(yet) Another Dongle question

So everything was comissioned and working ok. Although I couldn't see anything on the app - it said I couldn't connect for some reason on "home" network.

Anyway, new wifi router was installed after the last one died - and I've followed the guide here:

https://kb.givenergy.cloud/article.php?id=1&oid=1

And all the settings seem ok. but the dongly keeps flashing (over an hour now - no change).

Also the wifi to the dongle only stays alive for about 10s at a time which makes it a pain to configure since it's not seen as a secure or internet connection.

Anyway, does anyone have any ideas? It's connected on channel 7 on 2.4GHz network.... I'm out of ideas!

Check out this thread, especially the last post. Not sure it is the same issue, but worth a look.

https://community.givenergy.cloud/d/49-mesh-wifi-and-dongle

Well it seems it doesn't like advanced networks. I rigged up an old access point off my network and lo and behold it connects.. So for those interested, I've set up a vlan to isloate it from the rest of the network on it's own wifi - it's now connected and updating the dashboards... a bit of a pain in the arse to have to do it that way - but hey ho it is what it is!

TX200 thanks - yes it does seem to be related. I seem to have sorted it. It's a shame that something this basic requires a more convoluted solution!

Think the newer ones have Ethernet connection instead.

wmr1980 When you say advanced networks, what do you mean? I only ask, because my network is fully managed and I've had no issues - other than the app needing the inverter IP manually adding.
The only thing I have on a separate vlan are the VOIP phones - though I have considered making some changes when I get time, to separate out the IOT devices onto their own VLAN - a job for when I have some time. Christmas is probably the next time I might have some available!

anglefire thanks for the reply! that's what I've done, separated devices on their own vlan. I have unifi APs at home but the guest network is on a restricted vlan so it only has internet access, and no access to files and computers etc... However I also run a fairly aggressive DNS filter but I ruled that out by disabling it. I had initially connected the dongle to the guest network and I was trying to access it on my private network which of course was causing issues.

I've created another vlan on a single AP just for the dongle as I don't currently have the time to try and make it work on the guest network, but I'm sure I can do it with a bit of tweaking, but it's working fine now, but I do think it's something to do with the handover standard for mesh networks that's causing issues potentially?

Anyway it's my fault for trying to be too smart with tech! 😅

TX200 the dongle or the inverter? Hopefully we'll be able to retrofit them as I have a couple of Lan sockets spare that would love a bit of solar PV data!👍

wmr1980 newer inverter.

wmr1980 Ah, ok - I too use UniFi with 3 managed switches and 2 AP's - Currently flat apart from the VOIP system. I'm also double natted which is not ideal, but as the broadband comes in on its own router with a load of settings and I've not bothered to try and transfer to the USG! I have just put the main router in a DMZ and that seems to work - I also have a fixed internet IP and also a reverse proxy to get to HA via a secure link from anywhere as well as a VPN to allow access to anything I want at home.
I've not tried it, but the GE app should also work as if at home when on VPN.

After three weeks and with no help or advice forthcoming I have now 1/2 resolved my same dongle connection issue in that I have managed to connect my i pad to the dongle so it will display 'Home' data. My i pad showed the dongle as strong signal and 'Unsecure Network' so therefore the i pad did not require the password. HOWEVER accessing through settings and 'Dongle Setup' it did require the password. Once I put that in, it connected. I tried the same process on my wifes i pad (which has a newer software version) and could not get past a loop of 'Cannot connect' 'Join' 'Connect on the i pad to the dongle' then back to the start again. I have pulled this tooth with pliers, thanks to no help from Giv energy support, feedback, community or from my installer who simply said, "It works for us" !!

airtwisstem The wifi dongle as an AP doesn't require a password as standard from memory - but to change settings does.
Once in the config menu, you should then be able to connect to the house WiFi - but it only supports 2.4Ghz and not 5Ghz - so make sure your WiFi AP supports it - if necessary turn off the 5Ghz channel temporarily.

airtwisstem not sure what your issue was, as didn't see a post about it in this thread.

Here is the connection guide for the Dongle:
https://kb.givenergy.cloud/article.php?id=1&oid=1

Once you have set up the WiFi dongle correctly I am not sure why you would need to connect to the Dongle again?

If you are looking to connect to the system to review performance data or make changes you would need to use either:

1. the App (Android or Mac version) or
2. the desktop version which is connected to through a web browser.
   The desktop app can be accessed by typing the following into the top bar of your browser:
   https://www.givenergy.cloud/login
   Enter your details as required.

IF you need to setup your Dongle again in the future, lets say you changed your Router for some reason, then it's likely that that the password to access your house WiFi would be different.

Then you would have two options:

1. Manually change your Router SSID Password to the same as the previous router
2. Reset your GE WiFi Dongle see the Guide on where/how to do this and go through the setup process again. This time when prompted you would enter your NEW ROUTER SSID Password.

Hope that answers what I think you were trying to understand??