Spark Smart Modem in AP mode - guest Wifi issue

Forums › LAN (ethernet/Wifi/routers/Bluetooth) › Spark Smart Modem in AP mode - guest Wifi issue

ashtonaut

614 posts

Ultimate Geek

#303463 12-Feb-2023 12:22

I’ve got an issue with a Smart Modem 1 in ‘AP’ mode (DHCP off, wired connection downstream of a Smart Modem 3 that is connected to the ONT and acting as router and DHCP server).

Wifi clients cannot connect to the guest wifi network broadcast by the SM1. Wired connections through the SM1 work fine.

The guest wifi network is visible, but clients just can’t connect to it (it sits spinning on ‘connecting’ on iOS).

Clients can connect to and use the ‘primary’ SSID on the SM1, and also both the primary and guest SSIDs on the SM3. It’s only the guest SSID on the SM1 that isn't working.

When reversing the hardware config (SM1 connected to ONT as router and doing DHCP, SM3 downstream in AP mode), everything works fine - primary and guest SSIDs are accessible on both the SM1 and SM3.

Is there a hardware/firmware issue with the SM1 that prevents its guest wifi working properly when it’s in AP mode and not doing DHCP?

richms

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#3035359 12-Feb-2023 13:37

Working as intended, the guest network cannot see the lan so it has no connection available.

Richard rich.ms

lxsw20

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#3035367 12-Feb-2023 14:11

I don't think that will work. You'd need to trunk a separate guest VLAN from one router to another, which I doubt these consumer routers can do.

ashtonaut

614 posts

Ultimate Geek

#3035374 12-Feb-2023 14:27

OK, I guess that makes sense. I must have been mistaken that with the hardware swapped it all worked everywhere.

Is it correct that the guest network will only work on the device acting as the DHCP server? Is that the key bit I need to understand and abide by? Or is it something else?

In my example, could I have the SM3 connected to the ONT as the router but use the SM1 as the DHCP server? I only really need the guest network working at the location of the SM1. I’ve not tried having PPPoE and DHCP on different devices.

lxsw20

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#3035379 12-Feb-2023 14:50

At a guess it will only work on the one that is directly connected to the ONT and has the DHCP server.

ashtonaut

614 posts

Ultimate Geek

#3035380 12-Feb-2023 14:52

OK, thanks, useful to know. Will have a think about alternative ways to achieve what I need to achieve.

backfiah

219 posts

Master Geek

#3075659 12-May-2023 22:29

ashtonaut: OK, thanks, useful to know. Will have a think about alternative ways to achieve what I need to achieve.

I've just come across this issue myself and am wondering what resolution you came to?

For clarity, I have two smart modem 1s --- if I replace the downstream one with a smart modem 3, it sounds like I can have guest wifi on the SM3 with no issues? (The upstream SM1 doing DHCP and the WAN/PPPOE connection).

ashtonaut

614 posts

Ultimate Geek

#3075660 12-May-2023 22:38

I’m not sure you can have a guest network on the downstream one. It only worked for me on the upstream device.

My solution was to buy TP Link Deco units. They do the job well and with zero hassle.

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backfiah

219 posts

Master Geek

#3075661 12-May-2023 22:43

ashtonaut: I’m not sure you can have a guest network on the downstream one. It only worked for me on the upstream device.

My solution was to buy TP Link Deco units. They do the job well and with zero hassle.

Thanks --- are you using one of the Deco for WAN PPPOE to the ONT?

ashtonaut

614 posts

Ultimate Geek

#3075662 12-May-2023 22:52

I have done two setups recently. One with two decos in AP mode connected to a SM3, and one with two decos where one is acting as router, directly connected to ONT.

michaelmurfy

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#3075665 12-May-2023 23:31

Why not just buy a Smart Mesh 2 for your Smart Modem 3? One system, works well that way too.

I know this is an extra cost but this is the proper and also a really cheap way of doing it.

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backfiah

219 posts

Master Geek

#3075666 12-May-2023 23:37

michaelmurfy:

Why not just buy a Smart Mesh 2 for your Smart Modem 3? One system, works well that way too.

I know this is an extra cost but this is the proper and also a really cheap way of doing it.

Not the OP, but I don't have a SM3. Would the original smart mesh with a SM1 work to extend the guest network across two different APs --- or would there be the same issue as discussed above due to the lack of VLAN trunking?

michaelmurfy

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#3075668 12-May-2023 23:43

Yep the Smart Mesh along with a Smart Modem 1 will work fine too.

The two are not compatible though (so you can't use the Smart Modem 1 along with a Smart Mesh 2, or a Smart Modem 2/3 with a Smart Mesh 1 due to different WiFi standards).

PJ48

295 posts

Ultimate Geek

#3076200 14-May-2023 21:33

backfiah:

michaelmurfy:

Why not just buy a Smart Mesh 2 for your Smart Modem 3? One system, works well that way too.

I know this is an extra cost but this is the proper and also a really cheap way of doing it.

Not the OP, but I don't have a SM3. Would the original smart mesh with a SM1 work to extend the guest network across two different APs --- or would there be the same issue as discussed above due to the lack of VLAN trunking?

My understanding is that neither Smart Mesh product (1 or 2) will extend the guest network unfortunately.

michaelmurfy

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#3076212 14-May-2023 23:19

PJ48:

My understanding is that neither Smart Mesh product (1 or 2) will extend the guest network unfortunately.

Seems like you're right: https://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=66&topicid=296050&page_no=2#3059476 - I have a smart mesh here to install at my parents and have yet to do so. Sorry didn't notice this is an older thread until now.

For your use it appears that a third party solution may be better here. Guest functionality however is normally reserved for internet only and is basic at best on consumer grade routers.

Bung

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#3076214 15-May-2023 00:05

If guest network can be done using Deco APs is the limitation what wifi details the Smart unit sends to the mesh units? Is there any way of manually programming the guest details into the mesh units?