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SpikyPets's avatar
SpikyPets
Follower
Jun 20, 2022

Shopping for a new router that broadcasts separate 2.4ghz and 5ghz bands

Looking to replace a Netgear N600 router to one that supports Wi-Fi 802.11ac and broadcasts separate 2.4ghz and 5ghz bands.  I will be connecting 2 computers, a printer, iPad 6 gen that controls many Kasa smart switches, plugs and lights.  The Kasa devices only operate using 2.4ghz speed so the iPad must also connect to the 2.4ghz band.  The home is single story, 1800 sq ft.  I am considering a wireless monitor that requires Wi-Fi 802.11ac which the N600 does not so looking to upgrade my router again.

 

Last year I purchased NETGEAR - Nighthawk AX3000 Wifi 6 Mesh System at Costco and much to my surprise it only see/broadcast a 5ghz signal.  Docs said it connects devices at the fasted support speed via "Smart Connect".  The problem is I could not use the iPad to control the Kasa devices that only supported 2.4ghz connections because the iPad would connect to the 5ghz band. Upon researching, I found that (at the time) where was no setting to broadcast separate bands.  I would have to purchased a more expensive Nighthawk model that allowed it to be configured to broadcast separate bands.  So back to Costco it went.

 

I am looking for a Netgear router recommendation that broadcasts separate 2.4ghz and 5ghz bands.  I currently have no devices that are connected to the N600 5ghz band but would still like to have that option.  I see a thread here there was an issue with the Netgear Nighhawk R7800 broadcasting separate bands as it doesn't have Smart Connect.  It this still the case or was there a firmware update that added Smart Connect?  I don't want the Smart Connect feature or a way to disable it.

 

Appreciate any model suggestions as I'm not up to speed on Wi-Fi technology.  I've had the N600 since 2015 and have no issues with it other than finding out it doesn't support Wi-Fi 802.11ac.  Thanks for listening... SpikyPets.

 

 

 

 

 

1 Reply

  • michaelkenward's avatar
    michaelkenward
    Guru
    Jun 20, 2022

    Your subject is confusing. All routers broadcast separate 2.4 Ghz and 5 Ghz bands.

     

    Whether or not they broadcast separate SSIDs is another matter. Some routers allow you to separate them, some don't. Some let you disable one band while others don't.

     

    People often ask for that when it is not necessary or even recommended. Take this:

     

    SpikyPets wrote:

    I will be connecting 2 computers, a printer, iPad 6 gen that controls many Kasa smart switches, plugs and lights.  The Kasa devices only operate using 2.4ghz speed so the iPad must also connect to the 2.4ghz band. 

    Which band an iPad connects to is in the hands of the iPad not the router. Even if the SSIDs are separate, the iPad will pick the "best" band.

     

    In any case, there is no reason why a device connected to wifi at 5 GHz cannot control devices connected to wifi at 2.4GHz. As long as they are on the same network, my 5 GHz mobile phone and tablet have no problem printing to my 2.4 GHz printer, for example. They can also work with my 2.4 GHz Iot cameras.

     

    This is on an R7800. I also have Orbi stuff that will also work with devices regardless of the broadcast SSIDs.

     

    What you need is a router that happily talks to both. That is what networks do. They allow devices on them to communicate with each other.

     


    I see a thread here there was an issue with the Netgear Nighhawk R7800 broadcasting separate bands as it doesn't have Smart Connect.  It this still the case or was there a firmware update that added Smart Connect?  I don't want the Smart Connect feature or a way to disable it.

     

    Bit of confusion there. Not sure what "smart connect" has to do with anything, but the R7800 supports it and always has in my recollection. (But it sounds like this is what you say you don't want because it uses the same SSID for both bands.)  So we don't know what this anonymous thread you mention was really on about. Perhaps another confused poster.

     

    When it comes to choosing a router, try plugging your needs into the filters on the product pages:

     

    Wireless Routers for Home | NETGEAR

     

    WiFi Range Extenders: Boost Your WiFi Range | NETGEAR

     

    and

     

    Orbi: Whole Home WiFi System for Better WiFi Everywhere | NETGEAR

     

    Then check back here for reports on the things you are considering, but remember that people turn up in this community with problems, not compliments. So look at reviews on Amazon, for example.