I need to rename the 2.4Ghz SSID so it is different to the 5 Ghz SSID. I can't do this via Telnet as NetGear have disabled this. There are MANY devices from manufacturers such as Jura, Whirlpool, JA Solar, EON etc that require you to only use 2.4GHz and can only connect via a device such as a phone or ipad already on the nextwork. If you have an apple device, it automatically connects to 5GHz and therefore won't work. I don't understand why a simple change to the Admin GUI to enable one to change the name of both SSIDs can't be added. Can anyone help?
Separation of SSID on Orbi systems is NOT supported.
Netgear provides a simple mechanism to accomplish this. The Orbi RBR50 has a feature which many users have found allows them to set up devices which require the smartphone to be attached to WiFi at 2.4G:
Turn OFF ALL RBS. Connect a device with a large screen to the Orbi web interface, http://orbilogin.net (computer, laptop, tablet) The user name is "admin" and the password is the web interface password, not the Orbi 'app' password. Navigate to the Advanced Tab, Advanced Settings (at the bottom), Wireless Settings. On the Advanced Wireless Settings page, uncheck the box under Advanced 5G Settings that reads Enable SSID Broadcast Click Apply The router will go through a cycle. On the smart phone, go into Network settings. "Forget" the Orbi WiFi. Search for available WiFi systems. Select the Orbi WiFi Enter the password and Connect The smartphone is now connected to the Orbi at 2.4G Note that if you attempt to "double check" by opening the Orbi Attached Devices page, that page takes several minutes to update. Just go with it. Open the device smartphone app and go through the setup process. After the device is connected and working, undo the process. On the web interface, check the box and click Apply On the smartphone, Forget the Orbi, find it again, and connect again. This takes less time to do than to read. It has worked for me several times.
Be aware that there seems to be a time limit with some iOS or Android devices that will connect to the 2.4Ghz radio for a short period of time before changing automatically to the 5Ghz SSID, even though it's been hidden. The SSID is hidden only, thus the signal is still present. So you might want to also change the power output of the 5Ghz radio to 25%. Then connect your mobile device at a distance from the RBR to ensure the mobile phone keeps connected to the 2.4Ghz radio. After you get the IoT device connected, re-configure the system back to where it was.
Netgear has set up a community forum specifically for the Orbi AC products. Most of the people who watch that forum are more likely to have experience with Orbi (WiFi5 RBK10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 Series). Might be more likely to find someone who has a solution if the question is posted there: https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi/bd-p/Orbi
Unfortunately this doesnt work for me. The real solution is for Orbi to provide the ability to change the SSIDs in the GUI - I've read lots of posts with similar issues and I really don't see the downside of enabling separate SSIDs as an option.
I will take your advice and post in the other forum but thank you for taking the time to respond.
