An odd question for the tech folks out there

[Fat Elvis]

Bear with me on this rather strange question, but: Can you set up wifi without connecting to the internet so that devices can "communicate" with each other in a household if there is no current internet access? For example, if you use a wifi router, can a wifi enabled phone communicate with a wifi enabled TV?

Thanks

[Jewish Rabbi]

Yes.

[Mephistopheles Janx]

Originally Posted by Fat Elvis

Bear with me on this rather strange question, but: Can you set up wifi without connecting to the internet so that devices can "communicate" with each other in a household if there is no current internet access? For example, if you use a wifi router, can a wifi enabled phone communicate with a wifi enabled TV?

Thanks

Absolutely... you are simply creating an internal network. From there you can share data (folders or entire drives) between any computer connected to that network.

[Mecca]

Yes you can do that, it's basically a home network that the devices share their info with each other on.

[TribalElder]

problem is most of the technology now is super shitty and will require internet access to actually function so although you can network them together they might not be able to work as you are intending, just be aware of that shitty limitation

[htismaqe]

Originally Posted by TribalElder

problem is most of the technology now is super shitty and will require internet access to actually function so although you can network them together they might not be able to work as you are intending, just be aware of that shitty limitation

This. The days of standalone secure routers are largely past. Most of the new wiz bang routers use “cloud technology” and require internet connectivity just to set them up.

Probably best to go back a couple generations and get an AC1200 or something without “cloud”.

[ptlyon]

Better question. Where's the picture of your wife?

[Fat Elvis]

Originally Posted by TribalElder

problem is most of the technology now is super shitty and will require internet access to actually function so although you can network them together they might not be able to work as you are intending, just be aware of that shitty limitation

Originally Posted by htismaqe

This. The days of standalone secure routers are largely past. Most of the new wiz bang routers use “cloud technology” and require internet connectivity just to set them up.

Probably best to go back a couple generations and get an AC1200 or something without “cloud”.

I really appreciate everyone's feedback. We're trying to solve a problem for people with disabilities that don't have internet access or connectivity. It looks like the most affordable solution is using a smartphone, but for some folks, the display may be too small so we were wanting to mirror it on a TV if at all possible. TVs (and phones) these days require wifi access to mirror what is on a smart phone screen rather than using a cable. I just wanted to make sure that we could use a (cheap) wifi router to allow the two devices to communicate with each other and mirror the image on the phone to the TV.

[displacedinMN]

Originally Posted by htismaqe

This. The days of standalone secure routers are largely past. Most of the new wiz bang routers use “cloud technology” and require internet connectivity just to set them up.



Probably best to go back a couple generations and get an AC1200 or something without “cloud”.

I may have an ac1200 here. I will check tomorrow

[BWillie]

Anyone have advice for a quality used router for no more than $100? Im currently renting one for 4.99 a month from Spectrum. Im new to Spectrum and am basically trying them out to use with my Skytrak golf simulator.

The issue with Spectrum is their router is meant to be idiot-proof and it allegedly broadcasts a 2.4 Ghz and 5ghz simultaneously. When you look to connect to the router it will show only one wifi connection and there is no way to create a guest network per Spectrum. My Skytrak can ONLY connect via 2.4ghz and it will NOT find the Spectrum connection only my slow ATT one. The golf simulator works terribly with my slow ATT connection so Ive been using my cell phone hotspot but I run out of data.

So Im looking to buy a router to set up a 2.4 ghz connection then return the Spectrum rented one.

[Fish]

Used router?

Not familiar with Spectrum's equipment, but generally all routers offer the ability to turn off either the 2.4 or 5 band, or give them separate names. You likely just need to log into your existing router and change it.

That said, I'm kinda confused on WTF you're talking about with your setup. What's your "Slow ATT one?" Do you have 2 ISPs?

Also, if your golf simulator is having issue with your Spectrum's 2.4Ghz band, then a different router's 2.4Ghz band likely isn't going to change anything much. Is your golf simulator incapable of connecting to 5Ghz band? Do you have the option of running an ethernet cable to it?

If all you're wanting is a router capable of 2.4, then you can find a bunch of new ones for well under $50. You don't need to pay $100 for a 2.4Ghz router.

[BWillie]

Originally Posted by Fish

Used router?

Not familiar with Spectrum's equipment, but generally all routers offer the ability to turn off either the 2.4 or 5 band, or give them separate names. You likely just need to log into your existing router and change it.

That said, I'm kinda confused on WTF you're talking about with your setup. What's your "Slow ATT one?" Do you have 2 ISPs?

Also, if your golf simulator is having issue with your Spectrum's 2.4Ghz band, then a different router's 2.4Ghz band likely isn't going to change anything much. Is your golf simulator incapable of connecting to 5Ghz band? Do you have the option of running an ethernet cable to it?

If all you're wanting is a router capable of 2.4, then you can find a bunch of new ones for well under $50. You don't need to pay $100 for a 2.4Ghz router.

You cannot give each separate names. Spectrum has even indicated this to me three different times and its a somewhat common issue with customers having issues wirh 2.4ghz only devices. You can log onto the router and I have but I can only change the name of the wifi and password.

I do have two ISPs right now. Im going to eventually cancel ATT and go to Spectrum due to value, speed and latency. The ATT is only 25mbps while I can get 400 mbps and much better latency using Spectrum.

My golf simulator cannot connect to 5.0 ghz. I cannot connect it via ethernet. I have been able to get it to connect to other 2.4ghz networks no problem but the Spectrum wifi doesn't even show up on the Golf Simulator. It shows up on every single device I have.

I mentioned used because I want to get a good one and a used one of higher value. Since I also play online poker reliability and latency are important.

[htismaqe]

Originally Posted by BWillie

You cannot give each separate names. Spectrum has even indicated this to me three different times and its a somewhat common issue with customers having issues wirh 2.4ghz only devices. You can log onto the router and I have but I can only change the name of the wifi and password.

I do have two ISPs right now. Im going to eventually cancel ATT and go to Spectrum due to value, speed and latency. The ATT is only 25mbps while I can get 400 mbps and much better latency using Spectrum.

My golf simulator cannot connect to 5.0 ghz. I cannot connect it via ethernet. I have been able to get it to connect to other 2.4ghz networks no problem but the Spectrum wifi doesn't even show up on the Golf Simulator. It shows up on every single device I have.

I mentioned used because I want to get a good one and a used one of higher value. Since I also play online poker reliability and latency are important.

Spectrum is selling you bullshit.

They've somehow setup their gear to only allow you to set a single SSID for both bands.

Pretty much every consumer router allows you to set both bands to the same SSID or to two different ones.

Not sure why you'd be having issues with 2.4Ghz devices just because you have the same SSID on both bands though. Highly unlikely that's the cause, just so you know.

As buying a router, there's great routers out there that are dual band for under $50 brand new. Not sure why you'd buy a used one.

[Fish]

Spectrum is likely bullshitting you. Regardless... Drive to Micro Center, and get this: https://www.microcenter.com/product/...rental-control

[Buehler445]

Typically routers aren’t the problem. However I did have a router that was only 2.4 and if I used Bluetooth it nuked it. If I were you I’d just go to staples or whatever and get a Dual band router.

If you’re worried about latency I’d just hardwire when you play poker.

Hell if you want I’ve got one new in the box I’d send you that is dual band.