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Best way to add 2.4 gHz ONLY devices to Orbi mesh network?
I have many different devices on my network that can connect only to 2.4gHz. Obviously, with a mesh network, the broadcast frequency is automatically chosen in the background. Because I have such good coverage everywhere in my house now, it is impossible to force these devices on to the slower frequency. This is the case with my security cameras, wireless thermometers, etc. The only solution I seem to find is one that involves changing command lines which seems ridiculous to me. Is there a quick and easy way to turn off 5gHz temporarily to program new devices? I have also tried turning down the 5gHz power as well, with no progress.
What FW is currently loaded?
What is the Mfr and model# of the ISP modem the NG router is connected too?
Is the Orbi system operating in Router or AP mode?
What is the size of your home? Sq Ft?
What is the distance between the router and satellite(s)? 30 feet is recommended in between them to begin with depending upon building materials.What channels are you using? Auto? Try setting manual channel 1, 6 or 11 on 2.4Ghz and any unused channel on 5Ghz.
Try disabling the following and see:
MIMO, Daisy Chain, Fast Roaming, IPv6 and Set 20/40Mhz Coexistence to 40Mhz only. Save settings and reboot the router and satellite(s).If you updated to recent FW v.210, try enabling Daisy Chain. Some have mentioned that this seems to be working in reverse order, enabling means disabled actually.
https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi/Firmware-2-2-1-210-and-connection-problems-Skybell/m-p/1649275/highlight/true#M43001
Advanced Wireless Settings both 2.4GHz and 5GHz changed CTS/RTS Threshold to 2307.
https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi/Orbi-RBR40-RBS40-V2-1-4-16-mesh-network-drops-connection-to/m-p/1601598/highlight/true#M35230
https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi/Have-to-keep-rebooting-my-RBR50/m-p/1658603/highlight/false#M44420
Change the CTR/RTS threshold values for both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz (2341 and 2345 respectively), changed preamble modes to long preamble, and Set 20/40Mhz Coexistence to 40Mhz only.
robsquatch wrote:
I have many different devices on my network that can connect only to 2.4gHz. Obviously, with a mesh network, the broadcast frequency is automatically chosen in the background. Because I have such good coverage everywhere in my house now, it is impossible to force these devices on to the slower frequency. This is the case with my security cameras, wireless thermometers, etc. The only solution I seem to find is one that involves changing command lines which seems ridiculous to me. Is there a quick and easy way to turn off 5gHz temporarily to program new devices? I have also tried turning down the 5gHz power as well, with no progress.
21 Replies
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- I had the same problem when trying to connect my ring doorbell and Anova Sous Vide. I ended up throwing up an old airport express and have been running my temperamental 2.4ghz devices off that.
This topic seems to "never die". If a device has ONLY 2.4G radios in it, it literally "doesn't matter" that some router is broadcasting 5G SSID's. The device CANNOT "talk 5G." I have all sorts of devices in my home (Nest Thermostat, Reolink Argus cameras, Simiplisafe base unit etc. that only do 2.4G, and had zero issues installing them. Most of those devices have a way for the user to input the SSID and password, either a keyboard or scanning a smart bar code. There are other devices, like "smart plugs", which rely on a smart phone app for setup. Their designers actually set them up to act as WiFi access points so that the smart phone app can find and connect to them. Once connected, the we key the SSID and password of the network we want them to connect to into the app and the app tells them to the device. From then on, they work like any other device (until we change the SSID and/or password, and everything stops working until we reconnect every device). Even though our smart phones are connected to the Orbi at 5G, when we run the app, it finds the 2.4G smart plug and configures it. On the other hand, when the device app is poorly written, it can be impossible to install the device at all. (See the thread about Whirlpool microwave.)
There is no need to turn off the 5G radio (or turn the signal down) to install 2.4G devices.
With that said, it is abundantly clear that some Orbi owners HAVE PROBLEMS getting 2.4G devices to work and are trying all sorts of things to get them installed. My (personal) belief is that the fault lies with the combination of the device and/or their smart phone, not with the Orbi.
