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Orbi - Force 2.4GHz only to connect smart devices
I have smart devices that can only be set up through a 2.4GHz wireless connection. How to I turn off the Orbi 5GHz signal until I complete smart device set ups? Thank you
I found an empirical but functional solution to solve the problem.
By setting from advanced wireless settings the transmission power of 5 ghz to 25% and putting the mobile phone and the device remotely from the router or satellite, only 2.4 works. So I managed to configure everything. Then just bring the power back to 100%.
Disable the 5Ghz SSID broadcast. Under Advanced Tab/Advanced Settings/Wireless Settings
https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi/orbi-20-cannot-connect-Swann-Camera/m-p/1822475/highlight/true#M75403
https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi/Kindle-Paperwhite-not-found-my-Orbi-RBR40/m-p/1712069/highlight/true#M53584
Hi, turning off the 5G SSID did not work. My Android phone kept connecting to the 5G signal even though the router was not brodcasting an ID. Instead, I had to load an app on my phone that I could use to connect to the 2.4GHz signal to set up the smart devices.
Smart things application designers should write a 2.4GHz connector into their apps. Netgear should include a way to turn off 5GHz or allow users to create different SSIDs for the different bands in case the app designers fail to write a 2.4GHz connector into their apps.
Mind sharing what brand of Android smartphone this is? My Sony Xperia connected to 2.4G after I told it to "forget" the Orbi WiFi, then search for available WiFi networks, "surprise. here's one that looks a lot like my Orbi", enter the password, and it connected at 2.4G. The "forget" part is important.
BradOrbi wrote:Instead, I had to load an app on my phone that I could use to connect to the 2.4GHz signal to set up the smart devices.
Have some examples? We're using the Wifi Analyzer (by farproc aka.Kevin Yuan) on Android with the add-on Wifi Connecter Library - this will allow to connect to a selected BSSID (MAC), however depending on the environment, the Android connection management will soon take over and put it to the "better" (typically 5 GHz if you are near to the AP).
BradOrbi wrote:Smart things application designers should write a 2.4GHz connector into their apps.
Don't agree: They must rewrite their crappy installers to stop the process if the wireless is connected to another band. As there is only one LAN, the same name (SSID) can be used, the network is 100% L2 transparent.
If selecting new IoT, check the installation process. If it says connect the mobile/app to the 2.4GHz band it's a don't buy!After you disabled the 5G SSID broacast, you need to "forget this network" on the mobile device, then have it re-connect to Orbi. It will connect to the 2.4ghz SSID radio would be all thats needed. I've tired this my self and it works.
BradOrbi wrote:Hi, turning off the 5G SSID did not work. My Android phone kept connecting to the 5G signal even though the router was not brodcasting an ID. Instead, I had to load an app on my phone that I could use to connect to the 2.4GHz signal to set up the smart devices.
Smart things application designers should write a 2.4GHz connector into their apps. Netgear should include a way to turn off 5GHz or allow users to create different SSIDs for the different bands in case the app designers fail to write a 2.4GHz connector into their apps.
