NETGEAR is aware of a growing number of phone and online scams. To learn how to stay safe click here.

Forum Discussion

FelipeBarbosa's avatar
Mar 30, 2026
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 ...
  • FURRYe38's avatar
    FURRYe38
    Mar 30, 2026
    FelipeBarbosa wrote:

    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 7.2.8.2

    Might 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-ZG

    Your 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