I would REALLY like it if some some expert could figure out exactly what is going on that keeps this question coming up over and over.
- It’s a common problem with some 2.4Gjz only devices trying to connect to ssid’s that broadcast on 2.4 and 5ghz. It’s very common in the enterprise world especially among hvac controllers, medical devices, and debit card terminals. To address this many wifi vendors allow you to spin up a separate SSID on only one channel.
What FW is currently loaded?
What is the Mfr and model# of the ISP modem the NG router is connected too?
Is the Orbi system operating in Router or AP mode?
What is the size of your home? Sq Ft?
What is the distance between the router and satellite(s)? 30 feet is recommended in between them to begin with depending upon building materials.What channels are you using? Auto? Try setting manual channel 1, 6 or 11 on 2.4Ghz and any unused channel on 5Ghz.
Try disabling the following and see:
MIMO, Daisy Chain, Fast Roaming, IPv6 and Set 20/40Mhz Coexistence to 40Mhz only. Save settings and reboot the router and satellite(s).If you updated to recent FW v.210, try enabling Daisy Chain. Some have mentioned that this seems to be working in reverse order, enabling means disabled actually.
https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi/Firmware-2-2-1-210-and-connection-problems-Skybell/m-p/1649275/highlight/true#M43001
Advanced Wireless Settings both 2.4GHz and 5GHz changed CTS/RTS Threshold to 2307.
https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi/Orbi-RBR40-RBS40-V2-1-4-16-mesh-network-drops-connection-to/m-p/1601598/highlight/true#M35230
https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi/Have-to-keep-rebooting-my-RBR50/m-p/1658603/highlight/false#M44420
Change the CTR/RTS threshold values for both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz (2341 and 2345 respectively), changed preamble modes to long preamble, and Set 20/40Mhz Coexistence to 40Mhz only.
robsquatch wrote:
I have many different devices on my network that can connect only to 2.4gHz. Obviously, with a mesh network, the broadcast frequency is automatically chosen in the background. Because I have such good coverage everywhere in my house now, it is impossible to force these devices on to the slower frequency. This is the case with my security cameras, wireless thermometers, etc. The only solution I seem to find is one that involves changing command lines which seems ridiculous to me. Is there a quick and easy way to turn off 5gHz temporarily to program new devices? I have also tried turning down the 5gHz power as well, with no progress.
WOW! That looks WAY over my head. Is there a simpler method for non-techies
to switch between 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz.
I have the Orbi RBR50 with two remote units.
Thx
Try this, Under Advanced Tab/Advanced Settings/Wireless Settings, remove the check mark for Broadcast SSID under the 5Ghz radio section. Apply the change. Get your 2.4ghz devices connected, then re-enable the 5Ghz SSID broadcast.
bukzin wrote:
WOW! That looks WAY over my head. Is there a simpler method for non-techies
to switch between 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz.
I have the Orbi RBR50 with two remote units.
Thx
All these answers are great and show an in-depth understanding of networking, but for most of us, that's not why we bought these. We want plug and play.
I have a device - a pool controller from Zodiac, iAqualink, that won't stay connected to my Orbi system because the Zodiac device logs on and off and thus loses it's IP address, then can't reconnect. The only way to do that, according to Zodiac, is to set up a guest network at 2.4 Ghz. I believe the OP is asking that. I don't see a way to do that, nor have I found it here. According to Zodiac, it IS possible and works for their device, which they admit is at fault. But I can't change that and only need to accomodate by setting up a specified 2.4 Mhz guest network.
So, how do I do that, please?
What model Orbi do you have?
Have you logged into the Orbi web page to look for Guest Network? I believe there is a menu item for Guest Network.
I would also set a IP address reservation for any of your devices ON the router so that they get an IP address and it doesn't change.
What is the size of your home? Sq Ft?
What is the distance between the router and satellite(s)? 30 feet is recommended in between them to begin with depending upon building materials.What channels are you using? Auto? Try setting manual channel 1, 6 or 11 on 2.4Ghz and any unused channel on 5Ghz.
