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JasonArbaugh's avatar
JasonArbaugh
Follower
Aug 19, 2020

Enabling RAX80 Link Aggregation Break WiFi

I recently upgraded the home network because I am WFH like most everyone else.  After running ethernet through my attic (in Texas), dropping the cables through the walls, and configuring two new Netgear Switches (JGS524Ev2 and GS116Ev2), I decided to maximize the bandwidth from the wireless devices to the home network.

 

Tonight I created a LAN on the Netgear JGS524Ev2 24-port switch to connect to my Nighthawk RAX80 router.  I then enabled the LAN function on the RAX80 ( Advanced > Advanced Setup > Ethernet Port Aggregation).  I selected the "Static" option because the Netgear JGS524Ev2 24-port does not support LACP-IEEE802.3ad.  I then let the RAX80 reboot with both ethernet cables attached and it looked like it worked...

 

Except the WiFi would no longer connect to any wireless device.

 

I tried Dell laptops, Apple laptops, iPhones, iPads, Apple TVs, Amazon Echos, Nintendo Switchs.  Nothing!

 

After reflashing with all three posted Firmwares (1..46, 1.0.41, and 1.0.35) and trying many combinations, I finally reset the device to Factory Settings.  And I suddenly noticed that my phone connected to the default NETGEAR wireless network.  (Thank goodness it remembered the network from the original RAX80 install.)  I reconfigured the networks and passwords, and all the devices started connecting.  I then went and enabled port aggregation and EVERYTHING DIED again.

 

Has anyone had a similar problem?

 

Is the WiFI supposed to work with Link Aggregation enabled?

 

Is my router just defective and I only noticed it now that I went to enable the LAN feature?

 

Any assistance would be appreciated in understanding if I have busted hardware or if the features just do not work together.  (They should work together, but as an engineer, I have to ask the question.)

4 Replies

  • Christian_R's avatar
    Christian_R
    NETGEAR Employee Retired
    Aug 25, 2020

    Hello JasonArbaugh, 

     

    Welcome to the community! I'd like for our support team to reach out for further investigation. If you wish to be contacted, please send me a private message with your email, phone, and serial number. 

     

    Thanks,

    Christian 

  • hotwke's avatar
    hotwke
    Aspirant
    Sep 09, 2020
    I am having the exact same problem! I have the Netgear CM1200 modem and the Netgear Nighthawk RAX80. I enabled the LACP-IEEE802.3ad on both, running LAN 1 to Port 4 and Lan 2 to Port 5 (running tested Cat7 cables). Says LAG is active... But still no WiFi. Does the WiFi on the RAX80 ONLY work with a connection to the WAN port?? Am I that dumb I'm not getting this? Do I hook Lan 3 on the CM1200 to the WAN on the AX80??? I've been messing with this for the entire night and I'm at my wit's end......

    Thanks
    • schumaku's avatar
      schumaku
      Guru - Experienced User
      Sep 09, 2020

      hotwke Suspect you mix the LAN LAG with the Internet LAG config to conect a cable modem suppoting LAG.

       

      Nighthawk AX8 User Manual p.87, "Get Multi-Gig Internet With Internet Port Aggregation"

       

      "3. Connect the Internet port and Ethernet port 1 on your router to two Ethernet ports on your modem."

      • hotwke's avatar
        hotwke
        Aspirant
        Sep 18, 2020
        Thank you!! Yes, I was mixing them!! Was so excited to try out the CM1200 and just.... You know. Haha *Smacks forehead*