RBR / RBS750: devices preferably connect to 2.4 GHz network

[MK2022]

Configuration: RBR750 and RBS750 via ethernet backhaul; router mode

Firmware: V7.2.6.31_5.0.24

I have 5 GHz capable modern (mobile) devices: when nearby the router or satellite; they connect to the 5 GHz network, but just a few meters away, they revert to the much slower 2.4 GHz frequency. Is there a way I can prioritize the 5 GHz network over 2.4 GHz?

A summary of my settings is copied below:

I must say, I greatly miss the option to broadcast 2 separate networks and not to deal with this mixed network.

Thanks.

[FURRYe38]

Check first with the devices you have and make sure they are dual band supporting. Not all devices are dual band. Phones and Pads are mostly dual band. Most IoT devices maybe only 2.4Ghz.

NG came out with a separate IoT feature that you can have separate networks under the IoT SSID in v7 FW:

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...

What is the Mfr and model# of the Internet Service Providers modem/ONT the NG router is connected too?
Be sure your using a good quality LAN cable between the modem and router. CAT6A STP is recommended. 

How many RBS are deployed? 
What is the size of your home? Sq Ft?
What is the distance between the router 📡 and satellite(s)🛰️? 30 feet or more is recommended in between RBR 📡 and RBS 🛰️ to begin with depending upon building materials when wired or wirelessly connected.
https://kb.netgear.com/31029/Where-should-I-place-my-Orbi-satellite ‌‌🛰

What channel configurations are currently set on the router.

Be sure to disable any MAC Address randomizers on phones and pads while at home:
https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi-App/NETGEAR-Mobile-Applications-and-Apple-Devices-FAQ/td-p/222...

Try disabling the following and see:
Armor, Smart Parental Controls or Circle, Traffic Meter.

There are some known issues with v.31 FW. We can't recommend using it. If you seem to be experiencing issues, v.21 is most recommended and most stable:

https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi-WIFI-6-AX-AND-Wi-Fi-6E-AXE/New-RBR750-RBS750-Firmware-Version-...

[CrimpOn]

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@MK2022 wrote:

I have 5 GHz capable modern (mobile) devices: when nearby the router or satellite; they connect to the 5 GHz network, but just a few meters away, they revert to the much slower 2.4 GHz frequency. Is there a way I can prioritize the 5 GHz network over 2.4 GHz?

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No. The device decides which WiFi access point to use and which frequency band (2.4G or 5G)

It would be helpful to know more about the situation, such as:

• The specific devices exhibiting this behavior.
• What information the devices supply about their WiFi connection.  (Samsung tablets, for example, often display the signal strength of each WiFi access point.  Many devices display the frequency band and the  "Link Rate" of their WiFi connection.
• Where, specifically, does this transition occur?  (Do an actual experiment.  Start at 1 meter, wait at least 2 minutes.  If it stays at 5G, record the signal strength or Link Rate and move to 2 meters.  Repeat until the device reports that the connection is now 2.4G rather than 5G.  This is "open space", correct?)

[CrimpOn]

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@MK2022 wrote:

I must say, I greatly miss the option to broadcast 2 separate networks and not to deal with this mixed network.

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Since their debut in 2016, Orbi mesh systems have always used the same SSID for primary WiFi on both 2.4G and 5G.