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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 g...
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.
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.
(a) It's good that your pool automation is working, and (b) it's frustrating that we were unable to find a solution for you regarding the Orbi. This iAqualink Zodiak consists of a controller that is located where? (in relation to the Arris modem/router and to the Orbi router/satellites)
Were you able to configure the Orbi to give your iAqualink the same IP address every time it turns on?
On the Xfinity fiber topic, the fiber modem may come bundled into the installation. My son in North Carolina just installed a "gigabit passive fiber" (not from Comcast) that came with a modem to connect the fiber to. His WiFi router connects to that. Unlike the standardized DOCSIS cable modems we are accustomed to, passive optical fiber is a time division multiplexing system where the fiber modem may be unique to each fiber system.
Crimp - yes, I was able to get the Zodiac a specific IP address, but that didn't get it to "hold" with the Orbi wi-fi. Zodiac has not explained other than that their signal is not constant, which I don't really understand, but that seems to be a cause of the issue. But my AT&T modem/router WILL stay connected to the Zodiac even with a not-always-on Zodiac signal...and the Zodiac controller is about 25 feet away, outside, on the other side of the house's brick wall. Signal is good and strong there for both the Orbi and AT&T modem. Like so many folks, I got the Orbi because with it and 1 satellite located upstairs in our 4,000 sq. ft. 2-story brick home, I get great coverage in the house and even in most of our back yard and driveway and garage, whereas the AT&T router wi-fi, even with a repeater from Apple or Netgear, was barely reaching past the brick exterior and not even across all of the house. Of course, ours is like so many U.S. houses (based on my experience living in the South, Southwest and West, anyway), houses built in the 90's to almost current which typically have the "communications" wiring panel in the master bedroom closet, which is rarely anywhere near the center of a typical 2 story - or even 1 story - house. But the Orbi does a great job of reaching across the whole house!
Yeah, it will be interesting to see what Xfinity/Comcast offers when they do finish the fiber in our neighborhood.
thanks again for your help and for following up!
