Switching between 2.4 and 5 GHz

[Keiko2]

My Gateway modem gives me only one WiFi connection, instead of differentiating between 2.4 and 5GHz frequencies. How do I force a switch? I am assuming it tries to choose the better frequency, but it is often wrong.

[andyross]

You can go into the gateway settings and give each a different name, like "Name2" and "Name5". That way, you can directly choose which one to use.

[EG]

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@Keiko2 wrote:

My Gateway modem gives me only one WiFi connection, instead of differentiating between 2.4 and 5GHz frequencies. How do I force a switch? I am assuming it tries to choose the better frequency, but it is often wrong.

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

[ghoofie]

That doesn't seem to work anymore with xfi.   I would like to have different SSID for each channel , but it no longer lets you, at least anywhere I can find.

[darkangelic]

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@Keiko2 wrote:

My Gateway modem gives me only one WiFi connection, instead of differentiating between 2.4 and 5GHz frequencies. How do I force a switch? I am assuming it tries to choose the better frequency, but it is often wrong.

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The reason for that is that the bands have different strengths and weaknesses - the 2.4 is seen by more devices and goes through obstacles like walls easier. but is easily disrupted by the presence of other electronics like Bluetooh, cordless phones, microwave ovens, TVs and more.  The 5 on the other is faster, and less prone to interference. I've discovered this from previous experience where I had a device on the 5 GHz band but saw it constantly disconnect because it couldn't maintain a strong connection to the WiFi (that would be my Xi6 wireless cable box). I wound up using ethernet instead. 

If you're seeing constant drops you might want to check out this link for tips. 

[Paulr1]

Home automation only works with 2.4G and hence why it makes it difficult to connect up "simple" home automation tools to xfi.  While it's nice to have xfi gateway select the best signal it can create a nightmare for debugging home automation gear.

[ghoofie]

And voila! Today the app now lets me use different SSIDs. When you change them you get a warning suggesting you don’t.