Split 2.4 Ghz and 5 Ghz bands on the Bell Home Hub 3000/4000/Giga Hub

[Brockvegas1964]

How do I split the wifi 5g and 2.4g on home hub 4000 so I can connect my Globe plugs which are 2.4 g only. Need my iphone only to be on 2.4 g network to do this and it automatically on the 5 g network.

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❗AI Summary:

"Band steering" technology broadcasts a single Wi-Fi network name (SSID) for both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands, intending to automatically guide devices to the optimal band for better performance. However, this creates significant problems for devices that can only operate on the 2.4 GHz frequency.

The primary issue reported by users is the difficulty in connecting smart home devices—such as plugs, switches, and cameras—that are exclusively compatible with the 2.4 GHz band. During setup, these smart devices require a connection from a smartphone or computer that is on the same 2.4 GHz network. With band steering enabled, phones and computers often automatically connect to the 5 GHz band, preventing them from communicating with and configuring the new smart devices which are on the 2.4 Ghz band. Users have also reported unstable connections and frequent disconnections for some devices when band steering is active.

Solutions and advice shared by users in the forum thread include:

To address these challenges, forum members have shared several workarounds, primarily centered on disabling the band steering feature to separate the two Wi-Fi bands.

Permanent Separation of Wi-Fi Bands: The most common solution is to create two distinct SSIDs for the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. This is typically achieved by:

1. Logging into the Bell modem's administration page using a web browser (commonly at http://192.168.2.1).
2. Navigating to the "Manage My Wi-Fi" section.
3. Disabling the feature labeled "Whole Home Wi-Fi."
4. Access "Advanced settings" and uncheck the option to "Keep a common network name."
5. Assigning different names to the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks (e.g., "MyNetwork-2.4" and "MyNetwork-5G").

This allows users to manually connect their setup devices (like phones) and smart products directly to the 2.4 GHz network.

Temporary Disabling for Device Setup: A less disruptive method involves temporarily disabling the optimization feature to connect a specific device.

1. Log in to the modem and turn off "Whole Home Wi-Fi."
2. Temporarily rename the 5 GHz network to force the device to connect to the 2.4 GHz band for setup.
3. Once the 2.4 GHz device is successfully configured, log back into the modem and re-enable "Whole Home Wi-Fi" to restore the single SSID.

Note: Permanently disabling the "Whole Home Wi-Fi" will prevent functionality and access to the Bell Wi-Fi app and Bell Wi-Fi pods, which rely on the integrated network management system. Some users ultimately revert to the default settings and opt for a more manual pairing process for their smart devices to retain these features. For persistent issues, some have resorted to using a separate, third-party router or access point dedicated to their 2.4 GHz devices.

[yangp]

Thanks! Just to confirm, are you using HUB 4000 as well? 

[l84pie]

No the giga hub but I beleive the same should apply. 

[Mdv]

I just received a Gigahub and I am unable to set my smart lights up as the 2.4ghz band is under the wifi 6 protocol but the lights are 2.4ghz on wifi 5. I grabbed an access point to use in conjunction with the Gigahub to circumvent this problem. However, no matter what I do, I can’t get the lights to find the network. I read about a firmware update that my Gigahub still does not have that I am hoping will rectify the problem. Any ideas how I can get this firmware update?

[Flywheel]

Try separating the SSID's between the different bands (call them something different).  I believe that by default they all share the same name.  Then ensure your switch is connecting to the 2.4 ghz SSID.  

[Mdv]

Thanks so much for the reply. Unfortunately I have tried splitting the SSIDs. I also grabbed an access point and had it broadcasting 2.4 with a wifi 5 codec rather than Gigahubs wifi 6 and was still unsuccessful. I am going to buy a cheap Wi-Fi router and turn it into an access point to see if that fixes the issue. 

[Bone]

Can you modify modem speed to accommodate a product that needs a lower speed? If this can be done how do you do it?

[snowblower]

You shouldn't have to do anything. Even if the 2.4 and 5 GHz GigaHub radios use the same SSID (which they normally do, even though you can configure them not to), your device is 2.4 GHz and hence will only "see" and connect to the 2.4 GHz radio. If the device doesn't see the GigaHub 2.4 GHz SSID, or sees it but refuses to connect to it, then you have deeper problems.  It's remote, but within the realm of the possible, that two othersize working wifi devices might not be able to communicate with each other due to some subtle bug or incompatibility in their respective implementations.  Particuarly if they are generations apart in technology age. If you know that the device is working in other scenarios then consider getting a wifi access point, connecting that to the GigaHub with a wired LAN connection, and then connecting your troublesome wifi device to the access point.  No need to sped alot of money on an access point. Just use your old wifi router, if you still have it, or go to Kijiji and get an old used wifi router and use it as an access point. If that old router is the same vintage as your troublesome device then I bet the two will get along.

