-- why do I need to manually adjust the frequency the mod...

[mdk]

@Bluecurvebites -- why do I need to manually adjust the frequency the modem is transmitting on to add a smart plug? If this modem is supposedly advanced ...

It could be because the Smart Plug is not as "advanced" as the BlueCurve, and does not "play nice" with the BlueCurve.  Separating the BlueCurve's WiFi into two SSIDs (one for 2.4 Ghz devices, and one for 5 Ghz devices) is the bypass that works.

[BrentG]

by ROUTER do you mean GATEWAY? The method described above for the wifi IS the way to reset the gateway (or as you call it, the rOuTeR). 

[mdk]

@BrentG  wrote by ROUTER do you mean GATEWAY? 

The Shaw cable-modem boxes (Hitron, XB6, XB7, XB8) are both:

• a router, to provide Ethernet & WiFi access to the Internet, through the one coaxial-cable between the device and your wall-outlet. Routers typically block unsolicited incoming Internet traffic (from hackers).
• a gateway, to "bridge" between your WiFi-using devices and Shaw Internet. Bridges typical do NOT block any Internet traffic.

QED