firmware for the router.

[KarlonUser0603]

An interesting turn of events.....

If all that has to be done is a factory reset then it sounds like a solution and some software is overwritten rather than a firmware reset, until Vodafone overwrite it as this must have happened at some point in time...