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AVR2's avatar
AVR2
Tuning in
2 months ago
Solved

Printer connects to hub via 2G wifi, but only actually prints if you're connected to the 5G band

We got a CHITA hub when we signed up to Virgin last summer, even though we're residential users. Our HP Envy 4520 only supports 2G wifi and is connected to the hub that way, but you can only use the printer from a computer connected to the hub either by Ethernet, or via the 5G network. Similarly, AirPrint from iOS devices only works if they are connected via 5G. 

Any devices/computers connected to the 2G wifi network cannot see the printer at all.

There are a couple of rooms where we want to be able to print from, but only the 2G signal reaches and it's not practical to install wired connections. Is there any solution, other than simply buying a printer to use in that room? Is there some kind of hidden setting in the CHITA admin panel that needs turning on?

  • AVR2's avatar
    AVR2
    2 months ago

    A 5G extender has solved the problem. There's now a reliable 5G signal into the rooms that could previously only get 2G, and devices in those rooms can now use the printer.

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  • Client62's avatar
    Client62
    Alessandro Volta
    2 months ago

    I've read similar reports from CHITA Hub users before.

    But last time the Printer was also a USB / 2.4GHz device and it was only accessible from the Ethernet or from the 2.4GHz band.  Not the same as you have reported.   

    AirPrint from iOS works fine over 2.4GHz Wi-Fi in our environment.

    In your situation have you considered adding a dual band Wi-Fi Repeater or Extender to enable the 5GHz signal to be more widely available in your building.

    The use of a power line extender which would make all devices on its 2.4 or 5GHz bands connect via an Ethernet connection to the CHITA.


    Perhaps devices like : 

    https://www.toolstation.com/tp-link-wi-fi-range-extender/p52846 

    https://www.toolstation.com/tp-link-av1000-gigabit-powerline-ac-wi-fi-kit/p58255 


    We have an Epson all in one and it is USB / Wi-Fi 2.4Ghz / 10/100 Ethernet. We tried it on Wi-Fi and found many problems with its Wi-Fi adaptor sleeping causing the printer to be offline until it was touched to wake it up. With the Epson connected via  Ethernet all such issues just vanished. Knowing this I'd not consider a new printer / scanner that lacks Ethernet. 

    • Adduxi's avatar
      Adduxi
      Very Insightful Person
      2 months ago

      With the Epson connected via  Ethernet all such issues just vanished. Knowing this I'd not consider a new printer / scanner that lacks Ethernet. 

      Totally agree, any printers I've had used ethernet for the main connection.  Might be a tad more expensive, but at least they work without the heartache of Wifi .....

  • legacy1's avatar
    legacy1
    Alessandro Volta
    2 months ago

    get a better router with 1Gb ports put hub in modem mode

    • Client62's avatar
      Client62
      Alessandro Volta
      2 months ago

      The OP has a CHITA hub, unless they have a VM Business a/c 
      with multiple IPs, Modem mode may no longer be available.

      • legacy1's avatar
        legacy1
        Alessandro Volta
        2 months ago

        In case they do

        https://www.virginmediabusiness.co.uk/help-and-advice/products-and-services/hitron-router-guide/dynamic-modem-only-mode-user-guide/

  • SpacePhoenix's avatar
    SpacePhoenix
    Fibre optic
    2 months ago

    Don't know if it would work but what about using a USB Type-B to Ethernet adapter with the printer?

  • jbrennand's avatar
    jbrennand
    Very Insightful Person
    2 months ago

    Dont know that Hub but if its like residential Hubs it will broadcast both wifi bands and their intelligent wifi (sic) bonds them to a single ssid and that can cause issues for 2.4GHz only kit - so try this first.

    to get this to work you have to log into the Hub settings and disable the 5ghz wifi on the hub, and then reboot the Hub and try again.   It Should force the Hive app  to connect through the 2.4ghz band

    Then go back in and reverse the process to restore the 5GHz band

  • goslow's avatar
    goslow
    Alessandro Volta
    2 months ago

    No one would want to use a wi-fi connection to a printer in 2025 (or at any time!) if a wired connection was available instead!

    • legacy1's avatar
      legacy1
      Alessandro Volta
      2 months ago

      I'm sure many will disagree...but I'm sure its the same for VM doing router mode and not given us a modem to which we choose how to connect things...

  • AVR2's avatar
    AVR2
    Tuning in
    2 months ago

    A 5G extender has solved the problem. There's now a reliable 5G signal into the rooms that could previously only get 2G, and devices in those rooms can now use the printer.