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Forum Discussion
NetGear AC1200 Model EX5000
I am having an issue with my new wifi range extender (NetGear AC1200 Model EX5000). I was able to connect to my primary router using WPS with no problem, and both the 2.5GHz and 5GHz SSIDs appeared as expected and I was able to connect to them at first.
However, after I was connected to the 2.4GHz channel for a few minutes it unexpectedly switched to the 5GHz channel. When I manually switched back to the 2.4GHz channel it connected but had no internet, and I was able to login to the extender from that connection. I can only log into the extender from the 5GHz connection.
I have updated the EX5000 with the latest firmware ( V1.0.1.80) but the same problem occurs.
My primary router is an AT&T router, model BGW320.
Note that in the room where my PC is located, the 2.4GHz connection shows good signal strength, while the 5GHz connection shows weak signal strength (generally no better than my primary router) which is why I want to use the 2.4GHz connection.
3 Replies
It sounds like your EX5000 is auto-switching to the stronger 5GHz band and failing to route internet through 2.4GHz. A few steps to fix this:
- Disable “Smart Connect” on your primary AT&T BGW320 router if it’s enabled.
- This prevents devices from automatically switching between 2.4GHz and 5GHz.
- On the EX5000, manually assign separate SSIDs for 2.4GHz and 5GHz instead of using the default single SSID. Connect your PC specifically to the 2.4GHz SSID.
- Forget the network on your PC and reconnect to the 2.4GHz SSID to ensure it doesna’t try auto-switching.
- If issues persist, try power-cycling both the router and extender after making these changes.
This usually stabilizes the 2.4GHz connection and ensures internet access through that band.
Thank you for the feedback, Kevin!
I cannot find any settings on the extender that look like smart connect or band steering, and I do have separate SSIDs for 2.4GHz and 5GHz on the extender.
However, after doing more testing I think the problem may be with my PC and not the extender. I have been able to connect my phone to both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz SSIDs with no problems so far. I will continue to poke at it, and if you have any insight into why it would work on Android but not on Windows I would love to hear it. :)Correction: I was not able to log into the extender from the 2.4GHz channel, only the 5GHz. When I do log into it and look at the Status page, it indicates no problems with either channel.
