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Solved
MacBook only connecting to 2.4GHz
Hello all, I have a RBR850 router and two RBS850 satellites. The second satellite was added a few weeks ago, and since then (but it might be unrelated) my macbook stopped connecting to the 5GHz WIFI ...
Be sure to disable any MAC Address randomizers on phones and pads while at home: -- Did it, no difference
What Firmware version is currently loaded? -- V 7.2.8.2Might update FW to v.5:
New - Orbi RBK750/850/860/960 Series Firmware Version 7.2.8.5 Released | NETGEAR Communities
If you do, update the RBS first then RBR lastly.
What is the Mfr and model# of the Internet Service Providers modem/ONT the NG router is connected too? -- Sagemcom F3896LG-ZGYour ISP Modem already has a built in router and wifi. This would be a double NAT (two router) condition which isn't recommended. https://kb.netgear.com/30186/What-is-Double-NAT
https://kb.netgear.com/30187/How-to-fix-issues-with-Double-NAT
Couple 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.
Static IP Address Configuration for AP Mode | NETGEAR Communities
https://kb.netgear.com/31218/How-do-I-configure-my-Orbi-router-to-act-as-an-access-pointand https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7LOcJ8GdDo&app=desktop
Try option #2 first...
Is IPv6 enabled on the RBR? No
What is the size of your home? Sq Ft? -- 1496,18 (138 sq meter)
For that size of home, the RBR would be enough. Maybe one RBS deployed at 30 feet or more.
What is the distance between the router 📡 and satellite(s)🛰️? -- more or less 20 foot
Thats too close. 30 feet distance is starting distance between the RBR and each RBS.Turn OFF the RBS and test. Then try with just 1 RBS out at 30 feet.
Does this happen with the RBS turned OFF? -- never tried
What channel configurations are currently set on the router? -- it was auto for 2.4 GHz and 44 for 5GHz, then I played around setting values for the channels but made no difference.Try channel 1 and 40 or 11 and 48
Hey all, thanks immensely for the support provided here, I trully appreciate it. I was able to do most of the steps, the only thing I am missing now is contacting my network provider and ask them to configure my modem to be a transparent bridge as this is something I cannot do myself via the modem config app they provide. The remainder of the things were all done and I sense my network health improved drastically, however, the issue with my mac was persisting.
But then one thing caught my attention.
I got my mac into different rooms and it was connecting to the 5Ghz network without issues, I felt relief, the issue was finally resolved! But no, the moment I came back to my home office and plugged it to my monitor, the connection jammed and then it reconnected to the 2.4 Ghz network.
The issue was the damn HDMI cable.
I researched a bit and found that this is a documented issue and that the solution is simple, find a better, shielded HDMI cable.
I did it a few moments ago and still testing but so far so good.
Anyways, I wanted to come back and appreciate you and your time. Thank you!
Glad you figured out it was a bad cable causing problems. I like to use the HDMI cables with ferrite beads on each end. Most stable cables.
Glad you got it working. Please mark your thread as solved so others will know. Be sure to save off a back up configuration to file for safe keeping. Saves time if a reset is needed.
https://kb.netgear.com/000062080/How-do-I-back-up-the-configuration-settings-on-my-Orbi-WiFi-System
Enjoy. 📡
The issue was the damn HDMI cable.
Yeah, both HDMI and USB cables can create wifi interence. Probably something we should ask about here more often.
