This topic

2Ghz and 5Ghz networks

jem16 — Sat, 14 Sep 2024 12:53:35 GMT

Just been changed over to the Smart Hub 2 and realise that I now cannot give each network its own SSID whereas before I could. Using 5Ghz was always considered better if it could be used so why has that function been removed so you can actually choose which network to connect to as opposed to the router choosing itself?

Re: 2Ghz and 5Ghz networks

gg30340 — Sat, 14 Sep 2024 13:02:28 GMT

The router does not choose which signal the device uses, the device does that.

The option to split the SSIDs was removed when the Smarthub 2 was introduced a few years ago and I believe it was done so that the wifi discs that can be supplied with some of the BT packages can operate correctly.

Re: 2Ghz and 5Ghz networks

jem16 — Sat, 14 Sep 2024 16:04:33 GMT

Thank you.

So if a device can utilise the 5Ghz network will it automatically choose it?

Re: 2Ghz and 5Ghz networks

gg30340 — Sat, 14 Sep 2024 16:38:34 GMT

It can but it may not. It will depend on a number of factors such as how the device's software has been programed.

Re: 2Ghz and 5Ghz networks

HHGTTG — Sat, 14 Sep 2024 17:10:08 GMT

That's how it is I'm afraid. A lot of people who have trouble with some of their WIFi- based equipment not connecting to the SH2, will often initially turn off the 5Ghz band forcing their devices to connect to the 2.4Ghz one and once that is successful turn back on the 5Ghz band again.

Re: 2Ghz and 5Ghz networks

jem16 — Sat, 14 Sep 2024 17:12:08 GMT

So basically a step backwards then.

Re: 2Ghz and 5Ghz networks

jem16 — Sat, 14 Sep 2024 17:16:12 GMT

That's exactly the problem I had. Changing routers should have been a five minute job - ie change the SSID to match the previous 2Ghz one - but no it took hours as I had to reconfigure all the Wi-Fi devices and yes that even meant disabling the 5Ghz network so it could force some of the devices to even see the correct network.

Re: 2Ghz and 5Ghz networks

gg30340 — Sat, 14 Sep 2024 17:20:16 GMT

That is your devices that are the issue because they can not deal with the two having the same SSID. If their software was correct they wouldn't even be aware of the 5GHz network let alone it being an issue.

Re: 2Ghz and 5Ghz networks

jem16 — Sat, 14 Sep 2024 17:23:19 GMT

I daresay it is but it was the same for all the cameras. smart plugs and boiler thermostat that insist on the 2.4Ghz network. It wasn't a problem when I could split the networks with a different SSID. Just seems like a retrograde step.

Re: 2Ghz and 5Ghz networks

HHGTTG — Sat, 14 Sep 2024 17:25:46 GMT

I had no trouble at all with mine. I originally had BT HH3 which packed up so bought myself a Smart Hub 6, I think it was called then a SH2 from Amazon. In each case I gave them the same SSIDs and password key as the original HH3. All my laptops, tablets, phones and printer connected without any glitches. I don't have any fancy WiFi doorbells, Smart light bulbs or Central Heating stuff needing WiFi to work. Life is stressful enough as it is, without complicating it.

Re: 2Ghz and 5Ghz networks

jem16 — Sat, 14 Sep 2024 17:31:28 GMT

The BT Home Hub 6 ( Also known as BT Smart Hub) was what I had and it had the ability to separate the two networks with separate SSIDs. It's not the Smart Hub 2.

I was forced to get the SH2 as the BT Home Hub 6 does not have a phone port for Digital Voice.

Re: 2Ghz and 5Ghz networks

HHGTTG — Sat, 14 Sep 2024 17:59:29 GMT

Precisely. I bought mine to play with abd BT can send me one when I have to go DV and FTTC /FTTP.

Re: 2Ghz and 5Ghz networks

WSH — Sat, 14 Sep 2024 18:10:05 GMT

Just an idea.

Did they ask for the old hub back? If you have an old one there is nothing to stop you configuring the old one to act as a wireless access point (WAP) and set that to 2.4GHz with a separate SSID. Then you just turn the 2.4GHz off on the Smart Hub 2, leaving that to deal with 5GHz.

Re: 2Ghz and 5Ghz networks

jem16 — Sat, 14 Sep 2024 18:14:08 GMT

They have sent a returns bag for the old router but in My BT it also says a Failure to Return Charge of £0.

I asked if I had to return it in another post and was told that as I have had the old router since before 13th December 2019 I don't have to return it.

Not sure I can be bothered with having 2 routers though but something to consider.

Re: 2Ghz and 5Ghz networks

WSH — Sat, 14 Sep 2024 18:20:50 GMT

Fair enough. Just for the record, if you decide to try it.

Basically, disable/turn off everything except the Wi-Fi. Particularly the DHCP, (you can’t have two DHCPs in the same network unless you create a split-scope), but you will need to give the old hub a static IP address that doesn’t clash with anything else in your network. Then you connect the two hubs LAN port to LAN port and you’re good to go.