Compatibility And Aladdin Connect® Technology

Published on: May 21, 2018

We are living in the age of technology. Every day new products launch that make the current products seem obsolete, clunky, and out-of-date. Our phones are more than phones, housing more computing power than some computers of just a few years ago. Our televisions include the capability to network with our online account profiles, pulling in data from social media platforms, news outlets, and online shopping sites simply based on our browsing preferences. Nearly every device and appliance in your home can be connected to the network, allowing you to monitor the temperature of your refrigerator from an app on your phone while making a grocery list to share with your spouse who is at work. We strive to make our homes as “smart” as possible, loading our home networks with the innumerous IP addresses of each of the devices that power our home’s systems. Our desire to add more and more devices onto our network has created a network overcrowding issue that until recently was not easily fixed. Enter the dual-band router with capabilities for multi-channel device management, and the problem is solved!

 

Our wireless devices operate on an information pathway that is not dissimilar to telephone lines, which can only manage a certain level of data transfer before they reach a “choke point.” Once this level of usage is met, the data flow can only travel at a reduced level, limiting the functionality of that particular venue. Wireless devices operate on airway “channels,” and the common 2.4GHz band has 11 channels, three of which are non-overlapping channels from which to choose. This means that all of the devices connected to a single-band router operating on 2.4GHz have to move all of their data on these three separate channels. With only three channels, there is more interference between devices, which can lead to lower data speeds and more lag time.

Dual-band routers have two bands to choose from, 2.4GHz and 5.0GHz. The 5.0GHz band includes 23 non-overlapping channels, providing much less interference and more data capability for devices that operate on this band. The 5.0GHz band is best for high-speed streaming, such as gaming or watching TV or videos online. A dual-band router allows a homeowner to connect some basic devices that don’t send a great deal of data (such as home appliances and mobile phones) on the 2.4GHz band, while other devices used for online gaming, video streaming, and other activities that are sensitive to packet loss and data delay can be connected to the 5.0GHz band.

 

Aladdin Connect is compatible with a dual router setup; however, it only operates on the 2.4GHz band. The type of data that Aladdin Connect sends on the network is relatively simple and able to operate appropriately on the 2.4GHz band. Dual-band routers typically can be set up relatively easily, allowing the user to select each of the two bands for certain devices (depending on device type), just as they would choose a new wireless network. More information about connecting your Aladdin Connect Technology to your router is available here.

 

Your Wi-Fi router must be 802.11 b/g/n, 2.4GHz with WPA2 or WPA Security. To be compatible with Aladdin Connect, your router cannot use WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy) security. The WEP standard was introduced in 1999 and retired in 2004. WPA encryption was introduced in 2003 to address the security issues related to WEP. The latest standard is WPA2. If you are still using WEP, we highly recommend that you upgrade your router to have the latest in modern security. Aladdin Connect does work with both WPA and WPA2.

Even if your router is compatible and provides the correct type of security for Aladdin Connect, the signal strength is extremely important for full functionality. You are probably wondering “How close does my router have to be?” And the answer is…it depends. The type and quality of your Wi-Fi router, construction of your home, number of walls that the signal must pass through, and other variables will determine the required proximity to your router. You should test the strength of your Wi-Fi signal before installing a Genie® garage door opener with Aladdin Connect Technology. A good method for testing is to take your smart device to the garage and see what kind of signal you are picking up from your router. There are also free apps that help detect your signal strength. If the signal is weak, you can relocate your router closer to the garage, or purchase a Wi-Fi extender at your local electronics store or online. The extender needs to meet the same specifications as the router.

 

• Mobile Devices - The Aladdin Connect system is compatible with a number of different mobile devices, including Apple iPhones with iOS 13 and higher and Android phones with versions 10 or higher. Unfortunately, Blackberry devices and Windows phones are not currently supported. 

• Smart Home Partners – Aladdin Connect is compatible with many smart home partners such as Alexa and Google Assistant.  Learn more about our smart home partners here.

• Adding Aladdin Connect to Existing Openers - The Aladdin Connect Retrofit Kit can be added to most garage door openers manufactured since 1993.  The Retrofit Kit will make your garage door opener "smart!"  Learn more here.

For more information on Aladdin Connect Technology, visit our website or contact us today.