NETGEAR is aware of a growing number of phone and online scams. To learn how to stay safe click here.
Forum Discussion
Solved
Need 2.4ghz by itself to connect IOT devices
Hello, I have the Orbi RBR840, a CostCo model. The system works really well but I'm at a critical problem point with the lack of dedicated 2.4 vs 5 ghz networks. I have 2 solar inverters, an air filtration system, water irrigation system, AC unit and wifi light bulbs which all require that they be connected and remain on a 2.4ghz system. Some I have been able to connect but they don't stay on and drop out. Others I can't even get to connect.
I saw an article on here that said you can turn off the 5ghz network but I haven't seen a way to do that, at least in the Orbi app. And even if I can do that, if I turn the 5ghz back on after everything's connected will the software move any of these devices over to 5ghz, at which point they'll drop out.
Appreciate any help cause all I'm left with is buying a secondary route solely to broadcast a 2.4ghz for my IOT devices. Thank you
Matt
FURRYe38 - This has worked for the lights and my AC. The air filter isn't staying on the network but given the others are that's likely an issue with their software versus the Orbi. Thanks for working this through with me.
Would you also be able to guide me as to which Netgear product I could use to expand the range of coverage for my setup? Are my only options the RBS750 and 850? Is there anything less expensive from Netgear that would work? I need to get some additional coverage out to the front of the house. Thanks!
14 Replies
BrewSwapGuy wrote:Hello, I have the Orbi RBR840, a CostCo model. The system works really well but I'm at a critical problem point with the lack of dedicated 2.4 vs 5 ghz networks. I have 2 solar inverters, an air filtration system, water irrigation system, AC unit and wifi light bulbs which all require that they be connected and remain on a 2.4ghz system. Some I have been able to connect but they don't stay on and drop out. Others I can't even get to connect.
I saw an article on here that said you can turn off the 5ghz network but I haven't seen a way to do that, at least in the Orbi app. And even if I can do that, if I turn the 5ghz back on after everything's connected will the software move any of these devices over to 5ghz, at which point they'll drop out.
These devices that say, "2.4G WiFi required" are indicating that they have only a 2.4G radio chip in them. They cannot detect or connect to 5G WiFi. This would be like loading black and white film in a camera and then trying to produce color photographs. Once they are connected to the Orbi (or any WiFi system) at 2.4G, they will remain at 2.4G because they cannot do anything else.
The vast majority of "2.4G only" devices connect with no problem. If you specify which products these are, perhaps someone on the forum has one and can offer advice.
It is impossible to "turn off" the 5G WiFi. What can be done is this:
- Access the Orbi web interface (http://orbilogin.net) using the admin credentials user "admin" and the Orbi router password (not the WiFi password)
- Navigate to the Advanced Tab, Advanced Settings, Wireless Settings
- Uncheck the box "Broadcast SSID on 5G Channel"
This will not affect any devices which are currently attached to the Orbi at 5G. - On the smartphone settings, "forget" the Orbi WiFi
- Search for WiFi networks and select the Orbi WiFi
- Enter the WiF password and connect
- At this point, open the IoT app and go through the steps
- After the device is connected, reverse the steps
Check the box "Broadcast SSID"
"Forget Orbi WiFi"
Search for and connect.
Please give this a try and report what happens.
"Uncheck the box "Broadcast SSID on 5G Channel"
This feature is not available on Orbi AX systems. We have asked about this.
Best suggestion would be this, try turning down the power output of the RBRs wifi 5Ghz radios from 25%. Under Advanced Tab/Advanced Settings/Wireless Settings. Disable the radio on the setup mobile device. Walk out a ways from the RBR. Turn ON the wifi radio on the mobile device. It should connect to the 2.4Ghz radio vs the 5Ghz radio. I would turn OFF the RBS as well so your mobile device doesn't connect to those while you get the IoT setup.
Thanks for the tips. This is NOT for a smart phone or tablet or similar device. These are devices that do not have on/off switches for the wifi radios, you simply reset or otherwise activate a connect mode to try and get them on a network.
The fact that they don't have 5ghz radios doesn't explain why they will sometimes connect and then drop off the network. This isn't due to signal strength because this happens on some devices that are within 20 feet of the router.
I will go ahead and try the suggestions and see what happens. In the meantime, if anyone else has experience or suggestions please keep responding. Thank you!
BrewSwapGuy wrote:Thanks for the tips. This is NOT for a smart phone or tablet or similar device. These are devices that do not have on/off switches for the wifi radios, you simply reset or otherwise activate a connect mode to try and get them on a network.
The fact that they don't have 5ghz radios doesn't explain why they will sometimes connect and then drop off the network. This isn't due to signal strength because this happens on some devices that are within 20 feet of the router.
I will go ahead and try the suggestions and see what happens. In the meantime, if anyone else has experience or suggestions please keep responding. Thank you!
Upon a third reading I get what you're going for here....let me try...
