RBK852 - 5GHz disabled but Satellite shows 5GHz?

[jwdavistx]

Can a mod move this to a more appropriate forum?  The required "Labels" wasn't populating for me in the Orbi WIFI 6 (AX) AND Wi-Fi 6E (AXE) Mesh Systems so posting here in the hopes someone can redirect this to the correct place.

Products

• RBR850
  • V4.6.9.11_2.3.5
• RBS850
  • V4.6.9.11_2.3.5

Environments

• Windows 10 Pro for gateway changes
• iPhone 12 Pro Max for in app verification of changes
• Connected to Altice UBC1340 router configured as Bridge

What's the problem?

Like most folks, I have a mix of devices and some of them only support the 2.4 band.  After reading the forums, I disabled the 5 GHz band and was going to follow guidance to connect the 2.4 devices first, and then re-enable 5 GHz.

However, I didn't get that far.  After disabling the 5 GHz band, I wanted to verify the Connection Type for the Satellite and strangely it still reflects 5 and not 2.4 despite 5 ostensibly being disabled.

What am I doing wrong? What am I not understanding?  Appreciate any help or guidance.

Supporting Info

5 GHz band disabled

Satellite on 5GHz

[FURRYe38 · Accepted solution]

The Check box next to 2.4 and 5Ghz is for AX MODE, that disable or enabled the AX mode operation over 2.4 or 5Ghz or both. It does NOT disable the actual radios. 

Your behind on FW. 
If you need specific configurations for IoT devices and need only 2.4Ghz, then you'll need to update to v7.2.6.21:

https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi-WIFI-6-AX-AND-Wi-Fi-6E-AXE/New-RBR850-RBS850-Firmware-Version-...

Then you'll have the ability to set up a separate IoT network for your devices.

https://kb.netgear.com/000064267/How-do-I-enable-or-disable-the-Internet-of-things-IoT-network-on-my...
https://kb.netgear.com/000064269/How-do-I-change-the-Internet-of-things-IoT-network-name-SSID-and-pa...

[FURRYe38 · Accepted solution]

The Check box next to 2.4 and 5Ghz is for AX MODE, that disable or enabled the AX mode operation over 2.4 or 5Ghz or both. It does NOT disable the actual radios. 

Your behind on FW. 
If you need specific configurations for IoT devices and need only 2.4Ghz, then you'll need to update to v7.2.6.21:

https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi-WIFI-6-AX-AND-Wi-Fi-6E-AXE/New-RBR850-RBS850-Firmware-Version-...

Then you'll have the ability to set up a separate IoT network for your devices.

https://kb.netgear.com/000064267/How-do-I-enable-or-disable-the-Internet-of-things-IoT-network-on-my...
https://kb.netgear.com/000064269/How-do-I-change-the-Internet-of-things-IoT-network-name-SSID-and-pa...

[jwdavistx]

Thanks so much for the quick and detailed response.

I've completed the Firmware update, and will be following-up on the configuration of devices.

[jwdavistx]

Thanks again for the information.  I wanted to follow-up with a new question.

After updating the firmware, that seemed to be enough to connect my 2.4-specific devices to the non-IoT network, which is awesome!

Is there any specific documentation/expectation you could point me to (I can't seem to find any) that would detail why I would want to utilize the secondary IoT network?

[FURRYe38]

Historically, IoT have been problematic when connecting to MESHs systems. IoT Mfrs don't realize that 2.4 and 5Ghz are on same next work and setup devices like phones and pads prefer to connect to 5Ghz. The IoT Mfr limits there setup software to only work on 2.4Ghz. So users have to have a way to get there IoT devices setup so NG implemented this IoT network for this reason. Help users get IoT devices connected to MESH systems. 

Glad you got it working. Be sure to save off a back up configuration to file for safe keeping. Saves time if a reset is needed.
https://kb.netgear.com/000062080/How-do-I-back-up-the-configuration-settings-on-my-Orbi-WiFi-System
Enjoy. 📡