Visitor
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5 Messages
2.4 GHz only
Is the below true? I am very disatisfied if so. I need a 2.4 GHz network and pay Xfinity for the device that is supposed to be "the best" for xfinity customers. I have 2 devices that will not connect to your gateway and the commonality is that they require 2.4 GHz connections. They are my garage door opener and my sprinkler system. I will need to get my own device if this isn't something you'll allow us to have with that device.
Please contact me if I'm misunderstanding. The AI that manages incoming chats was not useful.
- Xfinity Advanced Gateways (XB6 or newer)
- These gateways have been upgraded with software that manages advanced WiFi settings automatically to help optimize your home network and provide the best performance possible.
- Some advanced WiFi settings for gateways with this software enhancement are not visible and cannot be managed from the Admin Tool or Xfinity app.
- Xfinity WiFi Extenders
- WiFi Extenders require that you only have one WiFi network name and password.
- This allows all your devices to seamlessly connect to the network that will provide the best WiFi signal at any given time.
- Advanced WiFi settings aren't visible and cannot be managed from the Admin Tool or Xfinity app.
- WiFi Extenders require that you only have one WiFi network name and password.
jeff_a1
Visitor
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5 Messages
20 hours ago
I posted this a few days ago but didn't get a response - at least not one that helped me. Thought I'd try again ...
Is the below true? I need a dedicated 2.4 GHz network. I use Xfinity's XB8 gateway (supposed to be "the best" for xfinity customers). I have 2 devices that will not connect to the gateway and the commonality is that they require 2.4 GHz connections. Both are in my garage (garage door opener and sprinkler controller). Do I need to replace the XB8 with my own device?
To net it out, I'm pretty convinced that I can't setup the XB8 gateway to have a separate 2.4GHz network.
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XfinitySara
Official Employee
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2.2K Messages
20 hours ago
Apologies for the delay, @jeff_a1. To answer your question: Yes, what you read is technically true, but there is a workaround. We use a feature called "Band Steering." It merges the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands into one single network name (SSID). The gateway is supposed to "smartly" tell your device which band to use. However, older 2.4 GHz chips (common in garage door openers and sprinklers) often get "confused" because they can't see the 5 GHz signal and the gateway doesn't downgrade the handshake for them. Here is how you can fix this without buying new equipment right away.
Solution 1: Use the "Forget and Reconnect" trick
Often, these devices only need the 2.4 GHz connection for the initial setup.
- Move your phone as far away from the router as possible (perhaps into the driveway or backyard) until your phone drops to the 2.4 GHz band (which has a longer range).
- Start the setup process for your garage or sprinkler from there.
- Once paired, the device usually stays connected even when the bands are merged.
Solution 2: Temporarily Split the Bands (If allowed)
While these settings are somewhat hidden, some versions of the Xfinity App still allow you to toggle this:
- Open the Xfinity App.
- Go to WiFi > View WiFi equipment > WiFi Details.
- Look for Edit WiFi.
- See if there is a box that says "Split 2.4 and 5 GHz bands." 5. If you check this, you can give them different names (e.g., "Home_WiFi" and "Home_WiFi_2.4"). Connect your smart devices to the 2.4 version.
Solution 3: The "Pod" Workaround
If you have Xfinity WiFi Boost Pods, you cannot split the bands. The software hard-locks them to one name to allow for "seamless roaming." In this case, your only options are Solution 1 or Solution 4.
Solution 4: Use a Cheap 2.4 GHz Access Point
If you don't want to replace your "Advanced Gateway," you can buy a very inexpensive travel router or basic access point ($20–$30), plug it into the back of your Xfinity Gateway via Ethernet, and set it to only broadcast a 2.4 GHz signal. You can name this "Legacy Devices" and connect your garage and sprinklers to it.
Comparison of Network Bands
2.4 GHz
Range: Long (Great for outdoor sprinklers/garage)
Obstruction: Better at going through walls
Speed: Slower
Compatibility: Nearly all smart home devices
5GHz
Range: Short (Best for same-room use)
Obstruction: Struggles with solid objects
Speed: Much Faster
Compatibility: Newer phones, laptops, and TVs
If you are comfortable with tech, putting your Xfinity Gateway into "Bridge Mode" and using your own high-end mesh router is almost always a better experience. It gives you back full control over your 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz settings. Please let me know if this helps!
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