I've recently purchased an N600 USB Wifi adapter so that I can use my 5ghz network, since my laptop does not have a 5ghz capable card. However, I cannot see any 5ghz networks with the adapter. The network is broadcasting, since I can see it from my iPod. My brother also has the exact same laptop and adapter and can connect to the 5ghz network fine. I've uninstalled and reinstalled the adapter and drivers and it didn't work, so now I'm at a loss for what to do.

Could you tell us the model number of the adaptor please, N600 is generic and can apply to a range of models? Actually, it looks like there is only one N600 USB adaptor, the WNDA3100, is that it? This is a dual band device so should be able to detect / connect to 5GHz networks. Do you see any other 5GHz networks in a WiFi scan?

Yes, it is the WNDA3100. I cannot see any 5ghz networks, even though I know my own is broadcasting.

By default that adaptor should be able to detect both 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands, and the Netgear Genie utility does not separate the two bands in a network scan. So I’m thinking that your adaptor may simply be faulty, are you able to arrange for a replacement or refund with the supplier?

I don't think my adaptor is faulty, because my brother has the exact same one. His adaptor can see the 5ghz network on his computer. My adaptor cannot see the 5ghz on my computer. I tried using his adaptor on my computer, but I still could not see the 5ghz network.

So, it’s not the router and not the adaptor, and your computer cannot see any 5GHz networks? Take a look at the link below, in particular the adaptor’s Advanced properties and the parameter ‘Disable Bands’. I’m not sure what other parameters are available so you might want to check them all out. If parameters like ‘Disable Bands’ seem to be correct then try changing them anyway i.e. set it to disable and apply the setting, then set it back to enable. http://kb.netgear.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/23352/~/a6200%2Fa6210%2Fwnda3100v2-wireless-adapter-intermittently-disconnects

N600 USB Wifi Adapter cannot see 5ghz networks

11 Replies

Babylon5
NETGEAR Employee Retired
Oct 01, 2015
Could you tell us the model number of the adaptor please, N600 is generic and can apply to a range of models?

Actually, it looks like there is only one N600 USB adaptor, the WNDA3100, is that it? This is a dual band device so should be able to detect / connect to 5GHz networks.

Do you see any other 5GHz networks in a WiFi scan?
- Icosahedral
  Aspirant
  Oct 01, 2015
  Yes, it is the WNDA3100. I cannot see any 5ghz networks, even though I know my own is broadcasting.
  - Babylon5
    NETGEAR Employee Retired
    Oct 01, 2015
    By default that adaptor should be able to detect both 5GHz and 2.4GHz bands, and the Netgear Genie utility does not separate the two bands in a network scan. So I’m thinking that your adaptor may simply be faulty, are you able to arrange for a replacement or refund with the supplier?

Forum Discussion

N600 USB Wifi Adapter cannot see 5ghz networks