The Internet of Things (IoT)

IoT refers to all the devices in your home that are connected through your wireless internet. From cellphones to TVs to refrigerators, if it’s got wireless capability it’s considered an IoT.

Most devices will run on 5Ghz, but occasionally you’ll need a 2.4Ghz to connect certain devices.

Q: What is the difference between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz wireless frequencies?

The primary differences between the 2.4 GHz and 5GHz wireless frequencies are range and bandwidth.

5GHz

5GHz provides faster data rates at a shorter distance, whereas 2.4GHz offers coverage for farther distances, but may perform at slower speeds.

2.4 GHz

The 2.4 GHz has a farther range than the 5 GHz frequency as the higher frequency signals cannot penetrate solid objects like walls and floors as well as lower frequency signals.

Many devices only use the 2.4 GHz frequency, and these devices are all attempting to use the same “radio space” which can cause overcrowding of the channels. Interference can cause slower speeds and intermittent connectivity issues.

Q: How do I set up a 2.4 GHz network connection?

Make sure you are using the same device to run both the setup application for the 2.4 GHz device you wish to connect to your network and the Plume Home (3.101 or later) app.
Make sure your mobile phone is connected to your Plume Home network.

- Click on “Devices” at the bottom of your home screen
- In the Plume Home app, find your mobile phone and open its detail screen. It should be identifiable as the phone with the Plume logo.
- NOTE: If you do not see this logo on the phone, it is either not the one running the Plume Home app or it is not connected to the Plume Home network. Call Technical Support for assistance at 843.365.2186.

3. Tap on the “IoT onboarding mode” button. A new screen should pop up explaining the feature.

4. Tap on “Enable”. Your mobile phone will now be kicked off the network and should reconnect to your Plume Home network on 2.4 GHz.

5. The following screen will confirm when your mobile phone reconnects to 2.4GHz. The count-down timer displays how long it will stay connected to 2.4 GHz.

- If your phone does not reconnect to the Plume Home network, ensure it has not connected to another network. If it has, forget that network on your phone.

6. Open the app for the device you are trying to connect and complete the setup for all the devices. You should no longer get the “2.4 GHz networks only” error messages during the process.

7. Once you have completed the setup of the devices, go back to the Plume Home app tap on the “IoT onboarding mode” button again if needed, and then tap on “Disable”. Your phone should reconnect to 5 GHz within a few minutes.