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boongie's avatar
boongie
Aspirant
Jun 23, 2024

Netgear Orbi RBR50 Connection Issue

Not sure if I am in the correct group.  I have a Netgear Orbi RBR50 router.  I just purchased a Midea dehumidifier for my home.  The SmartHome cell phone app that comes with the dehumidifier is trying to connect to give me remote control of the dehumidifier.  But it will only connect via the 2.4 GHz setting.  My RBR50 is set to 5 GHz.  I cannot find a way to switch the router to 2.4 GHz.  If there is a way to make the switch, can I use 2.4 GHz just for the dehumidifier or will it be a change to all my devices?  If I can make the change, but it means that I can only run at 2.4 GHz, will it be worth it if I end up losing computer internet speed by switching to 2.4 GHz from 5 GHz?

 

Thanks for any feedback.

1 Reply

  • FURRYe38's avatar
    FURRYe38
    Guru - Experienced User
    Jun 24, 2024

    Netgear provides a simple mechanism to accomplish this. The Orbi RBR50 has a feature which many users have found allows them to set up devices which require the smartphone to be attached to WiFi at 2.4G:
    Connect a device with a large screen to the Orbi web interface, http://orbilogin.net
    (computer, laptop, tablet)
    The user name is "admin" and the password is the web interface password, not the Orbi 'app' password.
    Navigate to the Advanced Tab, Advanced Settings (at the bottom), Wireless Settings.
    On the Advanced Wireless Settings page, uncheck the box under Advanced 5G Settings that reads
    Enable SSID Broadcast
    Click Apply
    The router will go through a cycle which takes foreeeeeeeever.
    On the smart phone, go into Network settings.
    "Forget" the Orbi WiFi.
    Search for available WiFi systems.
    Select the Orbi WiFi
    Enter the password and Connect
    The smartphone is now connected to the Orbi at 2.4G
    Note that if you attempt to "double check" by opening the Orbi Attached Devices page, that page takes several minutes to update.
    Just go with it.
    Open the device smartphone app and go through the setup process.
    After the device is connected and working, undo the process.
    On the web interface, check the box and click Apply
    On the smartphone, Forget the Orbi, find it again, and connect again.

     

    Be sure to disable any MAC Address randomizers on phones and pads while at home:
    https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi-App/NETGEAR-Mobile-Applications-and-Apple-Devices-FAQ/td-p/2220016/jump-to/first-unread-message

     

    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. Try this. Turn OFF all RBS. Then turn the power output of the 5Ghz radio to 25% on the RBR. Be sure that 20/40 MHz Coexistence enabled. Under Advanced Tab/Advanced Settings/Wireless Settings. 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.