New ISP and router = new WiFi SSIDs or no? (Sky)

Scam · 9 Mar 2021 at 10:09

I'm switching ISPs and obviously getting a new router. Is there any downside to replicating my current WiFi SSIDs (2.4ghz and 5ghz) in the new router to save me having to go through all my devices (Google homes, Harmony hub etc and updating them?

Also, I'm changing to Sky. Is it best to keep the 2.4ghz and 5ghz channels separate in their router? I know on Plusnet it caused loads of issues...

Thanks.

the-evaluator · 9 Mar 2021 at 11:27

Scam said:
I'm switching ISPs and obviously getting a new router. Is there any downside to replicating my current WiFi SSIDs (2.4ghz and 5ghz) in the new router to save me having to go through all my devices (Google homes, Harmony hub etc and updating them?

No reason why you shouldn't other than it's a good opportunity to be 100% sure about who and what has access to your wireless network. It's definitely easier than adding the new network to all yoru devices. I went down this route when my parents got FTTP last year.

Also, I'm changing to Sky. Is it best to keep the 2.4ghz and 5ghz channels separate in their router? I know on Plusnet it caused loads of issues...

Generally I put '-2G' at the end of the 2.4GHz network name as some devices don't like 2.4 & 5GHz networks on the same SSID. Give it a try and see, it'd be easy enough to revert the change if it causes problems.

I don't know if the Sky router will let you do that though, I've never used one.

bremen1874 · 9 Mar 2021 at 11:28

Replicating the SSIDs/Encryption Keys is a sensible option to avoid having to reconfigure all of the devices. There's no obvious downside to doing it.

If you have separate SSIDs now you'd need to replicate that on the new router. At that point, you've already made your decision about separating 2.4GHz and 5GHz.

Scam · 9 Mar 2021 at 12:04

Thanks guys. I guess apart from being over-zealous on the security there's no reason to then, just what I was thinking.

bremen1874 said:
At that point, you've already made your decision about separating 2.4GHz and 5GHz.

That did occur to me as I was posting the above! Woops.

Next question, I have some Devolo powerline adapters (due to the PN router's wifi being trash upstairs in my spare room). Guessing I'll need to re-pair those with the new router right..

the-evaluator · 9 Mar 2021 at 12:09

Scam said:
Thanks guys. I guess apart from being over-zealous on the security there's no reason to then, just what I was thinking.

There's no difference in the security of combined or split SSIDs.

Scam said:
Next question, I have some Devolo powerline adapters (due to the PN router's wifi being trash upstairs in my spare room). Guessing I'll need to re-pair those with the new router right..

The homeplugs are paired to each other, not to the router so you shouldn't need to make any changes.

Deleted member 77746 · 9 Mar 2021 at 12:35

Do you people not have QR codes printed out? you don't even need to tell people the password you just tell them to scan it with a camera.

Doesn't work with devices without a cam though, useful for a phone or tablet.

pepp77 · 9 Mar 2021 at 12:56

Bouton Aide said:
Do you people not have QR codes printed out? you don't even need to tell people the password you just tell them to scan it with a camera.

Doesn't work with devices without a cam though, useful for a phone or tablet.

That implies you want other people to be able to get on the WiFi.

Deleted member 77746 · 9 Mar 2021 at 13:00

pepp77 said:
That implies you want other people to be able to get on the WiFi.

Not really. Put the code somewhere where nobody but you can find it lol.

WJA96 · 9 Mar 2021 at 13:03

Bouton Aide said:
Not really. Put the code somewhere where nobody but you can find it lol.

I never write down passwords. What you are suggesting is exactly the same as that. I'm sure you're happy with that as a security practice but I wouldn't be.

Quartz · 9 Mar 2021 at 13:14

pepp77 said:
That implies you want other people to be able to get on the WiFi.

Sensible people have separate Wifi networks for themselves and visitors.

Deleted member 77746 · 9 Mar 2021 at 13:14

WJA96 said:
I never write down passwords. What you are suggesting is exactly the same as that. I'm sure you're happy with that as a security practice but I wouldn't be.

It's a home connection, bloody hell not rocket science just put the QR code in a draw somewhere. Who's going to get it a burglar wanting to order a McDonalds or something?

WJA96 · 9 Mar 2021 at 13:21

Bouton Aide said:
It's a home connection, bloody hell not rocket science just put the QR code in a draw somewhere. Who's going to get it a burglar wanting to order a McDonalds or something?

It's not good practice though.

Deleted member 77746 · 9 Mar 2021 at 13:22

WJA96 said:
It's not good practice though.

You not writing the password down.

pepp77 · 9 Mar 2021 at 15:23

Quartz said:
Sensible people have separate Wifi networks for themselves and visitors.

No visitors are using my bandwidth, they can use their 4G

the-evaluator · 9 Mar 2021 at 15:34

Are visitors allowed a glass of water or do they have to bring that with them too?

Each to their own, but not giving a guest the wifi password isn't overly friendly.

Deleted member 77746 · 9 Mar 2021 at 15:58

the-evaluator said:
Are visitors allowed a glass of water or do they have to bring that with them too?

Each to their own, but not giving a guest the wifi password isn't overly friendly.

*thumbs up*

WJA96 · 9 Mar 2021 at 16:21

the-evaluator said:
Are visitors allowed a glass of water or do they have to bring that with them too?

Each to their own, but not giving a guest the wifi password isn't overly friendly.

I'm not sure why you need a password on your guest wifi? Especially if you're running Unifi, Untangle or pfSense where you can very tightly lock down what users of that network can do. If you find someone trying to do something silly you can just lock them down even harder.

WJA96 · 9 Mar 2021 at 16:22

Bouton Aide said:
You not writing the password down.

Of course you are. You're providing it as a 2D barcode that anyone can scan and access your guest network. Would you do that at work?

Deleted member 77746 · 9 Mar 2021 at 16:31

WJA96 said:
Of course you are. You're providing it as a 2D barcode that anyone can scan and access your guest network. Would you do that at work?

I would for the guest network.

What's your point?

pepp77 · 9 Mar 2021 at 16:33

the-evaluator said:
Are visitors allowed a glass of water or do they have to bring that with them too?

Each to their own, but not giving a guest the wifi password isn't overly friendly.

I have a guest network and do give out the password to friends, but it’s not like they come round all that much at the moment.