WPA3 - legacy devices on RBR750 (wpa2 and wpa3 not allowed)

[lyndon_h]

I'm running a RBR750 with 2 satelites with fw V4.6.5.14. I just updated the security to wpa3 and see that about 15 of my devices don't support the wpa3, including some work laptops I use. Is there a way to run mixed mode security (WPA2 and WPA3) so that all of my devices will be able to connect?

If not, I'll have to roll back to WPA2 for the next couple of years until all devices support WPA3. I logged into the web interface, but the wireless encryption modes seem to allow only one security format (either WPA3 or WPA2). I've also searched the forums with no luck.  

[plemans · Accepted solution]

For a while there was a mixed mode but it was removed when it was found to have its own issues. 

Maybe it'll be coming back? Not sure as netgear doesn't release firmware update plans. 

for the time being, I'd drop back to wpa2

[plemans · Accepted solution]

For a while there was a mixed mode but it was removed when it was found to have its own issues. 

Maybe it'll be coming back? Not sure as netgear doesn't release firmware update plans. 

for the time being, I'd drop back to wpa2

[lyndon_h]

Thanks for the reply. It's a shame mixed mode isn't operational. WPA3 is useless for most without mixed mode. No one wants to upgrade all of their in house devices and hope they support WPA3

[FURRYe38]

Something to post here about to let NG know:

https://community.netgear.com/t5/Idea-Exchange-For-Home/idb-p/idea-exchange-for-home

[lyndon_h]

Thanks, I'll be adding my info to this post https://community.netgear.com/t5/Idea-Exchange-For-Home/Orbi-WiFi6-support-for-mixed-mode-as-securit...

[plemans]

I run wpa3 for my primary network for testing and usually have a seperate "backup" network just for those device that only support wpa2. Or if I'm using my Orbi pro, I set one the the multiple ssid's to run wpa2. 

[lyndon_h]

I appreciate the response. That could be an option for some, but I have several devices, such as Chromecasts and Logitech Harmony's that require communication with other devices that do support WPA3. So running them in seperate networks kills operability between those devices and the devices that need to communicate with them.  

Another issue would be that would be substituting your guest network for WPA2 devices. This could soften your security by "having" to allow everyone you know connect to an important network rather than your sandboxed guest network.

There may be another way to create another network, but it's not exposed via the UI and sounds like it may be an effort to me and certainly those with less technical prowess.