Any Wifi Neighbors near by? If so, how many?
What WPA security modes are you using?Try disabling the following and see:
MIMO, Daisy Chain, Fast Roaming, IPv6 and Set 20/40Mhz Coexistence to 40Mhz only. Save settings and reboot the router and satellite(s).
landguitar wrote:
All these answers are great and show an in-depth understanding of networking, but for most of us, that's not why we bought these. We want plug and play.
I have a device - a pool controller from Zodiac, iAqualink, that won't stay connected to my Orbi system because the Zodiac device logs on and off and thus loses it's IP address, then can't reconnect. The only way to do that, according to Zodiac, is to set up a guest network at 2.4 Ghz. I believe the OP is asking that. I don't see a way to do that, nor have I found it here. According to Zodiac, it IS possible and works for their device, which they admit is at fault. But I can't change that and only need to accomodate by setting up a specified 2.4 Mhz guest network.
So, how do I do that, please?
I agree 100% with landguitar. What we want is for these things to "just work." Alas, there is ample evidence that people are frequently disappointed and frustrated. I persue this discussion because it appears to me that in their frustration, people seize on "solutions" that do not address the problem and spend a lot of time and energy in fruitless efforts. I hope that we can together come up with a methodolgy to understand and address these problems.
In the specific case of the pool controller that "loses its IP address", Furrey38 is entirely correct. Log into the Orbi, select Advanced->Setup->LAN Setup and create an IP that will be assigned to the controller every time it connects. I do that with nearly all of my "permanent" devices. This is tons easier than trying to force Orbi to do something it is designed not to do.
It is also possible that the Pool device is not performing as expected for some other reason. Help Desks are notorious for giving out false or misleading information when they don't actually have an answer. These folks may be "pool experts", but not necessarily "network experts." If the Zodiak knows the SSID and password for your Orbi network, it should connect every time. Maybe they mean that it cannot "connect" to their server farm if it changes IP's, but that's also difficult to swallow. I'd give it a set IP address in the Orbi, but not be surprised if that doesn't solve things.
Let us know if any of this helps.
landguitar wrote:
All these answers are great and show an in-depth understanding of networking, but for most of us, that's not why we bought these. We want plug and play.
I have a device - a pool controller from Zodiac, iAqualink, that won't stay connected to my Orbi system because the Zodiac device logs on and off and thus loses it's IP address, then can't reconnect. The only way to do that, according to Zodiac, is to set up a guest network at 2.4 Ghz. I believe the OP is asking that. I don't see a way to do that, nor have I found it here. According to Zodiac, it IS possible and works for their device, which they admit is at fault. But I can't change that and only need to accomodate by setting up a specified 2.4 Mhz guest network.
So, how do I do that, please?
Thanks guys, but none of this worked. I have an AT&T Arris Modem/Router that I don't connect to by wi-fi, so I made the attempt to connect my iAqualink Zodiac device to; and so far it is working. So all this is because of something in the Orbi...
I thought I had to have my phone on the same wi-fi as the Zodiac device to connect through it's app, but that's apparently not the case either. Very wierd. We'll see if this connection holds. Out of the many devices I have, a number of which are 2.4 Ghz, this Zodiac is the only problematic one. Clearly their "chip" is dated/an issue - they even admit to that - and they may even have a software issue, but I really don't understand why the Orbi can't work with it. Again, it does with all my other devices. The unfortunate part is that I am likely going to switch to Xfinity when they finish their fiber connection in our neighborhood, and was going to buy a Netgear modem only to plug the Orbi into. I guess I will have to rethink that. AT&T service has been annoyingly undependable in my area since Hurricane Harvey last year, and even while I was working on this this afternoon, AT&T's internet was going in and out. Not sure if I should buy a modem with wi-fi that is NOT a Netgear, or try a Netgear and see what happens.
Very annoying. Thanks for your suggestions and quick response though! If you think of anything else, let me konw.
