WiFi Hub 3 - Admin console Extender settings

[AndrewSUB8]

Having recently upgraded to Fibre 150 I've been sent a Hub 3 labelled as a Sagemcom FAST-5359 (though I see online it's also sometimes called a 5364).  In the advanced Settings WiFi Mesh Overview is a tab labelled Extenders.  Is this only for use if I pay the extra charge for Total Home coverage or can I make use of it with equipment I buy myself?

[KeithFrench]

Hi @AndrewSUB8 @slarty*1 

I have just updated this response.

It is a firmware bug that I reported to TalkTalk when I first tested this firmware version. It is not just a display issue, because I have found devices remain connected to one mesh node & do not roam to the closer one when moved. Thus, they can end up with a poor signal strength. Hopefully it will be fixed in the next release. However, that is beyond my control.

[slarty*1]

I believe the resetting status display of  band steering  on the hub 3 is a firmware bug. I think it is just a display issue.  Same thing happens on my Shell Broadband 5359 but not the hub1 or hub2 which have different firmware.  

[AndrewSUB8]

A full factory reset does seem to have done the trick, which is good.  I've found a spot for the extender that seems to suit it (green light for signal strength) and can connect well even at the bottom of the garden.  It all still works after changing to our custom (hidden) SSID/password and adding Guest access but I'll give it a few days using the network more fully before I'm totally confident that everything has settled down. Only thing that seems a bit odd is that the Band Steering setting keeps going back to Off within a few minutes of me setting it to On.

Thanks folks!

[kanya-TT]

Great, we'll wait for your feedback.

Kanya

[AndrewSUB8]

I'll try a factory reset on the hub this evening once no-one else is home to complain that the wifi has gone off!  Will report back then.  Cheers.

[kanya-TT]

Thanks @KeithFrench.

Kanya

[KeithFrench]

Hi @AndrewSUB8 @kanya-TT 

If the light on the hub 3 remains solid white when the WPS button is pressed or activated from the UI, then WPS within the hub is not working. WPS is enabled in the router, then this has to be an issue with the hub, as the customer has said. Have you tried a factory reset on the Hub 3 since finding this out?

For future reference, the status light in the hub 3, when in WPS mode, does not flash orange as previous hubs, but it should flash green.

[kanya-TT]

Hey there, @AndrewSUB8. Can you try the following please. 

Check Compatibility

• Extender Compatibility: Ensure that the extender you are trying to connect is compatible with WPS. Some extenders may have specific requirements or may not support WPS at all.

Verify WPS Settings

• WPS Settings: Double-check that WPS is enabled on both the Hub 3 and the extender. Sometimes, settings may revert after a reset.
• Network Mode: Ensure that the network mode is set to a compatible setting (e.g., mixed mode) that supports WPS.

LED Indicators

• LED Behavior: The white LED indicates that the WPS process is not successfully initiating. If it remains white, it may suggest that the WPS connection is not being established.

Try Different Methods

• Physical Button: If you haven't already, try pressing the WPS button on the extender first, then the WPS button on the Hub 3. Timing can sometimes be crucial.
• Virtual WPS: If using the virtual button on the web console, ensure you are following the correct sequence as per the user manual.

Factory Reset

• Factory Reset: If all else fails, consider performing a factory reset on both the Hub 3 and the extender. This will erase all settings, so be sure to back up any important configurations.

Kanya

[AndrewSUB8]

The booster has arrived, but now it seems that WPS isn't working on my Hub 3, either using the physical button or the virtual one on the web console.  WPS is definitely enabled for both 2.4 and 5 GHz.  I've tried de-enabling and re-enabling, then a router reset, then turning the router off and on.  No change after any of those; when I try to use WPS, the LED on the router stays resolutely white.  Firmware Version: SGEK10004A00.

Any suggestions please?

[kanya-TT]

Hey there, @AndrewSUB8. Please do get back to us with feedback, should you require assistance. 

