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Forum Discussion
TButcher
Feb 19, 2020Aspirant
Installing Apps/Devices that cannot connect on 5g when trying to use Orbi and Pixel Phones
Scenario: 1. Orbi Mesh network installed where we cannot manually differentiate (i.e., name SSID separately our 2g and 5g) network bands because the mesh supposedly handles this in the background...
TButcher
Feb 21, 2020Aspirant
So, first off, I'm back from travel and came straight to the office to try CrimpOn's solution since, this was the fist time after scouring the Web I saw an actual solution I could try (note: this is after contacting both Netgear PAID support and Amazon's support departments, mind you, as well as searching the Web, before I stumbled across some sort of post here that led me to try posting/searching here).
Let me say, KUDOS. It worked. Mostly. It got the smart plugs I was trying to get installed right off the bat. That pesky Amazon Echo that just will not see my network no matter what, well, whatever..maybe it's just an old one (it is actually a first generation). So, I'm just scrapping that damn thing. Anyway, thank you very much.
I don't disagree with the sentiment that it's the App developers that are the issue. Because it is quite the pain in the butt to have to do this each time I will say. However, I will also say, the fact that I contacted Netgear Support first who had no clue and the fact that there is no Knowlege Gear article (I'm a tech writer and know this should be one) is an issue as well.
Finally - I want to address Michael's comments:
<<It is surprising how many people insist that it is impossible to set up IoT gadgets without separating 2.4 GHz and 5 Ghz. They bang on without even bothering to try this well known strategy for getting things to work.>>
Well known to whom? Networking gurus such as yourself? I know just enough to get into the Admin section and that's it. And that's only because I'm "sort of" in the tech world. The fact that I called Netgear support and THEY didn't know makes this statement suspect.
So they turn up here with complicated scenarios that have nothing to do with the real world. The pity is that Netgear has failed to come up with a KnowledgeBase article that explains what to do.
<< Oh, and if anyone does encounter a reluctant device, tell the people who made the IoT device that they need to get their act together: also tell people here so that @plemans can buy some new toys. Netgear is not the only maker of Mesh stuff and Orbis are not the only Netgear devices that combine SSIDs. >>
Can't disagree here.
<<Finally, when trying anew device, search this community for it. You might be surprised to learn that it has already cropped up here, along with advice on how to get it to work.>>
First thing I did. As well as the Web before here. However, unless the Subject line/text is very specific it is often hard to find. And people do not know what is wrong. Case in point: When I first started researching this subject, it was because I was being told my network password was incorrect even though I knew I had not changed it. Which, in the end, led me here but had nothing to do with the issue (Amazon Support told me my network was open and then never got back to me). Even though I've been a bit more specific in my Subject line, I'm not sure it will help. Because I'm not sure people know what they are actually looking for at first.
schumaku
Feb 21, 2020Guru - Experienced User
TButcher wrote:That pesky Amazon Echo that just will not see my network no matter what, well, whatever..maybe it's just an old one (it is actually a first generation). So, I'm just scrapping that damn thing.
Don't scrap it - complain to Amazon!
For other failures, it's typically crappy IoJ and App design: The mobile device with the App does connect to the very same L2 and L3 network - any kind of discovery (broadcast, known multicast like UPnP SSDP or Bonjour, proprietary multicast protocols*, ...) - does work fully transparent between any AP radio band and the network.
*in some managed network environments, unknown (non-registered) multicast might be blocked - so using these is another no-go.
- tomschmidtFeb 21, 2020Virtuoso
I have an Amazon Echo Dot (2nd generation) and it had no issues configuring on the Orbi network. So perhaps the issue you are reporting is only for the first generation Amazon Echo. Amazon has been selling the 3rd generation of the Echo for over a year. They may no longer support updates for the 1st generation.
I also have a Pixel 3 smartphone and likewise use Google Fi. I love their service! As stated by others, this is not an issue with your smartphone or cell phone provider.