[Cecilia888]

I want to know that how can I have 2.4GHz in my home internet 

[WelshTerrier]

Bell Home Hub modems, 2000, 3000, 4000 & GigHub support both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz wireless bands for your primary Wi-Fi network.

There is no need to change anything. These are frequencies at which your modem transmits its Wi Fi signal. It can transmit both at the same time to optimize your Wi-Fi performance or you can choose to use only one or the other.

2.4 GHz
Advantages

• Superior reach (Wi-Fi distance).
• The higher the frequency, the shorter the range. Therefore, 2.4 GHz has a longer Wi-Fi reach (distance) over 5.0 GHz. The reach of both 5.0 GHz and 2.4 GHz should be sufficient to cover the area of a typical home.

Disadvantage

• Greater chance of interference which will affect Wi-Fi performance.
• Many wireless products in the market (cordless phones, baby monitors, etc.) today use 2.4 GHz and as a result you are more likely to pick up interference from these devices.
• High interference can cause slow speeds when connected wirelessly and can also cause frequent disconnects.

5.0 GHz
Advantages

• Less likely to become congested.
• Less vulnerable to wireless interference as opposed to 2.4 GHz.
• Higher throughput (data transfer rate) than 2.4 GHz.

Disadvantage

• Shorter Wi-Fi reach (distance), but that may not be an issue in a typical home.

Recommendation: Set both 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz to On and let the connecting device (such as a laptop) automatically manage which band to connect to based on signal

[BT]

5G no longer shows up as an option for me on any of my devices, I’ve reset the modem multiple times and still haven’t been able to get access to it 

[WelshTerrier]

You shouldn't have to do anything. Even if the 2.4 and 5 GHz GigaHub radios use the same SSID (which they normally do, even though you can configure them not to), your device is 2.4 GHz and hence will only "see" and connect to the 2.4 GHz radio. If the device doesn't see the GigaHub 2.4 GHz SSID, or sees it but refuses to connect to it, then you have a larger problem related to older technology working with newer equipment. You can try getting a wifi access point, connecting that to the GigaHub with a wired LAN connection, and then connecting your troublesome wifi devices to the access point.  

About 2.4 and 5.0 GHz wireless bands

The Bell Hub 4000 & GigaHub 4000  support both wireless bands.

The Home Hub (2000 or 3000 only) supports both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz wireless bands for your primary Wi-Fi network. These are frequencies at which your modem transmits its Wi Fi signal. It can transmit both at the same time to optimize your Wi-Fi performance or you can choose to use only one or the other.

2.4 GHz
Advantages

• Superior reach (Wi-Fi distance).
• The higher the frequency, the shorter the range. Therefore, 2.4 GHz has a longer Wi-Fi reach (distance) over 5.0 GHz. The reach of both 5.0 GHz and 2.4 GHz should be sufficient to cover the area of a typical home.

Disadvantage

• Greater chance of interference which will affect Wi-Fi performance.
• Many wireless products in the market (cordless phones, baby monitors, etc.) today use 2.4 GHz and as a result you are more likely to pick up interference from these devices.
• High interference can cause slow speeds when connected wirelessly and can also cause frequent disconnects.

5.0 GHz
Advantages

• Less likely to become congested.
• Less vulnerable to wireless interference as opposed to 2.4 GHz.
• Higher throughput (data transfer rate) than 2.4 GHz.

Disadvantage

• Shorter Wi-Fi reach (distance), but that may not be an issue in a typical home.

Recommendation: Set both 2.4 GHz and 5.0 GHz to On and let the connecting device (such as a laptop) automatically manage which band to connect to based on signal

[Carlm]

Did you have to rename the extender for the 2.4 devices to pick it up ?  Thanks 

[l84pie]

I didn't have to rename it, no. I just connected to the extender wifi from my phone in order to configure the 2.4 devices. Once configured that was it. I could then reconnect back to the 5ghz wifi and see my smart plugs. I do have to reboot my tp link extender every so often though as it does drop from the network. Not sure if that's a tp link thing or the bell modem dropping it. 

[Carlm]

Ok thanks !  Will try it out .  Want to connect my old security cameras to the network but would only accept 2.4 ghz .   How often does it disconnect ?  I plan to connect the cameras to the extender and leave everything else connected to the HH4000.  Hope that would work 

[Brian007]

My Fibe modem is only broadcasting in 5ghz. I need to split it and broadcast both 2.4 and 5. Not sure how to do this.