IOT devices and Nest Mesh

[itsPepsiCola]

I've got several IOT devices, primarily smart outlets/plugs, that will not allow me to connect them if my mobile device is connected to the 5GHz frequency. I know that I can't force the 2.4 or 5GHz frequency on my Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6, Pixel 4 XL, iPhone 11, Nexus 6P, or my Samsung Galaxy Tab S2. Is there any other solution short of taking a walk with an extension cord to get out of the 5GHz usable range? I stay in a camper/RV for work so wireless signals travel much farther than in a house due to the structure of the trailer being far more lightweight.

[olavrb]

Turn off Nest Wi-Fi. Set up your old router with 2.4ghz only, using same SSID and password as Nest Wifi. When devices are connected, turn off old router, plug in Nest Wi-Fi again. IoT devices should then autoconnect.

What IoT devices specifically?

[itsPepsiCola]

Unfortunately, I don't have any old networking equipment, all of that is back at the house a couple hundred miles away. I've also had issues with this "bait and switch" tactic in the past, for unknown reasons. My camper wifi network and home networks are the same SSID and password but I have to re-authenticate some devices once I move them between the two. 

The devices I'm trying to set up currently are two Kasa HS103 plugs to control heaters on my water lines, and WeMo PS1090 to run my truck's block heater off of. 

[olavrb]

Kasa/ TP-Link plugs supports 2.4GHz only. Seems they don't handle mixed 2.4/ 5ghz very well.

• Q14 here: https://www.tp-link.com/us/support/faq/1390/
• https://www.reddit.com/r/GoogleWiFi/comments/j7q4x1

If the Kasa equipment is important to you, either replace Nest Wifi, or buy a cheap access point (used?) that can broadcast 2.4ghz only, connect it to Nest Wifi by ethernet cable.

Same with the Wemo device(s).

• https://www.belkin.com/us/support-article?articleNum=8182

Relevant Nest Wifi documentation:

• https://support.google.com/googlenest/answer/6293481?hl=en

This is a topic that is often brought up:

• https://www.google.com/search?q=site%3Agooglenestcommunity.com+%22nest+wifi%22+iot

[MichaelP]

I have half a dozen Kasa / TP-Link smart plugs on my Google WiFi system. Setting them up was easy using the app. They should work just fine in a mixed 2.4GHz + 5GHz environment.

[itsPepsiCola]

The devices work fine, but neither of my mini plugs would initially connect during setup while my phone was connected to the 5GHz band, I've had the same issue on the original Google Home Wifi at my house. They're up and running now though, after using my extension cord and 5GHz range limitation workaround method described above 😋

[EdwardT]

Hi folks,

@MichaelP and olavrb, thanks for the help!

@itsPepsiCola, I'm glad to know that everything is working fine now. Please let us know if you have other questions and concerns. We're here to help.

Thanks,

Edward

[EdwardT]

Hi tsPepsiCola,

It's me again, I wanted to check back in to see if you have other questions and concerns. Feel free to let me know if you do.

Thanks,

Edward

[EdwardT]

Hi tsPepsiCola,

Just checking in to make sure that you saw our response. Please let us know if you have any other questions or concerns as I will be locking this in 24 hours.

Thanks,

Edward

[itsPepsiCola]

I was able to get them set up by isolating the network and using extension cords to cross the road and get far enough from the network to drop 5GHz, but retain 2.4GHz connection. Driving 40+ minutes each way to purchase a cheap router would have been not only more costly in fuel and time, but certainly shouldn't be a recommended resolution in my opinion.. However, I was able to get the devices set up. All is well, I just wish there was a way to properly install devices instead of having to work around an "intuitive" system.