Although Wi-Fi networks may look the same, there are actually many different types of Wi-Fi networks. We will go through the most common types and which ones are compatible with the Toniebox.
Compatible Wi-Fi networks:
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2.4GHz Wi-Fi networks
- 2.4GHz Wi-Fi Networks are the most common and widely available Wi-Fi network today. This is the same type of network that many other devices use to connect, like computers, smartphones, smart TVs, and more.
- Most home Wi-Fi configurations use 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, although some may also have a 5GHz Wi-Fi option. Typically, if your Wi-Fi has both 2.4GHz and 5GHz connections available, you will see them listed separately with different names, like 'MyNetwork 2.4' and 'MyNetwork 5'. However, many newer routers combine the 2.4GHz and 5GHz connections together under one name, allowing each individual device to automatically choose which connection works best for it. The Toniebox is typically able to correctly choose the compatible 2.4GHz option, although it can occasionally run into trouble with combined networks like this. If possible, the best option would be to take a look at your router's settings and separate the connections so you can be sure you are connecting to the 2.4GHz option.
- 2.4GHz Wi-Fi Networks are the most common and widely available Wi-Fi network today. This is the same type of network that many other devices use to connect, like computers, smartphones, smart TVs, and more.
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Mobile Hotspots
- Most mobile hotspots are compatible with the Toniebox, since they use a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connection. For steps on how to activate a mobile hotspot, check out our support article here: How do I activate a mobile hotspot?
- If you are using a mobile hotspot to connect your Toniebox, it's important to note that you will need two devices: one to provide the hotspot and another to walk through the setup process. You cannot provide the hotspot and go through the setup process on the same device at the same time.
- Most mobile hotspots are compatible with the Toniebox, since they use a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi connection. For steps on how to activate a mobile hotspot, check out our support article here: How do I activate a mobile hotspot?
Incompatible Wi-Fi networks:
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5GHz Wi-Fi networks
- 5GHz Wi-Fi networks are a newer type of Wi-Fi connection similar to 2.4GHz. These networks typically allow for faster speeds, but at a reduced range. The Toniebox is currently unable to connect to 5GHz networks. However, 5GHz networks are usually paired with a 2.4GHz network, although some newer routers only offer a 5GHz connection. If you only see one network name, take a look at your router's settings to see if you are able to separate the 2.4GHz and 5GHz connections, so you can be sure you are connecting to the 2.4GHz option.
- 5GHz Wi-Fi networks are a newer type of Wi-Fi connection similar to 2.4GHz. These networks typically allow for faster speeds, but at a reduced range. The Toniebox is currently unable to connect to 5GHz networks. However, 5GHz networks are usually paired with a 2.4GHz network, although some newer routers only offer a 5GHz connection. If you only see one network name, take a look at your router's settings to see if you are able to separate the 2.4GHz and 5GHz connections, so you can be sure you are connecting to the 2.4GHz option.
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Open Wi-Fi networks
- Open Wi-Fi networks are networks that do not require a password to connect. The Toniebox requires a password to establish a Wi-Fi connection, causing it to be unable to connect to Open Wi-Fi networks.
- Open Wi-Fi networks are networks that do not require a password to connect. The Toniebox requires a password to establish a Wi-Fi connection, causing it to be unable to connect to Open Wi-Fi networks.
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Wi-Fi networks that utilize Captive Portals
- Many public Wi-Fi networks, like those found in coffee shops, schools, libraries, etc., utilize a captive portal. A captive portal is a web page that appears when you try to connect to the Wi-Fi network, typically asking you to accept terms of service or enter a specified password. The Toniebox is unable to accept these permissions, causing it to be unable to connect to these types of Wi-Fi networks.
If you only have access to one of these types of Wi-Fi networks, don't worry! The easiest way to get connected is to utilize a mobile hotspot on your smartphone. For steps on how to activate a mobile hotspot, take a look at our other support article here: How do I activate a mobile hotspot?
If you have any questions about compatible Wi-Fi networks or run into any trouble, send us a message and help will be on the way!