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SnowMiser's avatar
SnowMiser
Aspirant
Oct 04, 2022

Nighthawk X6 Router - New Devices Need To Be Next To Router for Initial Set-up/Connection to WiFi

The Nighthawk wireless works fine, after devices make the initial connection. However, in order to connect a wireless device (phone, tablets etc), the device needs to be within 10 feet of the router with no obstructions. I had to mount the router outside of the equipment closet, above the door, to help with this issue. Once a device connects to the wifi (either 2.4 or 5gb) it can connect from anywhere in the house. But that initial connection requires users to be next to the router. What settings can I change to make this work like a normal router?

 

Nighthawk X6

Firmware V1.0.4.84_10.1.84

Modem: Spectrum Cable DOCSIS 3.1 eMTA

10 Replies


  • SnowMiser wrote:

    The Nighthawk wireless works fine, after devices make the initial connection. However, in order to connect a wireless device (phone, tablets etc), the device needs to be within 10 feet of the router with no obstructions. I had to mount the router outside of the equipment closet, above the door, to help with this issue. Once a device connects to the wifi (either 2.4 or 5gb) it can connect from anywhere in the house. But that initial connection requires users to be next to the router. What settings can I change to make this work like a normal router?

     

    Nighthawk X6

    Firmware V1.0.4.84_10.1.84

    Modem: Spectrum Cable DOCSIS 3.1 eMTA


     

     

    Just to be clear, what model router are your talking about?  An R7900 or R8000?

     

    In your user configuration, do your have Smart Connect enabled?

    Do you have separate SSIDs for your 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz band?

    What material is used to make the walls of your equipment closet?

     

     

    • SnowMiser's avatar
      SnowMiser
      Aspirant

      Using a Nighthawk X6  Model R8000, AC3200

       

      Answers:

      In your user configuration, do your have Smart Connect enabled? Smart Connect is NOT enabled

      Do you have separate SSIDs for your 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz band? Yes, each band has a different SSID

      What material is used to make the walls of your equipment closet? Closet wall is 1/4 drywall, but the router is now outside of the closet, above the closet door, in the main hallway with zero interference.

       

      Thanks

      • Kitsap's avatar
        Kitsap
        Master

        SnowMiser wrote:

        Using a Nighthawk X6  Model R8000, AC3200

         

        Answers:

        In your user configuration, do your have Smart Connect enabled? Smart Connect is NOT enabled

        Do you have separate SSIDs for your 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz band? Yes, each band has a different SSID

        What material is used to make the walls of your equipment closet? Closet wall is 1/4 drywall, but the router is now outside of the closet, above the closet door, in the main hallway with zero interference.

         

        Thanks


        In the advanced wireless setup, disable the auto channel option for each band and manually select channel 6 for the 2.4 GHz band and channel 44 for the 5 GHz band.

         

        The auto channel selection process can often get into a loop with various devices trying to connect to the Wi-Fi and select a channel.

         

        Do you have any sources of RF interference in the area you are operating your Wi-Fi?  These sources could be cordless phones, microwave ovens, other Wi-Fi routers or gateways?

         

        In the same advanced wireless setup screen, recommend you disable 20/40 MHz coexistence.