How to Separate 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz Wi-Fi Networks on Wakey Pure Fibre
Need a Dedicated 2.4 GHz Network? Here’s How.
By default, Wakey Pure Fibre equipment may use a single Wi-Fi network name (SSID) for both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi bands.
This allows compatible devices and your router to automatically choose an appropriate wireless connection without requiring you to manually switch networks.
For Most Homes, Keep Them Together
For most Wakey customers, we recommend leaving your 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz networks combined.
Automatic band steering generally provides the easiest experience by allowing compatible devices to use the appropriate Wi-Fi band based on their capabilities and wireless conditions.
Why Would I Separate Them?
Some devices — particularly older or smart-home devices — may only support 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and can occasionally have trouble during initial setup when both bands use the same network name.
Examples can include:
- Smart plugs and switches
- Security cameras
- Thermostats
- Printers
- Smart-home accessories
- Older phones, tablets or computers
Before You Separate Your Networks
Separating the Wi-Fi bands can mean:
- You’ll need to choose which network each device connects to.
- Devices may remain connected to one band even when another would perform better.
- Changing network names can require reconnecting existing devices.
- Automatic roaming and band-selection behaviour may be reduced.
We recommend doing this primarily when you’re trying to solve a specific device compatibility issue.
Step 1 — Connect to Your Pure Fibre Router
- Connect your phone, tablet or computer to your Wakey Wi-Fi network.
- Open a web browser.
- Enter http://192.168.1.254 in the address bar.
- Sign in using the administrator credentials printed on your router label.
Router Login
http://192.168.1.254
Use the administrator credentials printed on your Pure Fibre equipment label.
Step 2 — Open Your Wireless Settings
Navigate to Wireless Settings or Wi-Fi Settings.
Look for a setting that may be labelled:
- Smart Steering
- Band Steering
- Smart Wi-Fi
Disable the steering option if available.
Step 3 — Give Each Band Its Own Name
Once band steering has been disabled, configure a different Wi-Fi network name for each band.
Example
2.4 GHz Wi-Fi
WakeyHome-2.4
5 GHz Wi-Fi
WakeyHome-5
You can use the same password for both networks or separate passwords if you prefer.
Step 4 — Save & Reconnect
- Select Save or Apply.
- Allow the router several minutes to update its Wi-Fi configuration.
- Open the Wi-Fi settings on your devices.
- Connect each device to the appropriate network.
Which Wi-Fi Network Should I Use?
2.4 GHz — More Range
Often useful for:
- Smart-home devices
- Security cameras
- Printers
- Older Wi-Fi devices
- Devices farther away from your router
Advantages: Longer range and generally better penetration through walls.
Trade-off: Generally lower speeds and more potential interference than 5 GHz.
5 GHz — More Speed
Often useful for:
- Phones
- Tablets
- Laptops
- Streaming
- Gaming
- Video conferencing
Advantages: Generally higher wireless speeds and less interference.
Trade-off: Shorter effective range and greater sensitivity to walls and distance.
Before Splitting the Networks, Try This
Your 2.4 GHz Device May Work Without Any Router Changes
If you’re only doing this because a smart device won’t connect, try its normal setup process first.
It may help to:
- Follow the manufacturer’s setup instructions carefully.
- Temporarily disable mobile data on your phone during setup.
- Make sure your phone remains connected to your Wakey Wi-Fi.
- Complete the setup through the device manufacturer’s app.
If the device still refuses to connect because it requires a dedicated 2.4 GHz network, separating the bands may be the next step.
