NETGEAR is aware of a growing number of phone and online scams. To learn how to stay safe click here.
Forum Discussion
RAXE500 2.4 band doesn't work at all, only 5G.
I've tried changing the channels; there are no new devices or even neighborhood networks that I can tell.
For devices that can use 5G, the devices use that. For ones that can't, such as the printer, this matters more and we can't use our printer because suddenly 2.4 doesn't work.
11 Replies
Assuming that this RAXE500 worked correctly before, but now it no longer broadcasts a 2.4G WiFi network?
(if it never broadcasted a 2.4G WiFi, then return it.)
Page 78 of the User Manual describes how to turn the WiFi radios on and off:
https://www.downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RAXE500/RAXE450_RAXE500_UM_EN.pdf
Have you double checked that no one pressed the button by accident and turned off the 2.4G radio?
It isn't that it's not broadcasted, it's that my printer cannot connect to it, and my phone won't let me switch to it. It says it is trying to switch, then auto switches back to the 5G. Keep in mind this didn't use to happen. It's not a password change.
OK. Are there any devices in the house that connect to the 2.4G WiFi?
What brand/model is the printer?
No, nothing does.
The printer model is the MFC-L2717DW . The wifi button on it is blinking. We didn't notice about 2.4 until we went to print. Our PCs and mobile phones don't connect to 2.4 either.
The printer model is the MFC-L2717DW
Double check that WPA2 security is enabled in the router.
If the printer is near the router, then you could try connecting the printer with ethernet to a router LAN port.
Our PCs and mobile phones don't connect to 2.4 either.
Not surprising if you are using the same SSID on the router for both frequencies.
The wifi button on it is blinking
There are three WiFi LED's, correct? It is the 2.4G WiFi LED that is blinking. (which, of course, is not something it is supposed to do)
This may be a time to perform a Factory Reset.
The wifi button is blinking on the printer, not the wifi. The wifi light is solid, because the network is visible on our devices, and on wifi detection app. Is there anything you can think of besides factory reset that I coudl fiddle with?
So no other devices will connect to the 2.4Ghz SSID name?
Is Smart Connect disabled on the RAXE?
What firmware version is on the router?
If nothing connects, you'll need to factory reset and router and setup from scratch.
Have you tried:
- Reset the printer
- Connect the printer using the WPS button (page 20 of the user manual)
It is really frustrating not to have another 2.4G WiFi device for troubleshooting. Would you consider this:
- Purchase an inexpensive WiFi extender. (Although there are many available on Amazon for under $6, I have had good luck with the TP-Link RE-220 which is under $20. That's about the cost of a decent bottle of wine or one meal out.)
- Connect the WiFi extender to the RAXE500. There are choices whether to use the 2.4G or 5G band for the connection.
- Connect the printer to the WiFi extender, either using 2.4G WiFi or using an Ethernet cable.
This addresses several aspects of the situation:
- Using 5G and Ethernet would get the printer working and solve the immediate issue.
- Creating a new 2.4G WiFi channel with the WiFi extender will help determine if the 2.4G WiFi issue is due to the RAXE500 or the printer. (i.e. if the printer will not connect to the WiFi extender at 2.4G, that sort of implicates the printer. If it does connect, then the RAXE500 is more likely at fault.)
- Forcing a 2.4G connection from the WiFi extender to the RAXE500 will confirm whether the router 2.4G WiFi is working.
Just a thought
p.s. Those dozens of WiFi extenders at really CHEAP prices all seem to have only 1 or 2 purchase reviews (or even none at all!). I much prefer to stick with established manufacturers, such as Linksys, Netgear, TP-Link.
