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HomeKit Separate frequencies for optimal setup. 2.4 and 5 Ghz

M

Madchemic39

macrumors regular
Original poster
Nov 16, 2020
181
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I thought I might post this advice that helped me setting my HomeKit and HomePod devices. Here are the steps I did when setting them:
1.In your router settings separate 2.4 and 5Ghz networks and give them different names. You can keep the same password for each network. I have named mines as xxxx-2g and xxxx-5g.
2. Set up smart plugs - Disable 5GHz frequency when setting up the smart plugs. Connect to 2.4 GHz frequency network (xxxx-2g). Add all smart plugs in Home.
3.Enable 5G frequency in router. Connect all Apple devices to 5G network ( Homepod, Homepod mini, Apple TV)
4. It is better for Apple TV HD to be connected wireless as you'll get better speeds.

Hope this helps. :)
 
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Madchemic39 said:
I thought I might post this advice that helped me setting my HomeKit and HomePod devices. Here are the steps I did when setting them:
1.In your router settings separate 2.4 and 5Ghz networks and give them different names. You can keep the same password for each network. I have named mines as xxxx-2g and xxxx-5g.
2. Set up smart plugs - Disable 5GHz frequency when setting up the smart plugs. Connect to 2.4 GHz frequency network (xxxx-2g). Add all smart plugs in Home.
3.Enable 5G frequency in router. Connect all Apple devices to 5G network ( Homepod, Homepod mini, Apple TV)
4. It is better for Apple TV to be connected wireless as you'll get better speeds.

Hope this helps. :)
Click to expand...

Regarding point 4. I’m assuming you meant wired rather than wireless?
 
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I have done this in the past, benefit can be more stable network connections and segregating devices for their best performance.

Separate SSID is a great way to isolate network issues. It also preserves bandwidth, ensuring devices stick to the best frequencies for their location rather than constantly hopping. If fixed devices in locations with flaky 5GHz signals are put on the 2.4GHz SSID, they will tend to keep better connections, if these are IoT devices with relatively low bandwidth requirements, they will do great on 2.4 and benefit from longer ranges of the lower frequencies.

For devices that can remember multiple networks and readily switch between them (Mac, iPhone, iPad), you have to "forget" the network you don't want to use. But with iCloud synced settings, they tend to stick around.

Clearly, it is simpler to use a single SSID, it reduces clutter and complexity. A good router may make this moot. I replaced my Airport network with a Synology mesh a couple years ago and abandoned this. Synology claims to manage connections better and my devices have been nearly flawless on the new network.
 
StumpyBloke said:
Makes sense thanks. The ATV 4K has gigabit fortunately.
Click to expand...
Do you have your ATV 4K connected via cable and using Airplay without problems?
I am asking if ATV 4K can be connected with Ethernet cable and use stereo connected Homepods as a default speakers??
 
Madchemic39 said:
Actually-no.
In my example the Apple TV HD has 10/100BASE-T Ethernet and 802.11ac Wi‑Fi with MIMO. So better speeds through wifi-connected on 5Ghz.
I have edited my post. :)
Click to expand...
There is NOTHING the Apple TV HD needs to do that needs a faster connection than 10/100 ethernet speeds, and HomeKit stuff defo does not require anything even close to that either.
The only thing I can think of that needs a faster connection......is the Ookla speed test app, to show you the internet speed you're on.
I only have the 4k Apple TV's, never had the HD version.....but even now, NO streaming service would even come close to saturating 10/100 ethernet connection if the 4K model had that too.
For me the benefit to an ethernet connection if for the reliability of it being a wired connection, as for some people their wifi is flaky and could make things a bit more unstable for HomeKit stuff.
 
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malcky77 said:
There is NOTHING the Apple TV HD needs to do that needs a faster connection than 10/100 ethernet speeds, and HomeKit stuff defo does not require anything even close to that either.
The only thing I can think of that needs a faster connection......is the Ookla speed test app, to show you the internet speed you're on.
I only have the 4k Apple TV's, never had the HD version.....but even now, NO streaming service would even come close to saturating 10/100 ethernet connection if the 4K model had that too.
For me the benefit to an ethernet connection if for the reliability of it being a wired connection, as for some people their wifi is flaky and could make things a bit more unstable for HomeKit stuff.
Click to expand...
I get your point :)
However I will need to set my new ATV on wifi because of the new setup. :)
 
Madchemic39 said:
Do you have your ATV 4K connected via cable and using Airplay without problems?
I am asking if ATV 4K can be connected with Ethernet cable and use stereo connected Homepods as a default speakers??
Click to expand...

I don’t use AirPlay so can’t comment. With regard to connect via ethernet cable and use (as default) stereo HomePods, yes as long as they are the full HomePod and not the HomePod mini I believe.
 
StumpyBloke said:
I don’t use AirPlay so can’t comment. With regard to connect via ethernet cable and use (as default) stereo HomePods, yes as long as they are the full HomePod and not the HomePod mini I believe.
Click to expand...
Tnx for the info. But considering my new setup, ATV will have to be connected wireless.
 
Are people having issues setting up HomeKit devices related to frequency? My router doesn’t allow separating frequencies, and I have had no issues setting up my HomeKit devices. Is there more to this issue?
 
Paco II said:
Are people having issues setting up HomeKit devices related to frequency? My router doesn’t allow separating frequencies, and I have had no issues setting up my HomeKit devices. Is there more to this issue?
Click to expand...
Well, one day my wifi decided to drop 90 percent of current speed. After separating frequencies and connecting Apple devices to 5GHz all is back to normal :)
 
Paco II said:
Are people having issues setting up HomeKit devices related to frequency? My router doesn’t allow separating frequencies, and I have had no issues setting up my HomeKit devices. Is there more to this issue?
Click to expand...
I use eero Pro mesh and I cannot split up the bands. Even if the manufacturer of the accessory says to make sure it’s on 2.4, never had an issue connecting any accessory.
 
Madchemic39 said:
Actually-no.
In my example the Apple TV HD has 10/100BASE-T Ethernet and 802.11ac Wi‑Fi with MIMO. So better speeds through wifi-connected on 5Ghz.
I have edited my post. :)
Click to expand...
The real issue is the number of WiFi devices connected. If you have one that can be wired then that is one less thing eating up WiFi.
 
I found it depends on the router you use. Previous router was an Asus. It seemed never able to switch between band/networks correctly. I sperated the networks and it was fine. I then upgraded to Velop. I set it up the same. I then did the HomeKit upgrade and decided to set up as new. I went to fast setting up and forgot to separate the networks again. So I tried it out for a few days and no issues at all. That was about two months ago still no issues.
 
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