NETGEAR is aware of a growing number of phone and online scams. To learn how to stay safe click here.
Forum Discussion
NG7856
May 30, 2025Guide
ORBI 970 - Separate name per wifi freq.
I do not understand how the ORBI naming works versus the nighthawk. Background: Currently I have a Nighthawk router with an extender. I am able to give each frequency a separate name and passwo...
- May 30, 2025
Due to the nature and design of MESH systems, Orbi systems have never been able to disable Smart Connect or have separate networks on the main WLAN. After years of IoT mfrs not changing how there setup software works with there devices and MESH systems and that 2.4Ghz and 5ghz are on the same network however phones and pads prefer 5Ghz to connect too, the IoT mfrs limits there setup software to only work on 2.4ghz. So around 2023, NG finally implemented the separate IoT network on AX and AXE Orbi systems. Thus giving Orbi users the ability to configure the IoT network for there IoT needs. Same is seen on BE systems as well. MESHs systems are complex and can't offer that ability as it would cause issues which NG wants to avoid. For single router only systems like Nighthawk, Smart Connect can be disabled on those since there are not depending satellites being connected and less complex.
michaelkenward
May 30, 2025Guru - Experienced User
NG7856 wrote:Currently I have a Nighthawk router with an extender. I am able to give each frequency a separate name and password. Therefore, for one department they use 5.1 MHZ, another 5.0MHZ, and finally 2.4MHZ.
Orbi uses Mesh technology. 2.4 and 5.0 GHz (there is no 5.1 GHz) use the same SSID and password for router and satellites. The idea is that mobile devices can move around seamlessly, with router and satellites talking to each other. With the Nighthawk router and extender it is down to the mobile device to negotiate the handover as a device moves between wifi sources.
The RBE970 system has various wifi options, including a "Guest" network.
You might like to check the manual to see how you can set things up to your liking.
Feed in your model number and check the documentation.
Look at the section Manage the WiFi Settings.