Why Why Why 🤷♂️
Posted by TechieJay23@reddit | talesfromtechsupport | View on Reddit | 46 comments
I’m sure you all know how annoying IoT devices can be… especially when users want literally everything on the network.
So today I had a ticket for a SugarPixel device that needed to go on our IoT network. MAC address whitelisted, all the usual stuff. Turns out the IoT SSID wasn’t even broadcasting at that particular school, easy fix.
Now here’s where the fun starts. This device only works on 2.4 GHz, not 5 GHz. I hop into Airwave, check the IoT network, see the SugarPixel listed, and sure enough, it’s showing as connected to 2.4. The app also shows it’s on our IoT network.
But the device itself? Big bold message saying “Check WiFi.” 🤦♂️ Look up the specs and apparently that message means it’s on the 5 GHz band. Like… bro, what? 😂
Rebooted the device, uninstalled/reinstalled the app, same exact issue. Smh, IoT devices man… they make zero sense sometimes. 🤷♂️🤣 I’m starting to think it’s the device itself, maybe the NIC card is just cooked or something.
DiodeInc@reddit
Why does an insulin monitor need to be connected to Wi-Fi? Security risk, if you ask me
NotYetReadyToRetire@reddit
Because when it's connected to wi-fi, my wife's can be set up on Sugarmate.io, and I can watch it as well; she's bad about tracking it but I've got it showing as the title on the tab - so I know that right now it's time to yell at her because it's up to 179 and rising.
DiodeInc@reddit
Uh oh. Do Bluetooth or something, not wifi, though. Security u
Mdayofearth@reddit
Bluetooth is not secure, has low bitrate, and shit for range.
blind_ninja_guy@reddit
Bluetooth is a simple protocol for transmitting radio data at close ranges. It can be as secure as your implementation. You can choose to use top of the line encryption if you choose to. Most people don't however, but it can absolutely be done.
DiodeInc@reddit
Yeah we're not streaming video here my man
RogueThneed@reddit
Is bluetooth secure? I don't remember ever using a password and other people's stuff shows up during the device scan all the time.
DiodeInc@reddit
You can encrypt it, I think. It's not on by default.
RogueThneed@reddit
tyvm
Stryker_One@reddit
See Law & Order S03E19.
ManWhoIsDrunk@reddit
Needs to update parents with status, i guess
DiodeInc@reddit
Do it through Bluetooth and an app then
ManWhoIsDrunk@reddit
Not all schools allow students to have phones.
But i agree, medical devices have no business on wifi.
TechieJay23@reddit (OP)
Agreed 👍. Especially on District Network
DiodeInc@reddit
Then make an exception. Or use a crappy spare phone.
TechieJay23@reddit (OP)
Your guess is as good as mine.. we just try our best to accommodate
JaapieTech@reddit
I have a device that does this - had to hide the 5Ghz network so it could only see the 2.4, once connected I brought the 5 back and it's been fine since. Dumb
syntaxerror53@reddit
Sometimes it has to be forced to use one of them only. Otherwise it'll try to be clever and use what it thinks is best. Had this with WiFi in Windows.
Optimal-Condition803@reddit
That's because they use the 2.4Ghz for your local traffic, and the 5Ghz to send all your confidential data to China...
TechieJay23@reddit (OP)
🤣🤣
BrainWav@reddit
I had that issue with my 3DS, I had to split my 5 and 2.4Ghz SSIDs.
Positive_Hippo_@reddit
This is pretty standard for baby monitors etc. I don't get why (I'm not a tech support person) but it's so so annoying.
AshleyJSheridan@reddit
IoT devices seem to be largely powered by code that was written by blind monkeys copying random snippets from Stack Overflow.
They're some of the jankiest, most insecure pieces of crap to ever exist.
syntaxerror53@reddit
Could have been AI.
MixtureOdd5403@reddit
My smart home devices had to be configured on 2.4Ghz. Afterwards they worked fine on 5GHz. I don't understand the logic of this.
TechieJay23@reddit (OP)
This particular device only works on 2.4 ghz. Specs says so. Literally will let you know you are on the 5ghz lol
tuxcomputers@reddit
IoT developers are morons and that is why they are a security nightmare.
SanityInAnarchy@reddit
The 'S' in 'IoT' stands for Security.
FalconDriver85@reddit
The ‘S’ in IoT stands for ‘secure’.
Oh wait…
TechieJay23@reddit (OP)
🤣😂 hilarious
cjbarone@reddit
The "S" in "IoT" stands for Security
pacmanic@reddit
Just like the “P” in “Windows” stands for Privacy
K-o-R@reddit
It's right there in the centre... but it's done a complete 180.
desertdilbert@reddit
I'm stealing that!
cjbarone@reddit
Go for it - that's what I did
Dark54g@reddit
Agh. I feel for you man. My damn vacuum does this everytime our internet connection drops.
JVApen@reddit
I have a device that has connection issues if the 2.4GHz network has the same name as the 5.0 one. I now have 2 SSID
asmcint@reddit
A lot of Arlo cameras are like this, even the newer ones. They can only function on 2.4GHz, and flatly reject dual-band networks for no reason whatsoever. Because heaven forbid this new device support technology that's been mainstream for easily a decade.
ferrybig@reddit
Some access points that have both 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz turned on say to 2.4Ghz that are close by ask that they prefer a connecion to the 5Ghz network instead.
The software in the crappy device then aborts the 2.4GHz connection, and tries to connect to the 5Ghz network, which then gives an error from the wifi module that it does not work with 5Ghz.
This is a mistake in the IOT device that the software thinks it is 5Ghz compatible but the hardware does not support it
TechieJay23@reddit (OP)
Gotcha. Thats more that likely what's happening here. Im like. I know everything is setup properly. Definitely a head scratcher
TechieJay23@reddit (OP)
Ahh good call! I actually didn’t even think about hiding the 5 GHz temporarily That’s a smart move.
Definitely gonna try that tomorrow. Seeing how I need to get back to that school
Appreciate the tip! 🙌
Shinhan@reddit
Cheeky OP, you were actually sneakily asking for help from us :D
TechieJay23@reddit (OP)
Welll. Lol yes and no 🤷♂️😂. Most was to express my dislike for IoT devices but any tips are helpful. Much appreciated
Always learning in this field for sure
THEYoungDuh@reddit
I can only speak as a home user for IoT networking, but I only allow the IoT network to run on 2.4, IoT devices don't need the speed for the most part and suck anyway so they are relegated to the slow network
TechieJay23@reddit (OP)
You would think it would give you that option in the app to choose between 2.4 or 5 🤷♂️🤣
AcceptablyThanks@reddit
I've just hidden my 5ghz so that anything that has to be 2.4 will only see 2.4 lol