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NiKRuLeZ's avatar
NiKRuLeZ
Tutor
Jul 25, 2025

EX6120 in Bridge Mode – Should Backhaul Be Connected to Both Bands or Just One?

Hi all,

 

I’m using the Netgear EX6120 purely as a Wi-Fi-to-Ethernet bridge, and I’m hoping to clarify the best way to configure the backhaul connection in this mode.

 

🔧 My Setup:

  • The EX6120 connects wirelessly to my main router.
  • I’ve disabled the radios (no SSID broadcasting), so it doesn’t extend Wi-Fi coverage or transmit any wireless signal.
  • It’s only being used to provide internet to one Ethernet-connected device.
  • In the extender settings, I’ve selected:
  • “Ethernet ports to WiFi use the following band: 2.4 GHz”
  • Both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz were connected during setup, though only 2.4 GHz is selected for the Ethernet backhaul.

 

📊 Current Signal & Link Speeds:

  • 2.4 GHz: ~86% signal, 130 Mbps link speed
  • 5 GHz: ~42% signal, 175 Mbps link speed

 

I chose 2.4 GHz due to the stronger and more stable signal.

❓ My Main Question:

 

Since I’ve disabled the radios and I’m only using the EX6120 as a bridge for a wired device:

 

Should I be connecting the backhaul to both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands during setup, or just the one I intend to use (e.g. 2.4 GHz)?

 

  • Does having both bands connected serve any benefit in this case?
  • Or would it be better to just connect the one I’m using to reduce overhead or possible confusion?

 

Appreciate any advice or experience anyone can share!

 

Thanks!

not listed

3 Replies

  • plemans's avatar
    plemans
    Guru - Experienced User
    Jul 26, 2025

    I'd go 5ghz but I'd test it. 

    Not sure what scanner you're using but if the extender wasn't broadcasting back to the router, it wouldn't be working. Disabling the ssid's just does that. Just the ssid', not the radio or it wouldn't connect back. But you do you. 

  • plemans's avatar
    plemans
    Guru - Experienced User
    Jul 25, 2025

    First off. Disabling the "radios" doesn't. If they were disabled, it couldn't connect back to the router. You just disabled the ssid broadcast. It doesn't impact performance or stop the actual wifi from broadcasting. Not much use to do other than looks nicer from a standard scanner. 

    Next. Even though the 2.4ghz is showing a better signal it doesn't mean its faster. 2.4ghz is a slow network and sensitive to interference. Its really slow. Test the speed on the hardwired device with each band to see what one actually provides the higher throughput. 

    IF it was me, I'd use the 5ghz. Much less interference. Tends to be much faster unless its at the very edge of its range. So a little testing is in your best bet. 

    I'd also probably leave the ssid's broadcasting. Disabling them doesn't change anything other than your thoughts on it so you might as well have them broadcasting in case you want to put a few devices (like IoT devices) on the extender. 

    • NiKRuLeZ's avatar
      NiKRuLeZ
      Tutor
      Jul 25, 2025

      Thanks for the reply...

       

      I've used the scanner software to see if the rebroadcast (for the extender) shows up and it doesn't (not even in hidden SSID) and that's exactly what I want. I only want the ethernet device to connect over the wifi to the main router, I have no need for the actual extender functionality.

      The question is, after testing if one band works out better than the other, should I leave both bands connected or purely setup only the best band connection only (either 2.4 or 5ghz)? Theres a radio button that says:

      • Ethernet ports to WiFi use the following band: 2.4GHz 5GHz (when both bands are connected to the router)

      So I think I can choose which backhaul band to use back to the main router.

      Let me know!