Brand new and having issues - 2.4g wifi won't connect to any devices

[Golfnut123]

I just purchased a new modem/router and got it set up, but the 2.4g band won't connect to any devices.  On my Roku, it shows an X for Internet connection, and my other devices (iphone, ipad and macbook show "incorrect password."  Do I have a defective product?  I have been on the phone with Spectrum and Netgear for hours and nothing has fixed the situation.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[plemans]

What firmware are you on? 

What did you try? Saying "nothing fixed the situation" doesn't say what you've tried. 

What modem is it connected to? 

[Golfnut123]

It is a modem and router. The firmware is 1.03.04. I have Spectrum. I talked at length with them because the Netgear tech told me I need to upgrade the firmware to 1.02.09 for Spectrum. I talked to three different techs at Spectrum and they all said the firmware is automatically updated when they send a signal to it. I also tried changing the channel on the 2.4 to different ones (it was set on auto). I tried taking security off. I tried setting up a guest network on 2.4. I reset the modem using the reset button. I unplugged the modem and plugged it back in. In each case, my devices could see the 2.4g, but couldn’t connect to it.

[plemans]

If its a modem/router combo device, it isn't the R6300. 

What model is it? 

Was it sold/rented/given to you from the ISP? 

You're ISP is correct in that they control the firmware on it. Combo devices have their firmware controlled by the isp. 

[Golfnut123]

It is a C6300v2. I purchased it from Best Buy yesterday. The box indicates it is compatible with Spectrum.

[plemans]

have you tried logging into it and change the ssid and password? 

[Golfnut123]

I changed the password but not the ssid.

[Golfnut123]

I just tried changing the SSID and it didn't help either.

[plemans]

do 5ghz and wired devices work? 

[Golfnut123]

Yes. No issues with Ethernet or 5g.

[plemans]

If its new, I'd exchange it. It'd be faster than trying to RMA it through netgear. 

[Golfnut123]

Will do. Do you suggest separate modem and router or the combo? Any specific suggestions? am looking for a reliable connection for a 1700 sf home.

[plemans]

I do suggest seperating out the modem and router. 

If they're a combo device, the isp controls the firmware on both the modem and the router. 

If you seperate them out, they only control the firmware on the modem. It allows you to update the router more and customize more. 

Plus you can upgrade easier or if a device fails, it doesn't take out both modem and router. 

its a little more cost up front but worth it in my experience. 

I'm a fan of the CM1000 or CM1100 for modems but that'd depend on what modem your isp supports. They're a docsis 3.1 modem and work great. 

In terms of routers, it just depends on what you're wanting. A solid dual band router is the R7800 but there's also triband routers or even going the router of a netgear orbi setup. they've been dropping in price on amazon, especially the renewed ones.