Nighthawk Nighthawk CAX80 - Wifi Problems with only some devices

[ericvdb]

I have a Nighthawk CAX80 since early 2023 that is having trouble with allowing connections to some types of devices.  I have many computers, phones, tablets, cameras all using the network (most on just the 2.4ghz signal vs the 5) and the password has been unchanged for some time. Password type is the standard WPA2-PSK[AES] + WPA3-Personal. Most devices connect and reconnect easily. Lately, a new samsung television and playstation 5, refuse to connect. Those devices try and very quickly fail.

Curious if anyone has thoughts on settings, any newer devices have different expectations? My firmware is up to date, or at least the admin portal says so. 

[FURRYe38 · Accepted solution]

What FW is loaded on the CAX? 

How many devices in total do you have connected? 

What channels are you using? 
Is Smart Connect enabled on the CAX? 

Try setting WPA2 and AES only. 

There are known issues with some older devices that may not work with WPA3 in the mix. I've seen this as well is some of my devices. I would expect a newer TV and PS5 should connect ok with WPA3 in the mix. 

I would avoid using special characters for the SSID password. 

Be sure to disable any MAC Address randomizers on phones and pads while at home:
https://community.netgear.com/t5/Nighthawk-App/NETGEAR-Mobile-Applications-and-Apple-Devices-FAQ/td-...

[FURRYe38 · Accepted solution]

What FW is loaded on the CAX? 

How many devices in total do you have connected? 

What channels are you using? 
Is Smart Connect enabled on the CAX? 

Try setting WPA2 and AES only. 

There are known issues with some older devices that may not work with WPA3 in the mix. I've seen this as well is some of my devices. I would expect a newer TV and PS5 should connect ok with WPA3 in the mix. 

I would avoid using special characters for the SSID password. 

Be sure to disable any MAC Address randomizers on phones and pads while at home:
https://community.netgear.com/t5/Nighthawk-App/NETGEAR-Mobile-Applications-and-Apple-Devices-FAQ/td-...

[ericvdb]

Thanks for the quick response:

• Firmware says up-to-date, does not display a firmware number. Thoughts on how i would find that or find if there is an update the router is not finding?
• Total devices, maybe 15-20 with half that used simultaneously. speeds tests always show very high.
• I've been experimenting with SmartConnect to combine the 24 & 5. That does not seem to have an effect. It is currently turned on.
• I had same thought about changing the security mode, i hate to disrupt other traffic, both new tv and ps5 should connect wpa3. i'll experiment.
• no mac randomizers being used here.

[FURRYe38]

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@ericvdb wrote:

Thanks for the quick response:

• Firmware says up-to-date, does not display a firmware number. Thoughts on how i would find that or find if there is an update the router is not finding? Log into the modems web page at 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.100.1
• Total devices, maybe 15-20 with half that used simultaneously. speeds tests always show very high.
• I've been experimenting with SmartConnect to combine the 24 & 5. That does not seem to have an effect. It is currently turned on.
• I had same thought about changing the security mode, i hate to disrupt other traffic, both new tv and ps5 should connect wpa3. i'll experiment. Try WPA2 only when you can. 
• no mac randomizers being used here.

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[ericvdb]

Update, much more success after bumping down to WPA2 and AES. PS5 connected straight away, television complained couple times but so far is maintaining connection. I'll keep an eye on it for a stretch. Thank you again!

[FURRYe38]

Mixed mode WPA2 and WPA3 should work, you'll need to reach out to the TV mfr and Sony about there devices not working if WPA3 is in the mix. 

Good Luck.