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Router or fibre swap in Stellenbosch rentals: keep laptops & smart devices online

Changing ISP or router in Stellenbosch? Follow this checklist to keep laptops, Wi-Fi, and smart-home devices online with no downtime.

· Digissential Team · 2 min read

router setupstellenboschfibrewifi not workingisp change

TL;DR: When swapping routers or fibre ISPs in Stellenbosch, re-use your SSID/password, check ISP settings, and reconnect 2.4 GHz smart devices. If problems persist, Digissential gets you back online fast.

Why router & fibre swaps cause headaches

In Stellenbosch rentals, fibre lines often change hands when tenants move or ISPs switch. Common issues:

  • Laptops refuse to connect after a router swap.
  • Smart bulbs, cameras, and printers won’t rejoin the network.
  • New router defaults to a different SSID and password.
  • ISPs use different settings (DHCP vs PPPoE), breaking connectivity.

Without prep, downtime can last hours.

Checklist before & after swapping routers

  1. Label your current network
    Write down your SSID (Wi-Fi name) and password.

  2. Re-use or update credentials

    • Re-use old SSID/password = most smart devices reconnect automatically.
    • New SSID/password = more secure but means rejoining every device manually.

  3. Confirm ISP settings

    • Stellenbosch ISPs mostly use DHCP.
    • Some require PPPoE logins — check your contract or ask support.

  4. Test laptops & phones first
    Run a speed test to confirm fibre is active.

  5. Re-join smart-home devices
    Many IoT devices only connect to 2.4 GHz. Make sure your router broadcasts both 2.4 and 5 GHz.

  6. Call in help if needed
    If devices still won’t connect, Digissential offers on-site and remote troubleshooting.

Do-nots

  • Don’t reset your router to factory defaults unless you have ISP credentials handy.
  • Don’t assume all smart devices support 5 GHz. Many only work on 2.4 GHz.
  • Don’t share your new Wi-Fi password over insecure channels (WhatsApp groups, etc.).

When to call Digissential

  • ISP confirms fibre is active but your router won’t connect.
  • Smart-home devices won’t rejoin even after re-using old SSID/password.
  • You need a mesh Wi-Fi setup for bigger student digs or SME offices.

Book help in minutes

FAQs

Q: Why does Wi-Fi break after changing my router?
A: Smart devices are locked to your old SSID/password. If the new router uses different settings, they won’t reconnect automatically.

Q: Should I re-use my old Wi-Fi name and password?
A: Yes — if you want smart-home devices to reconnect automatically. But a new SSID/password may improve security.

Q: Do I need special settings for fibre in Stellenbosch?
A: Most ISPs use DHCP (auto), but some require PPPoE logins. Check your ISP’s guide or let Digissential configure it.

Q: What if only my smart devices won’t connect?
A: Many IoT devices only work on 2.4 GHz. Make sure your router broadcasts both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.

Q: Can Digissential help remotely?
A: Yes. We guide ISP setup, router config, and Wi-Fi optimisation via Remote Support.

Compliance & trust:

External references:

Updated on 2025-09-05.