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.

[ZaneP]

Hi @Brian007 

If devices aren't auto-connecting to the appropriate radios, you'll need to separate them. To do this you need to turn off Whole Home Wi-fi. 

1. Log into the dashboard/portal of your modem. You'll need your modem admin password.*
2. Click on Manage My Wi-Fi
3. Toggle Whole Home Wi-fi to OFF
4. You should see the separated radio bands

I recommend you keep a common SSID and password for them. At minimum, keep a common password.

* If you're not sure how to get or use your admin password, here's a tutorial: https://support.bell.ca/Internet/Products/Home-Hub-4000-modem.Tutorials

[jjdw1970]

I have a bunch of 2.4GHz devices like lights, plugs and more. But they will not connect since my phone will only connect to the 6GHz. I heard there was away for the Giga Hub to let me see the 3 different frequencies so I can pick throne I need based on my application at the time. I don't want to install 2.4GHz APs all over just to us my devices.

Thanks for any help.

[Vanadiel]

Yes, there is. Just have to give them a different name so you know which one is what.

You will have to log into your modem to make the necessary changes: https://support.bell.ca/Internet/Products/Home-Hub-4000-modem.Tutorials

[otttra]

I know I'm still struggling and frustrated with it.......and the instructions posted have not been working for me (keep getting "connection timed out" etc......)    This really needs to be easier when it's such a common problem.  I shouldn't need to dig through archives of questions to try different possible solutions when Bell should have an easy programming fix ready to go.

[BellPatricia]

Hi @otttra,

Thank you for reaching out, and welcome to the Bell Community.

What type of device are you trying to connect?

Can you share the steps you take before the "connection timed out" error occurs, and clarify if the error pops up in your modem GUI or else where?

We also invite you to check out this helpful How To: Splitting SSID for IOT device configuration Just follow the steps, and let the Community know how everything is going.

- Patricia

[SG2]

Is my modem 2.4 GHz or better? Having problems with connecting security camera

[WelshTerrier]

The Bell Giga Hub modem can transmit a Wi-Fi signal at 2.4, 5 and 6 GHz frequencies. It can transmit all three frequencies at the same time to optimize your Wi-Fi performance or you can choose to use only one.

I have included the following web links to be of assistance to you.

About 2.4, 5, and 6 GHz wireless bands

About 2.4, 5, and 6 GHz wireless bands (bell.ca)

Modem Support - Select your modem

Support for modems, connection and Wi-Fi network - Bell Internet

Recommendation:  set 2.4, 5 and 6 GHz to ON and let the connecting device (such as a laptop) automatically connect to the strongest signal.

Take care.

[Frank44444]

Does Bell run at 2.4 GHz

[Vanadiel]

Both 2.4 and 5 Ghz are offered for wifi connectivity.

If you get a package with the giga hub you additionally get 6 Ghz wifi.

Comparison of wifi by modem model: Wireless bands 

[dani]

how do i change the bandwidth to 2.4ghz?

[Vanadiel]

You can split the wifi network into separate 2.4/5/6 Ghz bands.

That will provide separate wifi networks for each band. I recommend labeling them so it makes sense, by putting 2.4, 5 and 6 at the end of the SSID names.

How to split wireless SSIDs on a Bell modem

1. Go to modem's GUI http://192.168.2.1/

2. Select Manage My Wi-Fi; the default password is the modems serial number, or sometimes admin

3. Disable whole home Wi-Fi and hit save

4. Select Advanced Settings and then uncheck Keep common name

5. Change the name of the 5 and 6 GHz radios

[S1987]

I have the Home Hub 4000 (I think) and when I try to turn off the "Whole Home Wi-Fi", the router reboots for a while and then comes back with the "Whole Home Wi-Fi" still turned on.
Any idea what that's about?

[dks]

Turning off Whole Home Wi-Fi is not permanent. What you describe is normal modem behaviour for the Giga Hub and other modems, I believe. There is a high level solution which can be found elsewhere on the internet, but that's beyond the scope of this forum. 

[Tpn]

How do I add 2.4 ghz to my Gigahub? I have various devices that use it. 

[dks]

The Giga Hub covers 2.4, 5 and 6 Ghz frequencies as it is installed. You just need to set up your devices. You can find out how to connect your devices here. https://support.bell.ca/Internet/Products/Home-Hub-4000-modem.Tutorials