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Forum Discussion
zachg99
Dec 08, 2023Aspirant
SSID is Duplicate Please Change Error
So, I have the RBRE960 with the latest firmware (V7.2.6.21_5.0.20) running 2.4ghz, 5ghz, and 6ghz wifi. I'd like all three wifi networks to use the same SSID. This support article says that, by default, Orbi uses the same name and password for all three of these networks: https://kb.netgear.com/000064265/How-do-I-change-the-6-GHz-WiFi-network-name-and-password-on-my-Orbi-WiFi-6E-System
However, when I attempt to make the 6ghz SSID match the 2.4 and 5ghz networks I get a popup error that says:
The SSID is duplicate, please change to another one.
Is there any way around this? From what I can tell setting these to be the same will work best with my iPhone 15 allowing it to select whichever network provides the best signal. As it is, if i connect to the 6ghz and walk too far away I start having issues and have to manually switch to the other SSID that doesn't have the -6ghz behind it.
The separate 6Ghz SSID can not be the same as the Main WiFi SSID. There is already a 6Ghz radio running on the main WIFI SSID. The separate 6Ghz has to be different.
4 Replies
The separate 6Ghz SSID can not be the same as the Main WiFi SSID. There is already a 6Ghz radio running on the main WIFI SSID. The separate 6Ghz has to be different.
I agree with FURRYe38 . By using the same SSID for 2.4G, 5G, and 6G the router ensures that a device is able to select the optimal connection at any given time. If it is close enough to the router, the device may determine that a 6G connection "works best" and connect to that channel. If it is farther away, a slower speed connection may be the best it can get at the time. My phone, for example, connects to WiFi at 2.4G the minute I enter the driveway. Later, when I walk in the house, the phone changes to a 5G connection.
But, suppose a person wants a device to connect only at 6G (or not at all). The 6G SSID option allows the router to broadcast an SSID (a) that only devices capable of 6G can detect, and (b) ensures that devices set to this SSID will connect only at 6G. Why??? (Beats the hell out of me.)
- zachg99Aspirant
OH!! I missed that, thank you. I saw the 2.4 and 5ghz check boxes above and didn't realize that also enabled the 6gz frequency.
I guess the other network is for a dedicated high speed connection over 6ghz where you know you'll be in range and need the higher speed.
Thank you for that explanation!
Yes the separate 6Ghz network was for user to enable specifically for 6Ghz supporting devices. You can enabled this or disable this. 6Ghz supporting devices should connect on the main SSID network on 6Ghz there as well.
Enjoy.