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Forum Discussion
Orbi-Compatible Smart Plugs?
I see that all the smart plugs on the market are limited to the 2.4GHz WiFi band. Are there any recommendations for smart plugs that set up easily with the Orbi system, and don't require any "workarounds" because of their 2.4GHz limitation?
I'm looking for a smart plug compatible with both my Orbi system and Alexa, but am a bit gun shy now, since my Whirlpool appliance simply will not set up properly with my Orbi. (Different thread, but Whirlpool tech support has had this ticket open for several months, and has tried numerous times to get it to work).
I thought I'd check here first before purchasing anything.
37 Replies
I am using TP Link Kasa plugs. Also lights and switches. All set up quickly and immediately. I use Google Honme, and that works fine with Orbi and the Kasa devices. Alexa should be fine also.
Thanks Joe!
I'll get one of those plugs, then.
My concern, as stated previously, is that the Orbi system is set up such that the 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands use the same SSID, and I've been unable to connect my Whirlpool applicance because both the applicance and my iPhone must be on the same 2.4GHz network during setup. There's no means I've found of "forcing" my phone to connect to the 2.4GHz band...it always connects to the 5GHz band. And, even when I'm able to temporarily shut off the 5GHz band (and verify my phone and applicance are both connected to the 2.4GHz band) I'm not able to complete the setup on my iPhone.
Thanks again for the recommendation!
First, I had no problem that way for the Kasa set up even though it is the same potential 2.4GHz issue. With your appliance, the issue is one that appears often with Orbi being both networks on same SSID and setting up some finicky devices. One thing you may try is turning your 5GHz singnal down very low in Orbi while you are attempting the appliance set up. On web interface for Orbi, Advanced>Advanced Setup>Wireless Settings under 5GHz. If you are near a satellite you may want to power it down. If you are near the router take the 5GHz signal down to perhaps 25%. One other thing you may do to help you in this is download WiFi Analyzer. You can see signal strength on your phone so can get a feeling when your phone will perfer the 2.4GHz band because the 5GHz is so low at the point you are located. This will also help you determine how low to set the 5GHz output to inssure your phone is connected to 2.4GHz only.
- What model of TP Link Kasa outlet?
Hi, I've been using 20+ of the cheapo wi-fi plugs you can find on Amazon for anywhere from $5-10 without any issues. They all connect to the 2.4 and happily stay there. I also have a few D-Link plugs that work without issue as well. Good luck.
I found a simple solution to this issue. I purchased a $20 tp-link 2.4 Ghz extender (TL-WA855RE). It must be the 2.4 Ghz only. It cannot be a dual or tri band extender.
Teather or sync up the extender with the orbi using the mobile app. Then select the tp-link extender as your wifi network when you want to set up your smart home products. In my case it was the feit light bulbs.
Worked perfectly and very easy to set up.
Hope this helps.
- I just purchased and put into use the TP Link Kasa plugs. Very easy set-up and working very well with my RBR50/RBS50. Appreciate the recommendation from another poster. My previous iHome plunges were rendered unusable when I installed the However, they worked on their existing schedule, although could not control with my phone, until the Kasa plugs arrived.
Very happy with them.I like the TP-Link Kasa plugs and the Aukey plugs. Found the Belkin Wemo "too big". Was the Orbi set up with exactly the same SSID and password as the previous WiFi? If so, I am surprised that the app was unable to manage them. Once connected, the plug talks only to "the cloud" (usually Amazon Web Services, but some manufacturers have chosen different "clouds").
