RBK23 and separating 2.4/5G

First make sure products support 5Ghz. Not all IoT do. We see many issues with 2.4Ghz only supporting IoT not being able to setup, this is NOT due to the Orbi, this is due to how the IoT Mfr and handling there setup and discovery of there setup software by not allowing a setup mobile device to be on 5Ghz while there IoT hardware is on 2.4Ghz. 2.4 and 5Ghz On any wifi MESH or router using smart connect IS on the same network. There software for some reason is stuck using the older methodology of have a router with two separate SSIDs and they have not considered how new routers with MESH, smart connect and Single SSID configurations and how they work, Mfr should be developing and designing there setup software to account for these new wifi standards and configurations. 

Handling and how there products are connected is in there hands when it comes to Orbi and MESH. The device will pick what signal is best for its needs based on signal and noise. 

You can play around with disabling SSID broadcasts and powering the power output on each radio to see if this will help in getting devices connected. 

Also setting a manual channel 1, 6 or 11 helps as well. 

Setting a static IP address ON the device itself, outside of the routers default IP address pool can help as well.

Others mention setting up ones prior old router using same SSID and PW as the Orbi, getting the device connected there fully. Then powering OFF the old router, the device should connect to the Orbi system is a work around. 

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Imulji wrote:

Thanks!  One - just want to control what connects to what!

 

The other part is that I have Ring products and want to be able to ensure that my Ring Pro is connecting to the 5GHZ network.  Also I have some smart WIFI swtiches and find that since I swapped out my network components they don't always connect - I can only assume it's because of the interlinked 2.4/5 as I left the SSID name the same.

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This is not a problem with Orbi. This is an intended design of MESH and Smart Connect and having a single SSID. This all started with Smart Connect.  The single SSID works for most everyone. For those having setup issues with there devices, You can disable the either SSID from being broadcast if your having problems setting up 2.4Ghz devices with Orbi Under Advanced Tab/Advanced Settings/Wireless.

I've never has any issues with my Macs connect to 5Ghz with Orbi. Ever. Mac Book Pro 2008 and Mac Mini 2012. I've been using Smart Connect since it first appeared. If users have issues with Apple products then would need to post about it and lets troubleshoot, and or ask Apple of support and help as well. Handling of WiFi signals is done at the device, not the Orbi. 

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Msw70 wrote:

Sensei: Just search the internet to see the myriad different reasons this is a problem or read the other posts on this topic in these community pages. Most have to do with getting stuck in 2.4 band and problems for Macs, which don’t switch automatically back to 5ghz if they get assigned to 2.4. 

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