WIFI Connection Problem

[#1]

Hi, I have just upgraded to Fibre 74 package with a Plusnet Hub Two router, and have some strange problems..

I have added a wifi range extender type TP-LINK TL-WA860RE, to increase wifi coverage. Using my  Laptop, I am unable to access the internet if I select the the Hub's direct WIFI connection (PLUSNET-QKC3H5)  from the list of available WIFI Networks.  However, if I select the  Extender's WIFI connection (PLUSNET-QKC3H5_EXT) I can access the Internet  OK ! 

Both WIFI connections use the same WiFI Password.  I can access the internet OK on my Samsung Phone, using either connection. But try as I might, on two different Laptops, I cannot access the internet using the  Hub's WIFI connection, but both laptops work fine using the Extender's WIFI connection.....  

When I look at the WIFI Properties of the two WIFI options, I note that the Hub's WIFI is showing a Network Band of 5GHz, whereas the Range extender's WIFI, is showing a Network Band of 2.4GHz.  Could this be causing the problem, and if so, what can I do to fix it ?????  Any advice would be really appreciated, before I tear out what little hair I have left...... 

[#2]

Moderators Note

This topic has been moved from Full Fibre to My Router

[#3]

I just upgraded today. (No extender)
I had the opposite - laptop would work and phone didn't.

I rebooted the hub and all devices and it worked.
I'm guessing maybe some DNS server details or such were changed and not updated without a reboot.
Maybe try rebooting hub + devices.

[#4]

Also try going to Hub Admin, Wireless page (e.g. http://192.168.1.254/basic_-_wifi.htm ) to check if both 2.4GHz and 5GHz are on

[#5]

@willum08 

The Plusnet hub transmits both the 2.4 and 5GHZ bands with the sameSSID (name) and password. This can confuse some older equipment. Your extender could be single 2.4GHz only.

To test this out, log into the hub and go to the Advanced/Wireless page (you will need to enter your password). Switch off the 5GHz band and save. This will force the laptop to use the 2.4GHz band, it should now work. Try switching the 5GHz band back on and the laptop should still work.

[#6 · Accepted solution]

Hello and Thank you to all who responded so quickly to my plea... this truly is a great Forum !

Before I upgraded, I used the Plusnet One Router, with the same Range Extender and never experienced any  problems.. Furthermore, I have  quite a number of Smart sockets which were  controlled wirelessly via an Amazon Alexa, but since changing to the  Hub Two router, I was unable to communicate with any of the Smart sockets to re-configure them....

Just out of interest, I disconnected the Plusnet Hub Two and reconnected my Plusnet One Hub, which I discovered has a suitable  WAN port for connection via a short CAT5 cable to my newly installed  Fibre ONT unit. I reconfigured my phone and Laptops' WiFi settings  to their original values and now everything works fIne  and WiFi coverage over my entire house, is super! My download and Upload speeds are 74.4Mb/s and 22.3 Mb/s, measured using the WiFi connection to my laptops, so what more could I want? Will return the Hub Two to Plusnet since it's of no further use to me......

Thanks again Guys........

[#7]

@willum08 

A footnote to your post.

When I look at the WIFI Properties of the two WIFI options, I note that the Hub's WIFI is showing a Network Band of 5GHz, whereas the Range extender's WIFI, is showing a Network Band of 2.4GHz.  

The TP-LINK TL-WA860RE only support 2.4Ghz wireless, also worth noting the LAN port is 100Mbps.

If you upgrade to a faster speed to the one you have now you will need a cat5e cable which supports up to 1000Mbps where as cat5 is up to 100Mpbs. Also the Hub One would need to be replaced as the wireless performance is not as good as the Hub Two.

Pleased you got everything working to your satisfaction