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.
NG7856
May 30, 2025Guide
I was thinking about going with ORBI 970 but unlike the T-Link router you cannot disable the smart connect. I have read "many" articles about how the smart connect is not really that smart and if you want a different GHZ than what smart connect likes it is impossible to configure. Is it true that the ORBIs smart connect cannot be disabled? It looks like old versions of ORBI had the smart connect disable switch - oh well! I like to have control of my network so I guess ORBI is not for me - too bad.
FURRYe38
May 30, 2025Guru - Experienced User
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.