Re: Configuring IOT devices

Pfredd · ‎2019-09-30

Many IOT devices, such as Wi-Fi Outlets, Door Bell Cameras, etc., need you phone to be connected to the 2.4GHZ band of your router in order for the device's app to perform initial device configuration. The ORBI routers use the same SSID for both the 2.4GHZ and the 5GHZ bands. This can be an issue because most phones will connect to the 5GHZ band.

There is another post, (https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi/How-to-set-a-separate-SSID-for-the-5-GHz-network-on-your-Orbi/... }, that describes how to assign seperate SSIDs to the two bands. Unfortunately, this does not work with the CBR40 cable modem router and it is not officially supported by Netgear.

I solved this issue by opening the ORBI configuration web page (orbilogin.net), then going into the Advanced configuration tab, selecting Advanced Setup, then Wireless Settings. In the 5GHZ section, change the "Transmit Power Control" setting to the lowest setting (25%). Then click on the blue APPLY button at the top of the page.

Once the setting has been saved, go as far away from your routers as you can, closing any doors in between, then turn Wi-Fi off and back on on your phone. Check your connection and hopefully it is now connected to the 2.4GHZ band.

Set up your devices, reset the 5GHZ power back to 100% and you are good to go!

Retired_Member · ‎2019-09-30

Thanks

I did this about a year or more ago. Many folks on here offer advice and yet are NOT actually faced with this problem. Thanks again for the post.

There is one other step I did....after reducing the power on the5G side, I unplugged the SATs. Once setup was complete, put everything back.

glojoe · ‎2019-09-30

Thanks I will give that a try 👍

Pfredd · ‎2019-10-01

Once I reduced the 5GHZ power, I moved to a bathroom that was only 20 feet away from the ORBI. I shut the door and reconnected to WI-Fi and my phone connected to the 2.4GHZ band...

FURRYe38 · ‎2019-10-01

To get IoT devices connected during there initial setup, you can also temporarily disable the 5Ghz SSID broadcast as well under Advanced Tab/Advanced Settings/Wireless Settings. After you get the 2.4Ghz devices setup, re-enable the 5G SSID broadcast.

@Pfredd wrote:
Once I reduced the 5GHZ power, I moved to a bathroom that was only 20 feet away from the ORBI. I shut the door and reconnected to WI-Fi and my phone connected to the 2.4GHZ band...

Retired_Member · ‎2019-10-01

@FURRYe38 wrote:
To get IoT devices connected during there initial setup, you can also temporarily disable the 5Ghz SSID broadcast as well under Advanced Tab/Advanced Settings/Wireless Settings. After you get the 2.4Ghz devices setup, re-enable the 5G SSID broadcast.
@Pfredd wrote:
Once I reduced the 5GHZ power, I moved to a bathroom that was only 20 feet away from the ORBI. I shut the door and reconnected to WI-Fi and my phone connected to the 2.4GHZ band...

Some users have said this is NOT true or available

FURRYe38 · ‎2019-10-01

Its available. Has been there for a while now.

MarcusVR · ‎2019-10-01

I just went to the web interface and, in Advaced tab, Advanced Setup, Wireless Settings, I deselected "Enable SSID Broadcast" to the 5 GHz band. It allowed me to pair the problematic devices! Restore this option after the devices were paired didn't affected its connection.

FURRYe38 · ‎2019-10-01

Glad that worked for you. Works for others as well.

Enjoy.

@MarcusVR wrote:
I just went to the web interface and, in Advaced tab, Advanced Setup, Wireless Settings, I deselected "Enable SSID Broadcast" to the 5 GHz band. It allowed me to pair the problematic devices! Restore this option after the devices were paired didn't affected its connection.

glojoe · ‎2019-10-03

The info you have provided worked. Thanks so much!

FURRYe38 · ‎2019-10-03