I can name the network anything EXCEPT for the old name.

Question

I'm having the exact same issue!&nbsp;
&nbsp;
My Orbi system (1 base, 3 satellites) stopped allowing wifi connections one day after power cycle, I then reset it. After reset, I can name the network anything EXCEPT for the old name.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
I've tested this in so many ways, with / without satellites, renaming to other names. Every time, as soon as I change the name to the old name, I can no longer connect. I've even unplugged all the satellites thinking maybe there was an old state causing interference, but even just the main base with the old name gives me the same issue, it is quite perplexing.
&nbsp;
I have the same issue as the OP in that I prefer to keep my Wifi access SSID the same as I have 50+ light switches, bulbs, devices all programmed into scenes with Google Home that I would prefer not to have to reset, as it would take hours.
&nbsp;
I even purchased another Orbi set to see if the issue was the Orbi set and it appears it is not, the new system has the same issue. So to me, it seems like something about the devices connecting are causing the issue, but I can't imagine what that could be.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Did you resolve this issue?

FURRYe38 · Answer

What is the SSID name your trying to use?&nbsp;
What firmware is loaded on the system?&nbsp;
How long have you had the system for?&nbsp;
Has this SSID name ever worked or is this new?&nbsp;
How did you reset the system?&nbsp;
&nbsp;
What is the size of your home? Sq Ft? What is the distance between the router and 📡 satellite(s)? 30 feet or more is recommended in between RBR📡 and RBS🛰️ to begin with depending upon building materials when wired or wirelessly connected. https://kb.netgear.com/31029/Where-should-I-place-my-Orbi-satellite ‌‌🛰️
&nbsp;
What channel configurations are currently set on the router?&nbsp;
What is the Mfr and model# of the Internet Service Providers modem/ONT the NG router is connected too?
&nbsp;

levatus · Answer

What is the SSID name your trying to use?

What firmware is loaded on the system?

How long have you had the system for?

Has this SSID name ever worked or is this new?

How did you reset the system?

What is the size of your home? Sq Ft?
What is the distance between the router and 📡 satellite(s)? 30 feet or more is recommended in between RBR📡 and RBS🛰️ to begin with depending upon building materials when wired or wirelessly connected.
https://kb.netgear.com/31029/Where-should-I-place-my-Orbi-satellite ‌‌🛰️

What channel configurations are currently set on the router?

What is the Mfr and model# of the Internet Service Providers modem/ONT the NG router is connected too?

levatus · Answer

I'm having the exact same issue!&nbsp;
&nbsp;
My Orbi system (1 base, 3 satellites) stopped allowing wifi connections one day after power cycle, I then reset it. After reset, I can name the network anything EXCEPT for the old name.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
I've tested this in so many ways, with / without satellites, renaming to other names. Every time, as soon as I change the name to the old name, I can no longer connect. I've even unplugged all the satellites thinking maybe there was an old state causing interference, but even just the main base with the old name gives me the same issue, it is quite perplexing.
&nbsp;
I have the same issue as the OP in that I prefer to keep my Wifi access SSID the same as I have 50+ light switches, bulbs, devices all programmed into scenes with Google Home that I would prefer not to have to reset, as it would take hours.
&nbsp;
I even purchased another Orbi set to see if the issue was the Orbi set and it appears it is not, the new system has the same issue. So to me, it seems like something about the devices connecting are causing the issue, but I can't imagine what that could be.&nbsp;

FURRYe38 · Answer

levatus&nbsp;wrote:
What is the SSID name your trying to use? HouseOfMouse
What firmware is loaded on the system? Newest 4.6.14.3
Actually v7.x is newest:
https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi-WIFI-6-AX-AND-Wi-Fi-6E-AXE/New-RBR750-RBS750-Firmware-Version-7-2-6-21-Released/td-p/2333937/jump-to/first-unread-message
&nbsp;
How long have you had the system for? 2 Years
Has this SSID name ever worked or is this new?&nbsp; This was an old SSID
This SSID name ever worked on this system before?&nbsp;
&nbsp;
How did you reset the system? I used a pin to push in the small hole until the system flashed orange, then white, then steady white
&nbsp;
What is the size of your home? Sq Ft? 2000sqft, I have 3 satellites because its spread out over a U shape.&nbsp;What is the distance between the router and&nbsp;satellite(s)? 30 feet or more is recommended in between RBR&nbsp;&nbsp;and RBS️ to begin with depending upon building materials when wired or wirelessly connected. I unplugged all the satellites, but previously it was 30-50ft️
For this size of home, the RBR and just 1 RBS is needed. I'd turn OFF the other two RBS.&nbsp;
Too Much Wifi: https://youtu.be/UR0viMLISz4
&nbsp;
What channel configurations are currently set on the router? Whatever is default
What is the Mfr and model# of the Internet Service Providers modem/ONT the NG router is connected too? ATT Fiber BGW-210
Your ISP Modem already has a built in router and wifi.&nbsp;This would be a double NAT (two router) condition which isn't recommended. https://kb.netgear.com/30186/What-is-Double-NAThttps://kb.netgear.com/30187/How-to-fix-issues-with-Double-NATCouple of options,1. Configure the modem for transparent bridge or modem only mode. Then use the Orbi router in router mode. You'll need to contact the ISP for help and information in regards to the modem being bridged correctly.2. If you can't bridge the modem, disable ALL wifi radios on the modem, configure the modems DMZ/ExposedHost or IP Pass-Through for the IP address the Orbi router gets from the modem. Then you can use the Orbi router in Router mode.3. Or disable all wifi radios on the modem and connect the Orbi router to the modem, configure AP mode on the Orbi router. https://kb.netgear.com/31218/How-do-I-configure-my-Orbi-router-to-act-as-an-access-point and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7LOcJ8GdDo&amp;app=desktop Try option #2 first...
&nbsp;
I recommend that you update FW to v7.x, factory reset the system and setup from scratch and setup using a wired PC and web browser:&nbsp;
https://kb.netgear.com/22697/How-do-I-install-my-NETGEAR-router-using-the-router-web-interfaceRecommend setting the default DHCP IP address pool range to the following after applying and a factory reset: 192.168.#.100 to 192.168.#.200.https://kb.netgear.com/24089/How-do-I-specify-the-pool-of-IP-addresses-assigned-by-my-Nighthawk-routerhttps://kb.netgear.com/25722/How-do-I-reserve-an-IP-address-on-my-NETGEAR-routerI would power OFF the ISP modem for 1 minute. Factory reset the router and power it off. Power ON the ISP modem and let it sync. Then power ON the router and walk thru the setup wizard again using a wired PC and a web browser.Press the back reset button for 15 seconds then release.&nbsp;https://kb.netgear.com/31486/How-do-I-reset-my-Orbi-system-to-factory-default-settings
orhttps://kb.netgear.com/000062081/How-do-I-erase-the-configuration-settings-on-my-Orbi-WiFi-Syste

&nbsp;

LRSS · Answer

Unfortunately, even when speaking with Netgear, I cannot fix it. I ended up just renaming the network and having to re-login on all my devices. A pain, but by the time I would have figured it out even if it is feasible, it would have taken forever.

Forum Discussion

I can name the network anything EXCEPT for the old name.

5 Replies