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Forum Discussion
WAX220 Issue (moved from the Orbi section)
I'm having the same issue with my WAX220. My laptop can see many SSIDs in my neighborhood but not mine.
Firmware is up to date. I've tried changing the 2.4 channel, the power level, the bandwidth, and yes, I've tried turning off the AX function in the WAP.
And, why is my WAP transmitting a Hidden Network when I have not configured my SSID to be hidden? I am not able to connect to it manually.
The wireless card in my Win10 laptop is a RealTek RTL8188CE with the latest driver I can find.
Are there any setting changes I can make there that might help?
15 Replies
I'm having the same issue with my WAX220.
A complete different system from the ORbi SRX30 discussed where you had necroposted. Will request a moderator moving your post to the dedicated community section on the Business Essentials Access Points to discuss NETGEAR Business Essentials Access Point Series, including WAX200 models like WAX202, WAX214, and WAX216. That's done herewith....
Is this WAX220 a newly delivered and installed system? These come with a 60 days after your purchase, you are eligible for complimentary phone and email technical support from NETGEAR experts for installation and basic troubleshooting. You may need your original proof of purchase and the product serial number to receive this service.
And, why is my WAP transmitting a Hidden Network when I have not configured my SSID to be hidden? I am not able to connect to it manually.
Can't see why a standalone WAX220 should bring special hidden SSID into the air. My WAX220 here for sure doesn't. The only potentially unexpected network on air on a WAX220 is the Management Interface, by default active for about 15 Minutes after system boot - however, this can't be configured as a hidden network.
Convinced you really talk of a WAX220 here, with the current WAX220 Firmware Version 1.0.3.5 installed?
The Netgear APs with the additional hidden SSID are more systems with simplified Mesh capabilities, like the WAX6xx or WBE7xx models. It's not possible to connect to these hidden network - lack of known security details - on the Netgear Pro WiFi APs.
When I log into the support page, it tells me my device is EoL. That's why I'm asking the Community.
Yes, I definitely have a WAX200. Yes, the Firmware is current. I updated it from 1.0.3.4 yesterday.
I know the Hidden Network signal is coming from my box because I can see the decreased signal strength on the laptop when I reduce the transmit power to "half" or "quarter".
Maybe a factory reset should be my next action?
When I log into the support page, it tells me my device is EoL.
You have not answered my question:
Is this WAX220 a newly delivered and installed system? These come with a 60 days after your purchase, you are eligible for complimentary phone and email technical support from NETGEAR experts for installation and basic troubleshooting. You may need your original proof of purchase and the product serial number to receive this service.
This applies regardless to the product status - the shelf-time can be longer depending on the sales channel.
The RTL8188CE is known to have issues with AX networks. And Realtek was horrible at updating firmware to fix the issue (ie. they didn't) I'd upgrade to a better card or pickup a USB adapter that is compatible with AX networks
All the problems reported with the almost one decade old driver reminds me to the early days of AX access points with not yet compatible hardware. Thank you plemans for the heads-up!
These come with a 60 days after your purchase, you are eligible for complimentary phone and email technical support from NETGEAR experts for installation and basic troubleshooting.
I stand corrected: New Netgear products typically include 90 days of complimentary 24/7 technical support (phone, chat, email) for setup and basic configuration, which starts from the date of purchase
The RTL8188CE is known to have issues with AX networks. And Realtek was horrible at updating firmware to fix the issue (ie. they didn't) I'd upgrade to a better card or pickup a USB adapter that is compatible with AX networks
Of course I didn't buy this piece of crap in the past 60 days.
Yes, the Realtek driver is garbage, but so is the Netgear firmware because it can't even revert back to a B/G device when AX is supposedly disabled. At this point, there is no chance that either of them will step up and fix it. I will avoid Netgear in the future.
By, the way, I performed a factory reset and the Hidden Network is still there.
Just another confirmation that I have a piece of buffalo dung hanging on my living room wall.
And, why is my WAP transmitting a Hidden Network when I have not configured my SSID to be hidden?
I know the Hidden Network signal is coming from my box because I can see the decreased signal strength on the laptop when I reduce the transmit power to "half" or "quarter".
A typical "false positive" caused by wireless client driver (==microcode and driver) of a device developed long before AX came to the market.
but so is the Netgear firmware because it can't even revert back to a B/G device when AX is supposedly disabled.
The user manual and the Web UI clearly indicates disabling AX applies to the 2.4 GHz network only.
Frustration understood, however: You are barking at the wrong tree.
Replace that cumbersome RTL8188CE module, or use a USB based Wi Fi client instead.
Of course disabling AX would only apply to the 2.4 GHz network. The RTL8188CE is a 2.4 only device. That's all I need it to do and all I want it to do. But, it doesn't work because Netgear botched that function in the WAP.
Who is "they"? I don't have a mouse in my pocket.
I've spent a week trying to find a workaround for this issue. The first step was to figure out whether the problem is in the client or the WAP. Turns out that both were poorly designed and abysmally supported. If you guys can't see that, you're in denial.
Now that I understand the issues, (and thank you for explaining), I've ordered a new no-name 6E Tri-band device from Amazon for $20. If it doesn't work, I'll send it back.
RTL8188CE is a very old 2.4-only N card and often can’t see SSIDs when the AP is set to newer security (WPA2/WPA3 mixed) or certain 40 MHz channel configs — try forcing the WAX220 to WPA2-PSK only and 20 MHz on 2.4. The hidden SSID is normal: it’s the management/BSS network used internally by the AP and can’t be joined.
The hidden SSID is normal: it’s the management/BSS network used internally by the AP and can’t be joined.
Nothing like that is visible on air on the WAC220, neither using healthy, correct working AX or AC clients.
Note: It's not a mesh capable access point (and neither a router or satellite) where such a hidden BSSID is often intentionally used as part of the mash "plug and play" capabilities.
Netgear had a responsibility to make their product backward compatible with existing technologies. They failed.
Old, yes. Lame, yes. Poorly supported, yes.
It won't even work when bandwidth is set to 20, AX is disabled, and security is set to Open.
Garbage.
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