Xfinity app for router configuration is a terrible idea

[Llethander]

I just recently upgraded from the legacy Internet 300 plan to the newer Xfinity 1G plan which, in order to facilitate the increased upload/download speeds, came with new router hardware.

I want to say that whomever it was that decided a phone app should be the ONLY way to configure router settings clearly doesn't understand the meaning of the word "convenience."

I have been cursing the decision to upgrade for the past two days as a result of this bare bones, barely functional phone app being used to configure everything from port forwarding to band steering with many of the features being inconveniently hidden away in different parts of the app.

It was so bad that I had to chat in so that I could even figure out where the band steering settings were located. I could find everything I needed in browser but, for some unexplained reason, everything is greyed out and, according to the rep I ended up getting, the phone app is intended as the only way to make changes.

In fact, he went so far as to question my intelligence by stating that the browser doesn't even have the ability to make changes to these functions. Well, Mr. Rep, I would like to suggest you educate yourself as the browser clearly does have access to all of the relevant settings for band switching and band customization, they're just greyed out because someone at home base decided that users shouldn't be allowed to manage their network the tried-and-true old fashioned way.

And to touch on the message at the top, not all users are brain-dead Luddites. Some of us know how to manage our network configuration and would much prefer to be able to select the settings that we want as opposed to Daddy Shaw - though I guess it's Grandpa Rogers, now - thinking they know what's best for us.

Setting up port forwarding was one of the worst experiences I've had with network setup ever. Having to use a 6.7 inch display that's reduced to about 4 inches due to the on-screen keyboard in order to set up port forwarding for 8+ port groups is terrible. Even better, we've regressed in organizational settings by removing the ability to name our port forwards.

So in conclusion, consider this rant to be my feedback regarding the bizarre and entirely unwelcome decision to force the use of a phone app for the configuration of computer network settings. Woe unto ye who happens to belong to the "I don't want a smartphone" camp because ye shall be entirely unable to configure your home network.

*Added Labels*

[Biollw]

Only advice is bridge the rogers modem and use your own router. Much better control since you are tech savy.

[Llethander]

Which is absolutely ridiculous considering the fact that the settings are clearly available in-browser, simply disabled by Rogers/Shaw. This wasn't an issue on my previous Hitron hardware so the fact that the XB8 is so locked down in comparison is absurd.

While going out and buying additional hardware is certainly an option, the simpler option would be for our ISP overlord to disable whatever setting lock they've imposed on the hardware.

[-G- · Accepted solution]

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@Llethander wrote:

Which is absolutely ridiculous considering the fact that the settings are clearly available in-browser, simply disabled by Rogers/Shaw. This wasn't an issue on my previous Hitron hardware so the fact that the XB8 is so locked down in comparison is absurd.

While going out and buying additional hardware is certainly an option, the simpler option would be for our ISP overlord to disable whatever setting lock they've imposed on the hardware.

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Once upon a time, we used to have full control over our Wi-Fi settings.  This started to change when Rogers started offering Wi-Fi Pods; those without Pods could still control their Wi-Fi settings but those with could not.  Then came the day when Wi-Fi settings got locked out for everybody.

For what it is worth, this is primarily Comcast's doing: https://www.xfinity.com/support/articles/change-wifi-channel-xfinity-xfi

xFi Gateway (XB6 and higher): Most of these Gateways have been upgraded with software that manages advanced WiFi settings automatically to help optimize your home network and provide the best performance possible.

Comcast was following eero's lead, trying to make management and configuration as simple as possible... and presumably to cut down on calls to Tech Support for Wi-Fi issues  For the most part, "Auto" mode actually normally works pretty well.  At my parents' and sister's houses, the Gateway's Wi-Fi channel selection is optimal, and it's rare for me to get calls to fix network problems.  The problem is when Auto mode does something stupid and there is no way to override it.  My XB8 once insisted on auto-selecting 5GHz channels in the DFS band, which the gateway even warned you against doing when we manual control over Wi-Fi channels.  I made a plea, to everyone I could, to regain manual control over my Gateway's Wi-Fi settings... especially since I had that ability for years... but Rogers would not budge.

As for forcing everyone to use the mobile app, we used to be able to configure the Gateway using a web portal as well... but Comcast shut that down a few years ago: https://communityforums.rogers.com/t5/Internet/Discontinuation-of-Ignite-WiFi-Hub-Website/td-p/49190...

If you want (or need) to have full control over your network, or if you need to use a feature on the Gateway that is only partially working or totally broken, your best bet is to run on your own network gear with the Xfinity Gateway in Bridge Mode.

[Llethander]

Yeah, it's just frustrating having to spend another $200-300 on a router when I have a perfectly good modem/router combination because the provider of the hardware has decided to arbitrarily restrict settings and impose a badly implemented app with watered down settings. Like... as far as I can tell we can't even manually select which channels to use for the different wifi bands which, depending on where you are, is basic QoL functionality or, if it is possible, I can't seem to find it anywhere in the app settings BUT I can clearly see it in-browser, I just can't touch it because it's locked out.

In all honesty I was just frustrated when I wrote the OP and felt the need to vent my frustration a bit.

[-G-]

One other thing: When you perform a factory reset, you will have a few seconds where you can make changes to your Wi-Fi settings before Rogers' back-end systems take control.  Those manual settings may or may not stick but it is worth a try if Auto mode makes goofy channel choices after a reboot and does not switch to an optimal channel after a period of time.

[BH-TW]

The Rogers Xfinity App has gotten even worse for me. When my signal came via Coax, while I had to use the app before it updated to XFinity, I could access all the settings in the App. Now that Rogers has pulled Fibre to my place and updated the App to XFinity, I can't access half of the settings in the App including Port Forwarding (I get "Something went wrong, please try again later"). I can't even test the speed of my Gateway (I get "Something went wrong. Gateway speed test isn't available right now. Try again in one minute"). The App is a failure and Rogers'/Comcast's failure to give us the option to change our settings in a browser is a bigger failure.

Unfortunately, I'm in a 4 building condo complex that has a Rogers contract. Except for the frustration of the App, everything else is fine. But there is no recourse and no option to change providers. I just hope that, if I have to factory reset my current modem or have to get a new modem, that the App will be fixed by then or we regain browser control. Highly unlikely either will happen, but hope springs eternal.

[Datalink]

@BH-TW you can replace the modem with your own router although that is not a Rogers supported configuration.  Many customers have done the very reason that you're complaining about, control over their own network.  Installing your own router restores that network control to the customer. 

Are you also using Ignite TV, or just internet services?  

[BH-TW]

Full package, Ignite Internet, TV and Home Phone on a Bulk (MDU) Account. I lose any technical support if I bridge to my own modem. Plus, I don't see why I need to spend the money for a modem when I already have a perfectly functional modem because Rogers/Comcast doesnt want to fix their broken Mobile App. While I woul like the ability to make all changes in a browser, if the App actually worked, I could/would use that.