anteroal's profile

New Poster

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6 Messages

Tuesday, March 14th, 2023 4:43 PM

Closed

Does anyone know the authentication method for XB8-T?

I have a wifi capable printer that was connected through my own router, but I just replaced it with the Xfinity XB8-T.  I need the following to configure the printer:

• Authentication Method Open System, Shared Key, WPA/WPA2-PSK*

• Encryption Mode None, WEP, TKIP, AES

• Network Security Key (Password) Encryption Key, WEP Key, Passphrase

I used the Xfinity chat yesterday and the agent said someone would call me, but that has not happened.   Can anyone help me with this?  

Accepted Solution

Contributor

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200 Messages

2 years ago

Yes, for a lot of older equipment you are likely to need separate 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks using separate SSIDs.  I haven't so far but it's a common problem.

Another thing you can try is look on the manufacturer's website for a WiFi configuration utility.  I have a printer I had to configure with an HP app while plugged into a computer over USB since I'm using commercial access points for WiFi.  They do not support push-button pairing.  It's considered a security risk and business grade WiFi equipment tends to not support push-button pairing.  It's a little more work since you have to download software, plug in a cable and possibly move equipment around, but at least with the HP stuff I was using it tells you what happened.  With the push button setup you push a couple buttons, lights blink, and you wonder what went wrong if it didn't work.  The plug it in and use a manufacturer supplied app to set up a printer option is something everyone should know about in case something goes wrong since it can actually give you feedback beyond a light blinking.

Problem Solver

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1.5K Messages

2 years ago

Couple other folks said the XB8 was defaulting to WPA-3 and causing issues with stuff that couldn't do it.  You might be able to log in with the "phone app" and change the WiFi security mode. 

Official Employee

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2.8K Messages

2 years ago

Hello and thank you for taking the time to reach out to us here on our Xfinity Forums. I wanted to check and see if you were able to get your printer set up or if you had tried to contact the manufacturer of the printer for assistance?

New Poster

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6 Messages

2 years ago

No, I was not.

I changed the security mode to WPA2, but still unable to connect.  Is there anywhere that this information is posted or is there a tech support site/phone?

This is what I need:

​• Authentication Method Open System, Shared Key, WPA/WPA2-PSK*​

​• Encryption Mode None, WEP, TKIP, AES​ (The web page for my printer setup only has TKIP and AES in the dropdown)

​• Network Security Key (Password) Encryption Key, WEP Key, Passphrase​

Valued Contributor

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406 Messages

Hello, @anteroal, and thank you for contacting us on the forums! I'm sorry that you're having trouble connecting the printer, but we can troubleshoot this with you. Since this post is a couple of days ago, are you still experiencing the issue?

I no longer work for Comcast.

Problem Solver

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1.5K Messages

@anteroal​ You actually need more than that.  The radio in the printer and your XB8 have to be speaking the same radio standard, or they simply won't see each other.

Look up your printer, see what radio standard it is.  It's probably 802.11 b/g/n compatible.  Your XB8 is WiFi 6 by default.  Here's some more on 802.11 standards.  https://www.lifewire.com/wireless-standards-802-11a-802-11b-g-n-and-802-11ac-816553

You might have a WiFi 5 mode on your XB8, and if your printer speaks 802.11 n, they might be able to talk.  That's what Xfinity likes to call "splitting 2.4G and 5G signals". You'll notice they won't actually publish radio standards they support (big red flag, never buy or rent anything that doesn't).

The phone app might work and you'll be able to set that mode, and it may not.  Folks here have mixed results, and if it factory defaults on you, then you have to set it again.  You have the Yugo of networking gear.

You got to watch for radio compatibility when you buy WiFi gear and devices these days, unless you are going to run multiple radio WiFi routers, or add an access point for the radio capability.

New Poster

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6 Messages

@XfinityTimothy​ I am still experiencing the problem.  If you have any suggestions, I'd appreciate hearing them.  It's been a real problem not having a printer. Thanks.

Official Employee

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352 Messages

What exactly is happening with your printer? Is it not able to connect? Are you receiving an error message?

I no longer work for Comcast.

I am an Official Xfinity Employee.
Official Employees are from multiple teams within Xfinity: CARE, Product, Leadership.
We ask that you post publicly so people with similar questions may benefit from the conversation.
Was your question answered? Please, mark a reply as the Accepted Answer.tick

New Poster

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6 Messages

2 years ago

I thought it might work to connect my old router to the XB8 and then connect my printer wirelessly to that, since that worked in the past.  However, once I connected the router to the XB8, I lost wifi in other devices in the house.  They only came back online when I powered down the router.  I'm not sure if this is a reasonable solution but I hate to have to buy a new printer because of this Xfinity modem/router.

Problem Solver

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1.5K Messages

2 years ago

Did you ever try changing the WiFi standard on the gateway with the app?  Xfinity calls it modes.  Separate 2.4G and 5G signals -- 802.11 b for older 2.4G devices, and 802.11n/ac for newer stuff.  I don't think very many things use 802.11 g anymore, and it was pretty short lived.  Give them each a unique broadcast SSID name. 

https://www.xfinity.com/support/articles/change-wifi-channel-xfinity-xfi

You won't be able to change "modes" if you use Xfinity pods. 

New Poster

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6 Messages

2 years ago

In the end I solved it by making my TP-Link router an access point so that the printer would look to it instead of the Xfinity modem/router.  A bit clunky, but it works.  Thanks to everyone for your suggestions.  Much appreciated.

Official Employee

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352 Messages

That is so wonderful to hear that this workaround is working best for you. If there's anything further we can address or help with, please reach out to us anytime. Thanks for being the best part of Xfinity. Take care! 

I no longer work for Comcast.

I am an Official Xfinity Employee.
Official Employees are from multiple teams within Xfinity: CARE, Product, Leadership.
We ask that you post publicly so people with similar questions may benefit from the conversation.
Was your question answered? Please, mark a reply as the Accepted Answer.tick
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