Kanya

[KeithFrench]

The correct solution depends on if this is a straightforward signal strength issue or WiFi interference, with which I can help a lot. Slow speed, intermittent dropouts, breaks in the signal or no signal on some or all devices or no internet access might be caused by Wi-Fi interference from other local networks, which can also lead to a permanent reduction in speed. No ISP can be responsible for your local environment; this is mainly a byproduct of the popularity of Wi-Fi.

Generally speaking, the 2.4GHz band suffers a lot more from interference than the much faster 5GHz band, but the 2.4GHz band can sometimes have a better range; however, this all depends on your local area.

In other words, I offer a free, impartial analysis of your Wi-Fi network and will try to help you optimise your Wi-Fi connection. The next stage involves sending out a guide to help you get me some important diagnostic results so that I can analyse them for you and recommend changes to your router configuration to solve them.

I only send this out to people who request it.

[AndrewSUB8]

Thanks all; comments noted.  I'll give the Better Value Team a call when I have the chance.  The full fibre speed is fine but it does struggle to get to the far end of the house.

[KeithFrench]

Hi @AndrewSUB8 

There are some bugs around that section of the Hub 3's UI. It will only show connected FAST266 boosters, not the devices that are connected to that F266.

If you want any help around the Hub 3 or the F266, then just let me know. The F266 connects to the Sagemcom Hub 1, 2 or 3 via the Hub's Wi-Fi network, or if you prefer, you can connect the two of them together via an Ethernet cable.

If you want to purchase an F266 WiFi Booster, then call the Better Value Team, where they are on sale for 50% off. This equates to a one-off charge of £30 per booster plus delivery. To contact the Better Value Team (old Legacy Dept), please call:  0345 1725157. 

Opening hours:-
Monday to Friday 9AM to 7PM
Saturday 9AM to 6PM
Sunday Closed

The information below is provided by TalkTalk. For confirmation, please contact @Lorrainef, the manager of the TalkTalk support staff on this forum.

KeithFrench is one of our valued Community Stars and can help with a range of issues related to wireless and networking. At times, he may ask you to send him test results via a Private Message to help analyse/diagnose an issue. Although Keith does not work for TalkTalk, he very kindly shares his time and knowledge to help others.

If you need further help or if we need to take any details such as personal information about your account, like phone numbers, account numbers, etc, one of the TalkTalk team will jump in and help out.

[sabelo-TT]

With this being said, I will strongly advise for you to get in touch with our Full Fibre plan as they will be able to provide you with the information you need using 03451720074 Mon-Fri: 9am-7pm; Sat: 9am-6pm; Sun: closed

[slarty*1]

I believe the hub 3 is now provided as standard for full fibre plans (instead of the eero).  The F@st266 extenders/boosters can only be used with the Sagemcom hubs mentioned (not with the eero).

[sabelo-TT]

Just to double check, is this with regards to our Full Fibre plans? 

[slarty*1]

The 5364 is the Hub 1.  The 5464 is the Hub 2 with green VOIP phone socket.  The 5359 is the Hub 3 with green phone socket and Wifi6   (and the same model as the Shell Broadband superhub).  The hub 3 is in a different case with no perforations and downward facing blue LED.

All of them can be used with the Sagemcom F@ST266 wifi extenders in a mesh set up to extend wifi coverage.   The extenders can be purchased separately new (from TalkTalk) or second hand (from ebay) as a one off payment or can be provided as part of the TotalHome package for a monthly fee.   I can vouch that they work well to fill in dead spots.

Note the warning by Keith French at the top of the forum about making sure firmware is up to date before connection.

[sabelo-TT]

Hello there @AndrewSUB8, the kit works with your router to extend your Wi-Fi signal, so you can do more online in more of your home. Each kit is made up of two parts: the Network Connector which you connect to your router and the Wi-Fi Extender which you put wherever you want to strengthen your Wi-Fi signal.