Cannot connect Smart WiFi Pro Extender to WiFi 7 Router

[Herbhead]

Ok, What am I doing wrong.

Firstly received my new WiFi 7 router at the weekend and set it up. Used the transfer devices option (I guess this 'just' renames my new router to my old router settings). Setup the Hybrid Connect as well.

This evening (1 day on) I have tried to connect my Smart WiFi Pro Extender (SW40J) to my Smart Hub Pro. Distance between the two is 5 metres with 1 wall between them, 1950s standard build house.

Firstly tried using WPS. No luck, I get to the flashing Amber light press WPS on both units, both flash Blue then the Router stops whilst the Extender continues flashing.

Moved it closer to the router to use an Ethernet Cable. Turn on, green light, green flashing, Amber flashing solid Aqua - device shows up in the Home Network (both in App and Internet Explorer). App says it is too close so I unplug it and move it to its intended location but when I plug in the Amber light comes on and it will not connect again.

I tried the old turn it off and on - on the router. Still no connection to Extender (now on WiFi and in same room) but also I had to re-pair my Hybrid Connect to the router, that had been connected fine until I turner the router off.

Have tried a reset on the extender and repeated, but get the same.

Just pulling my hair out now.

[MadViking]

Hi, I have not changed anything. But I am using outlook now and all is fine, so thank you!

[DanBrydon]

Sorry to hijack the original post.

I got my new wifi 7 router, and want to do the transfer device option. But I can't seem to find out how to do it. The instructions are non-existent, it just says "use the app". The app is horrible, and full of too much crap, and I have no idea where to find the transfer device option or what to do.

Can you help me with how to do that part? I can connect to the new router fine (using the new wifi network name and password) but no option in the "manage" broadband exists I can see.

Many thanks

[JimM11]

@DanBrydon If you are not going to use the app, then web manager http://192.168.1.254 go change the wireless SSID to match your previous router, change the password also from the previous router to be that on the EE router, saving as you go along, once done power off the router, switch back on and devices may/may not connect. If you have issues look at the wpa mode on the EE router. WiFi Pro router has different wpa mode settings. Start there and go for it.

[MadViking]

Hi Dan, yes I had the same issue I changed every device individually, what a pain, definitely give Jim's solution a good go, I wish I had thought of that. He knows his stuff! What I can add is this system is a huge improvement over my previous BT Smart Hub 2 system. Very pleased so far. Good luck!

[DanBrydon]

Super helpful, this worked well thanks Jim

[JimM11]

@DanBrydon Glad it all worked out, the app does the same as far as i know, but prefer to setup manually, takes the guessing out off it, Just remember to note down somewhere the SSID and the Password, as a factory reset puts it all back to the OOB settings, and those are marked on the card.

[Pal1n]

Chums,
I'm having a similar issue connecting the Smart WiFi SW40J extender to the SmartHub SH40J so your guidance/experience would be much appreciated pse.  (The EE Guide I spoke to says nothing can be done except to have an engineer visit.)

Background.  I've changed from copper fibre50 to full fibre (to address other faults related to the aging copper connection in the street,) and have moved from EE's WiFi 6 Smart Hub SH13B and (SmartWiFi SW30A) extender to WiFi 7 - the intention being to have both new hub (SH40J) and extender (SW40J) in exactly the same locations that the old kit was in as things worked well enough there.  I previously followed the 'Transfer your devices' element on the EE app but this mucked things up and an EE Guide (acknowledging a known issue,) then reset the SH40J hub. 

Issue.  I'm cant make a WiFi connection between the SW40J extender with the SH40J hub.

Detail. Notwithstanding another 'known issue' with the EE app's 'Let's pair' function ('we couldn't pair with your hub just now'), I am able to make a  can make a connection between hub and extender using a 10m ethernet cable - both devices show solid turquoise lights and the EE app recognises the 'too close' SW40J as its shown as 'online' on my 'home network' and the app correctly states its serial number.

However, when I power the SW40J down to move it upstairs, I only  as far as the orange flashing light ie no wifi connection between hub and router (and only the 'let's pair' function on the app).  Using the pairing buttons on both devices gives dark blue flashing lights on both devices, but after a few minutes the hub reverts to solid turquoise light and the extender to flashing orange.  When I connect the ethernet cable both devices have turquoise lights after a few minutes.

I'm inclined to keep the SW40J connected to the SH40J for a few hours via ethernet to allow any firmware updates but, beyond this I'm out of ideas...  your help/suggestions would be hugely welcomed! 

N

[MadViking]

Hi, Pal1n This is so much like what I went through. But I trust you are right in everything you are doing. The firmware update (I believe) was the issue, It was at least 24 hours to update. I went the same route with Lan cables and when the extender is ready,  I am sure it will work for you. I always power on and off with the power button. Secondly having established your turquoise light on the extender for long enough , simply remove the Lan cable until a solid colour is established. (My WPS connections never worked).  Mine is usually orange ( but works very well, I think its a low power mode) It does go solid turquoise sometimes but my speeds are always the same around 800 on my smart devices and about 350 on my 6E mini pc. Hopefully it is just a matter of time for you. Good luck. I have to say when its working the system is very robust and works so much better than wifi6. 

[Pal1n]

Thx Viking!  Hats off... N

[JimM11]

@Pal1n With your reply, unsure if now that your are working good now (Extender wise) after following the advice off @MadViking or are going to try what is recommended?