how to change the device connection type from 2.4ghz to 5.0ghz

When a WiFi device is powered on, it scans the frequencies that it supports to detect available WiFi systems.  If it detects a WiFi signal that it knows the password for, it typically connects automatically.  If not, it displays a list of available WiFi names (SSIDs) for the user to choose from.  Many devices have only 2.4G WiFi radios (broader coverage, less expensive) and thus can connect only to 2.4G WiFi.

If the device supports more than one frequency, it typically selects the strongest and fastest connection.

Some devices, such as Windows computers, allow the user to specify which frequency bands the device is allowed to use.  If the user has directed the device not to use 5G, then it will not.

Other than configuring the device itself, there is nothing the user can do to affect the connection process.  It is the way WiFi works.

Perhaps it would be useful to identify these devices.

Woolly4U2 wrote:

I want to change the connection type for several devices from the current 2.4ghz to 5.0ghz, but cannot find instructions on how to do that

I am curious as to what benefit you are looking for here.  If you have a solid mesh, it is generally best to let the client choose the band.

Orbi advertises both bands (+ 6 ghz if you have a tri-band model) with the same network name and password, and the client device decides which band it wants to use.  So there is no control for this in the router, and there might not be any control for it in the device either.

You could create an iOT network with a different name/password, and configure that to use 5 ghz only.  Then connect the clients you want exclusively on 5 Ghz using that network.

That sounds interesting. Thanks.

Without knowing which devices are involved, it is difficult to make suggestions.  There have been posts about devices that are capable of both 2.4G and 5G WiFi connecting to 2.4G when the user expected them to connect to the 5G signal.

If you have a orbi BE or AX or AXE system, the you can use either 2.4Ghz or 5Ghz network on the system by using the separate IoT network on those systems depending on what your wifi devices support, some older devices may not support 5Ghz, some are dual band supporting. Something to make contact with the mfr of your wifi devices to see what they officially support. 

https://kb.netgear.com/000064267/How-do-I-enable-or-disable-the-Internet-of-things-IoT-network-on-my-Orbi-WiFi-6E-System

https://kb.netgear.com/000064269/How-do-I-change-the-Internet-of-things-IoT-network-name-SSID-and-password-on-my-Orbi-WiFi-6E-System

Woolly4U2 wrote:

I want to change the connection type for several devices from the current 2.4ghz to 5.0ghz, but cannot find instructions on how to do that. Can you help me out with this issue? Thanks.