WNDRMAC router no longer connects on 2.4Ghz network

[klamation]

I'm probably grasping at straws here, but does anyone have any ideas for a WNDRMAC router that is missing its 2.4GHz network?  It was working fine just a few days ago, and then none of my devices can see or connect on the 2.4GHz wireless connection.  I've gone as far as factory-defaulting the system, checked all the settings, but nothing.

[klamation · Accepted solution]

Hi ElaineM, thanks for the links.  I downloaded and re-installed the firmware, and the 2.4GHz network still does not show up.  I even went into the Advanced Setup > Wireless Settings, and tried disabling both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wireless Router Radios, and notice the 5GHz is still broadcasting its SSID, so I disabled both SSIDs, then re-enabled the radios and SSIDs.  No luck in this.

The strange thing is, the router thinks the wireless is working properly.  So, the problem really is faulty hardware.  I guess I'm out of luck?

[ElaineM]

Do you still have the wireless LED on?

Did try to re-flash the firmware of the router?

[klamation]

Hi ElianeM!  Thanks for your response and, valid questions.  Yes, the Wireless LED, the little icon that looks like ((o)) is on, glowing blue.  The 5GHz network is visible, but the regular one is not.

I have not tried re-flashing the firmware.  It's a valid suggestion, but currently the downloadcenter.netgear.com site is offline.  The most I have tried to do is reset the router to factory defaults, and have played around with some of the wireless settings, but it doesn't seem to make a difference.

[ElaineM]

It can be considered faulty hardware if re-flashing did not work.

Normally, factory reset should correct this but then just to exhaust all possible solution hence, I suggested firmware re-flash.

If you happen to have version 1, click here.

For version 2, see this page.

[klamation · Accepted solution]

Hi ElaineM, thanks for the links.  I downloaded and re-installed the firmware, and the 2.4GHz network still does not show up.  I even went into the Advanced Setup > Wireless Settings, and tried disabling both the 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wireless Router Radios, and notice the 5GHz is still broadcasting its SSID, so I disabled both SSIDs, then re-enabled the radios and SSIDs.  No luck in this.

The strange thing is, the router thinks the wireless is working properly.  So, the problem really is faulty hardware.  I guess I'm out of luck?

[ElaineM]

Therefore, that's a faulty hardware.

Time to get a new one.

[klamation]

Thanks, ElaineM. Not the answer I wanted to here, but not surprising either.

[ElaineM]

You're welcome!