Frequent Visitor
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6 Messages
How to use a 2.4ghz-only device without splitting the network?
I know I can split my Wi-Fi network to allow both 2.4 and 5.0 devices to be connected. It seems that this is required for 2.4ghz-only IoT devices. But when I do that, devices, e.g., printers, that operate on the 2.4 channel cannot communicate with, e.g., phones and laptops cannot communicate with those more modern devices.
Is there any way for the IoT devices to connect up to the hybrid network without splitting and disrupting the happy hybrid setup?
XfinitySara
Official Employee
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3K Messages
18 hours ago
Hello, @user_6971t1! It is actually a common misconception that you need to permanently split your Wi-Fi bands (separating 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) to get 2.4 GHz-only IoT devices and printers connected to an Xfinity gateway (like an XB7 or XB8). Most modern Xfinity gateways use a single, unified Wi-Fi name (SSID) for both bands. Even when combined, both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands remain active simultaneously, and your gateway broadcasts them together. The issue isn't that the 2.4 GHz band disappears - it's that during the initial setup process, some older IoT devices or smart home gadgets get confused when a phone or laptop is actively connected to the 5 GHz band during the handshake.
Here are a few workarounds to get your 2.4 GHz devices connected without splitting your network or breaking local device communication:
Temporarily Disable 5 GHz via the Xfinity App:
Instead of splitting your network permanently, you can log into the Xfinity App or admin tool, go to your Wi-Fi settings, and temporarily turn off the 5 GHz band (or pause 5 GHz broadcast capabilities depending on your gateway model). Once your 2.4 GHz smart device or printer successfully connects to the network, you can turn 5 GHz back on. The device will stay connected to the 2.4 GHz frequency while your phones and laptops use 5 GHz, and they will all remain on the same local subnet so they can easily communicate.
Move Out of Range (The "Distance" Trick):
Because 2.4 GHz signals travel much farther than 5 GHz signals, you can often trick stubborn devices into pairing. Walk far away from your gateway (or into the backyard/garage) with your mobile device during setup. At that distance, your phone will automatically drop down to the 2.4 GHz band. Complete the setup of the IoT device, and it will lock onto 2.4 GHz.
Use a Guest Network (If Applicable):
If your gateway supports setting up a separate guest or IoT network restricted to 2.4 GHz while keeping your main hybrid network intact, that is another clean way to isolate them without dismantling your primary setup.
Keeping the network unified ensures your local routing, printing, and casting protocols function properly without isolating devices onto separate subnets. Give the temporary band toggle a try!
(edited)
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