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JP2020's avatar
JP2020
Follower
Sep 01, 2020

Change 5.0 Mhz to 2.4Mhz for select device

I need my phone to connect to the 2.4Mhz instead of the 5Mhz band. How do I do this?

2 Replies

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  • FURRYe38's avatar
    FURRYe38
    Guru
    Sep 01, 2020


    Netgear provides a simple mechanism to accomplish this:
    Log into the Orbi web interface (http://orbilogin.net)
    Navigate to the Advanced Tab, Advanced Settings, Wireless Settings
    Uncheck the box, "Broadcast SSID on 5G"
    Click "Apply"
    All devices that are currently connected to the Orbi will remain connected.
    On the smartphone, go to wireless settings and "forget" the Orbi SSID
    Search for available WiFi networks. Select the Orbi WiFi. Enter the password. and connect.
    If you are curious about whether the smartphone is actually connected at 2.4G, you have to wait a few minutes, because the "Attached Devices" display takes a while to update.
    Open the app and set up the 2.4G device.
    Once the device is connected and working as it should, reverse the steps.
    Check the "Broadcast" box and click "Apply"
    "Forget" the Orbi WiFi. Search. Enter password. Connect.

    Be aware that there seems to be a time limit with some iOS or Android devices that will connect to the 2.4Ghz radio for a short period of time before changing automatically to the 5Ghz SSID, even though it's been hidden. The SSID is hidden only, thus the signal is still present. So you might want to also change the power output of the 5Ghz radio to 25%. Then connect your mobile device at a distance from the RBR to ensure the mobile phone keeps connected to the 2.4Ghz radio. After you get the IoT device connected, re-configure the system back to where it was. 

    • marawuti0's avatar
      marawuti0
      Aspirant
      Nov 22, 2020

      Excellent script, but be ready and persistent in the face of some minor wierdness.

       

      I found that my RBR40 running version V2.5.1.22 did some strange things. I was using a deactivated Galaxy S6 after my old S3 could not locate the Harmony app in the playstore - that's not the wierdness.

       

      During a couple of attempts the Orbi continued to "remember" the S6 after the SSID was turned off and applied - S6 wifi off(?!). Then, the Orbi showed the S6 attached as 2.4 then while I was fiddling with the Hub the connection refreshed as 5.0. So, I had to start over several times.

       

      I went away for lunch and upon return confirmed 2.4 on the S6's reconnection - it had been powered off. Setup went smoothly (though I would opt for older style dialog points) turned off the S6 and reconnected with an iPhone SE which seemed to pick up the final stage of setup - copying my 650's config, confirming devices and activities, and I left it hanging at testing devices for the move to the Hub's final location.

       

      This is simply to say be persistent.