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Forum Discussion
2.4 GHz device issues RBR760
Hello, I have started experiencing issues with devices using 2.4 ghz. Most recently my GE washer and dryer. When I bring up the ORBI app is shows them connected with adequate bandwidth. They are physically in the same room with the RBR 760. My understanding is that to resolve this issue individuals have shut off 5ghz on the RBR, forced a reattachment of the 2.4 ghz device and then turn the 5ghz on the RBR.
I would like a more permanent solution, to avoid this issue from reoccurring. Before I start I would like to get your perspective of my solution.
I propose purchasing a second RBR (or other access point). Turn off the 2.4 ghz broadcasting on the original RBR. On the new RBR, turn off the 5 ghz broadcasting and routing function. Are there any technical downsides to my proposed solution?
5 Replies
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 channels are you using? Auto? Try setting manual channel 1, 6 or 11 on 2.4Ghz and 40 to 48 channel on 5Ghz.
What is the Mfr and model# of the Internet Service Providers modem/ONT the NG router is connected too?
The 760 series is based on a 350 series low budget system and I believe FW is at v6 which doesn't have any form of disabling wifi radios on the system. Other model Orbi systems, 750, 850 and 960 and BE series now have the ability to have a separate IoT network where users can configure each radio or a single radio for getting devices connected to the limited IoT mfr nature of there setup software requiring the setup mobile device being connected to a 2.4ghz only signal while all mobile devices prefer 5Ghz and in which both 2.4 and 5Ghz are already on the same network, however the IoT mfr doesn't seem to realized this for there setup software. Something the 760 and 350 series doesn't offer.
So for your system, you can do the following, turn OFF ALL RBS, lower the 5Ghz transmit power to lowest setting, walk your setup mobile device out in distance from the RBR long enough to get the device to connect to the 2.4Ghz signal, then get the IoT devices setup and connected, then after all is setup and connected, revert back to full power on the 5Ghz radion and turn the RBS back ON.
Or one could find a 2nd hand 2.4Ghz wifi router and set it up off line from the internet, configure this router for same SSID name and password as you have on the Orbi system, use this 2nd router long enough to get the IoT devices connected to it, then just turn this router OFF, the IoT devices should migrate and connect to the Orbi system.
Check with the IoT Mfr to ensure any FW updates are applied from the mfr.
You stated you had issues with it but not what the issue is.
Some more details of whats actually happening could help.
Also, how many 2.4ghz devices are you using?
wpa2/wpa3 mixed mode?
Details are key
While most of my iot devices (89) are z-wave, I have 28 that use 2.4 GHz. The 2.4/5 GHz use wpa-2. The devices randomly stop communicating. While they still show up in the Orbi app as on-line and communicating at 2.4, the only way to get them to actually work is to delete them and re-add them to the network. Since 3 of the devices, washer, dryer and refrigerator are not easily moved physically away from the router, the general solution of reducing the 5 GHz signal on the router… is not really feasible.
I will most likely replace the orbi router and go with one where I can program an SSID to use the 2.4 GHz range.
Having that many devices all online at the same time, maybe hitting a limitation of the 760 series ability to handle that many and running into this odd issue.
Unfortunately the 760 series hasn't brought the support for separate SSID which the afore mentioned models now do have. So something to take a look into.
Higher model Orbi system should have more device handling abilities as well.
The reducing the 5Ghz power is to just get the devices and setup software connected and to troubleshoot since mobile devices do prefer 5Ghz over 2.4Ghz. You can always put the power back to default after testing or setup has been completed.
Good Luck.
the ORBI app is shows them connected with adequate bandwidth
As you have no problem using the GE app to connect the appliances to the network and the network shows them connected, methods used to get a device connected when the smartphone app is poorly written are not relevant to the problem. (i.e. they recognize the 2.4G network and connect. There is no reason to find a "work around".)
Does GE have a user forum where customers discuss using the app with their GE appliances?
