Wifi issues

[Posiedon]

I have several Smart sockets outside the house - all were working fine, they connect over 2.4GHz to Internet.

Recently they all stopped working, at a 240V level I can use them manually but they will not connect to the App.  When I try to 'Add'  device, it cannot find a device on the network

After a few days of frustration..... I unwired one socket and powered it up in the house alongside the router and connected OK .... but as soon as I move it back to the required location, it will not connect.

The outlet locations have not moved and the house & router have not moved ..... assuming my Wifi is the issue.

For connection, I have to turn off 5GHz   (common for many devices), but once the connection is made I can turn 5GHz back on and it continues to work OK.

Is there anything that I can do to increase WiFi signal strength ..... tried an EE extender, makes no difference.

I tried contacting EE support but all I get is an option to use SMS service, and it drops the call.  Can you speak to a person anymore ?

[JimM11]

@Posiedon Circular on the signal, although going through brick walls and Triple Glazing for me is just a no no, my router 15' from the outer wall then virtually zero signal from that standing outside, but closer it is then stronger the signal will be. Extender and hub what do you have, see the link below and take a look. More than likely the 6 Plus if just a couple years old, but could be the 2023 version if the skirt on the hub is fully of holes... If the old smart hub, then NO compatible network feature...

 https://ee.co.uk/help/broadband/getting-started/compare-our-range-of-broadband-hubs

Detailed Smart Hub comparison and click on the smart hub to see the real picture, top one is all wrong in the EE help.

[Posiedon]

I have EE Smart Hub 6 plus and Full Fibre 1 Gig plan. I have several devices in my garden that need to connect to Internet via a 2.4GHz WiFi connection.

The EE extender indoors does not provide a strong enough signal.

Does anybody have knowledge regarding adding an external WiFI extender, that will connect to Smart Hub.

Alternatively are there any ‘internal’ extenders with better range, even if unit remains indoors and it has external antennae.

[JimM11]

@Posiedon Because you have the 6 Plus version then the compatible network feature is available and works through the EE Hub and the EE Smart wireless also. I use Powerline and always have to get outside to the Ring Doorbell and Ring Camera's, without that there is just NO chance it works or get's there, but the units are indoors and placed within a few feet of the devices, been working that way for years and years. When is your replacement extender arriving from EE?

Amazon.co.uk : outdoor wireless access point

[Posiedon]

The extender is new, and added in closest house location.

EE are sending me a new Router - not extender arrives tomorrow ..... I may need to find an outdoors extender .. and put it the other side of wall where the extender is ... and have teh outdoor one feed the garden. 

Not sure how easy it is for hooking up, or device connection.

Can you connect to BT extender via WiFi    (i.e WiFi to WiFi) or do they need an Ethernet connection?

[JimM11]

@Posiedon What BT extender are you talking about, EE smart wireless is used with the 6 Plus hub and why a new Hub, does EE suspect that is a problem? If this was all working before, and the connection of your garden socket's was to the smart wireless unit that is what will be generating the 2.4Ghz signal and using the hidden 2.4Ghz for the backhaul. 

[Posiedon]

sorry wrong description ....

I have SMART Hub 6  and the standard EE extenders - SMART WiFi PLUS

The Extender was working before (and still is), the outside devices won't connect  - device not found.

Maybe I could put an outside Extender the otherside of the wall nearest existing extender and can these connect to WiFi extender by WiFi .... or would I need to use the Ethernet port.

[JimM11]

@Posiedon If your mobile will not switch to the 2.4Ghz band when you are outside then nothing you do internal will work.

Do you happen to have a wifi analyzer on your mobile to look at the signal strength or if you extender is even transmitting the the signal for your 2.4Ghz.

[Posiedon]

How would I know if phone is connecting or not ..... it just shows the WiFi connection   it does not say whether via 2.4 or 5 Ghz  just gives the SMART hub ID

When I disable 5GHz .. phone still connects so it must connect on 2.4Ghz

Are you aware of any free wifi analyzer apps - happy to try

[Posiedon]

Downloaded WiFi Analyser ..... 2 screen shots attached for 2.4GHz

The first inside the house the second at the device locations in garden.

[JimM11]

@Posiedon Are you on android, the bars show a 6 when connected to the 5Ghz band or no number when connected to the 2.4Ghz band.

Netspot by Etwok, inc on the google play store, shows everything, but do just use the Free version.....

Not allowed on ios for any...