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Forum Discussion
Forcing a device to 2.4 ghz
I am not seeing this an option in the settings, so may not be possible - that is, have a number of devices that i am sure can handle 2.4 & 5 ghz, so can i assign 2.4 to a specific device or am I stuc...
This link may actually help you do what you're trying to do: https://www.tech21century.com/separate-ssid-for-2-4-and-5-ghz-on-orbi/
I have recently been trying to reassign my own devices to the 2.4GHz channel as well, as the current COVID-19 work from home conditions have me cramming my desk with 2 monitors and 3 different computers into a small available corner in my bedroom. All of these devices automatically chose the 5GHz channel, however there is a lot of interference in my current desk location on that channel. So much so that the internet drops constantly (but only in this one location; it is strong and consistent everywhere else). I'm in Texas so running an ethernet through the attic and walls is a deplorable thought at this time of year, so the next best thing is to change the channel that these devices are on, since the signal strength is not good in this one spot at all.
Sharing in case this helps anyone else!
There is no official way to force the Orbi to connect your device to 2.4Ghz. You you could go into the devices' settings and disable the 5Ghz band, if possible.
You mention weak 5Ghz signal. That is usually distance based between device and router or satellite. Is there a way to move a satellite closer to your work area? You could also run a program like Netspot and see how strong your signal is and how much traffic is on your WIFI channel and change to another channel.
Your suggestions are absolutely correct. I've used NetSpot and WiFi Analyzer to see what's going on, and while the 2.4GHz channel broadcasts clearly all the way to my desk, the 5GHz shows incredibly weak, and sometimes completely interrupted.
Now, I've put my desk in the only available place to be able to complete my work without interruptions throughout the day. However, here are the things that I have that are interfering with the signal:
1) Previous owners used a lot of plaster on the walls to faux paint everything, it seems. The material they used is similar to concrete (stucco).
2) There is an old Dish satellite mounted on the roof directly above my desk. (Hubs says he will remove it)
3) The breaker box, incoming cable box, gas meter and everything are literally on the other side of the wall from my desk.
4) The brand bew neighbors just got WiFi that is on different channels than ours, but has the same signal strength as my Orbi mesh network does at my desk, if not stronger.
I realize I should just move my desk, but that's not an option at this time. So sadly, I will have to follow the link I pasted above to force these 3 of my devices onto the 2.4GHz channel for now.... until the Fall comes and it's bearable in the attic.
(Can COVID be over already? Wishful thinking...)
