Devices requiring 2.4 GHz network will not connect to XFi XB8

Fix does not work. Xfinity why is this such an issue?

Hello user_muzs5t

Thank you for reaching out! Band steering is set up for the unit by default. No worries though, I did include the link here below on you configure these independent bands. 

https://www.xfinity.com/support/articles/change-wifi-mode-admin-tool-xfinity-xfi

@user_5q39tp, We aim to please and can definitely take a look into the connection concerns you are experiencing with your equipment. Worst case scenario, we can definitely replace the XB8 with a different model equipment if you would prefer not to have the new gateway going forward. Thank you for taking the time to reach out using the Xfinity Community Forums page as well.

Honestly is a shocking that a company with Xfinity's resources does not recognize the need for a dedicated 2.4 channel to support smart homes and security systems. These consumers tend to be early adopters of new technologies.  It was offered on the app to separate 5.0 and 2.4 but no longer.  Then in theory if you were able, you can't use Pods any longer.  Aren't Pods for signal strength at distance and through walls?  Is that not what 2.4 is ideal for??  I have wasted way too many hours with Xfinity help lines and robots keeping me from getting to a real person I could scream.  When I somehow manage to get to a human they tell me different things, how I can do it, how I can't, same with this forum.  This is an issue with many because I have researched it.  Do I want old tech to "solve" this, no. 

@user_5q39tp​  Old tech?  Well kind of.   The 802.11b WiFi standard has been around long enough that software stacks are open source, which is why that's super attractive for low cost consumer product radios.  And you're right.  It does work better pushing through construction materials than 5G signals.  

Band steering for tri-band radios is relatively new.  You can do it a few different ways.  Licensed stacks like Qualcom 802.11v work better, but you can also do it with RSSI broadcast strength.  The implementation and algorithm becomes important than, and if anyone in a QA department bothered to test it, which sadly, doesn't happen often.    

What is Xfinity gear?  It's 3rd party outsourced cost reduced product they bought from a vendor.  Functionally, it's the Yugo of networking gear, controlled with an app, instead of locally, with quite a few issues, and you can see all of them here.  

So in the end, you have to figure out what you got for devices, and which WiFi standard they use.  Then pick your hardware selection that will work.  That might be a straight cable modem, and your own WiFi equipment.  You might want to cover security with something at the same time too because all consumer gear is a bit sketchy in that department, especially if you are using things that communicate with random cloud servers, and especially anything controlled with a phone app (the least secure device you own).  You really want to isolate those devices.  

Old gear?  Sure.  802.11 b/g/n is still around.  Access points and WiFi routers.  Cheap too.  You can run whatever you need for radios as far as performance goes if you want bandwidth higher than that and something that can do it.  

Thank you for your feedback, @user_5q39tp. Was the information provided by @flatlander3 helpful? 

@dsaul9​ I wouldn't count on any specific 2.4G chip set working with any specific model radio that does band steering.  It's unpredictable as far as compatibility goes. 

Might work, might not.  Specific products that do band steering may also have poor implementations that do not work well.  Millage will vary.  If you can't control the radio, than it just is what it is. 

What should work?  Two radios that speak the same 802.11 WiFi standard naively.  That would be the best chance at communication. 

Now less than 20 minutes ago, I did see an 802.11 b/g/n Ethernet WiFi router at a home improvement store.  It was dusty, but it was $35.  You can always plug one of those into your Yugo, and you'd have the right radio.

Now that wouldn't help you out with the $14-16/month you are spending on the Yugo. 

Appreciate the input.   Just seems amazing that Xfinity would disable all existing customers that use Ring devices from upgrading their router.

Thank you for reaching out to us here so we can help get your devices connected, @ParatrooperChad. While your networks will all broadcast the same name, I can temporarily disable the 5 and 6 GHz networks if you have devices that require the 2.4 GHz network to connect. Once they are connected, I can enable the other networks and the band steering technology will continue connecting devices to the network that offers the best connection. 

Please send a direct message by clicking the chat icon in the upper right corner of the page, click on the pen and paper icon, then enter “Xfinity Support” in the “To” section. Please include your name and address to get started. 

Is this a viable fix I also need to connect devices 

Hi there @user_udwssy. At this time with the XB8 modem you are not able to modify the networks on the Xfinity App. the older models gateways you are able to modify them. 

can I switch back to the xb7? 

That is a great question, @user_udwssy! You certainly could if you wish go with the XB7. You can visit any Xfinity Store to swap that out, or we can ship on, there is typically a 1 time charge for shipping. You can go here to locate a store near you https://www.xfinity.com/local/store-offers?q=

Hello @user_q6o1vv, thank you for taking the time to reach out on social media.  I understand your concern with the connection, and I'd like the opportunity to check into that for you.

To access your account, will you please send us a direct message with your full name and complete service address to “Xfinity Support”. To do so, click on the chat icon located at the top right of this forums page.

Here's the detailed steps to direct message us:

• Click "Sign In" if necessary
• Click the "Direct Message” icon (upper right corner of this page)
• Click the "New message" (pencil and paper) icon
• Type "Xfinity Support" in the to line and select "Xfinity Support" from the drop-down list
• Type your message in the text area near the bottom of the window
• Press Enter to send your message

@Jaketc007 Thank you for taking the time to provide these steps.