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BigshotMD's avatar
BigshotMD
Aspirant
Sep 26, 2022

Why is there no manual override for Smart Connect?

Model = RAX 120

Firmware = 1.2.8.40

 

I have noticed one of my IoT devices (Actron Air Que system) WiFi has been dropping out when having Smart Connect enabled.  This is fixed when I disable Smart Connect and rename both 2.4 and 5G networks the same SSID and password.

 

I have learned a possible reason for the dropout.  When Smart Connect attempts to change the device over to 5G, it will drop out.  This is something that Smart Connect probably does to balance the 2.4G and 5G bands (I have 25 devices connected - 9 wired, 16 on WiFi).

 

I do like the idea of Smart Connect, but can someone please educate me why Netgear has not allowed for some manual override to have some older IoT devices stick to 2.4 G band? Is this a feature someone can suggest Netgear to consider adding in future firmware/release models?

 

Thanks.

3 Replies

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  • plemans's avatar
    plemans
    Guru
    Sep 26, 2022

    Smart connect doesn't actually move them between bands. Its the actual device that chooses to switch between 2.4ghz and 5ghz. 

    Smart connect just allows the smart roaming/band steering to be available. If you're device is struggling with it, its more a device specific than router specific issue

    • BigshotMD's avatar
      BigshotMD
      Aspirant
      Sep 26, 2022

      Thanks so much for input.

       

      Perhaps it may be the IoT device.  But I find that when I disable smart connect and configure my 2.4G and 5G with same SSID/password, the IoT device is solid without any drop outs.

       

      I find that there are more wireless devices are connected to the 5G band when smart connect is enabled, which is probably more preferable.  I'm not really sure why this is the case if the router is not moving the devices between bands.  Maybe the individual devices are able to roam between bands easier?

  • BigshotMD's avatar
    BigshotMD
    Aspirant
    Sep 26, 2022

    I have realised someone else has posted something similar and apologises for the re-post.

     

    I have posted this on the Home Network Idea section in hope Netgear will consider this in future firmware releases.

     

    I find that without Smart Connect, there are twice as many devices on my 2.4G band compared to my 5G band.  I wouldn't mind using it again in the future, but because of one IoT device, I have had to disable it.