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mpage2's avatar
mpage2
Follower
May 17, 2020

Turn off 5.0 GHZ in order for devices that run on 2.4GHZ can connect

I have a RBK13-100NAS. I am trying to connect a nexxgarage100 device and an Orbit b-hyve sprinkler controller that do not run on 5.0GHZ.  The devices are not seeing the network. Will turning off 5.0 help them locate the network?  If so, how do I turn off 5.0GHZ

2 Replies

  • CrimpOn's avatar
    CrimpOn
    Guru - Experienced User
    May 17, 2020

    There is no setting to "turn off" the 5GHz WiFi on Orbi routers.  Some Internet of Things (IoT) device apps are programmed poorly and get confused if the phone the app is running on is not connected to a 2.4G WiFi channel.  (Most do not, but somebody out there somewhere supplied a zillion WiFi chips to manufacturers with shoddy software.)

     

    This method has worked for many people on the forum:

    • Access the Orbi web interface (http://orbilogin.net) using the admin credentials user "admin" and the Orbi router password (not the WiFi password)
    • Navigate to the Advanced Tab, Advanced Settings, Wireless Settings
    • Uncheck the box "Broadcast SSID on 5G Channel"
      This will not affect any devices which are currently attached to the Orbi at 5G.
    • On the smartphone settings, "forget" the Orbi WiFi
    • Search for WiFi networks and select the Orbi WiFi
    • Enter the WiF password and connect
    • At this point, open the IoT app and go through the steps
    • After the device is connected, reverse the steps
      Check the box "Broadcast SSID"
      "Forget Orbi WiFi"
      Search for and connect.

    Please give this a try and report what happens.

     

    • michaelkenward's avatar
      michaelkenward
      Guru - Experienced User
      May 18, 2020

      I urge you to try the idea from CrimpOn before you get sucked into the more extreme solutions that you will find around here.

       

      I chip in only to say that if you want to dig a bit deeper you could search this place for the devices you are trying to connect. People have turned up here with similar questions about various devices. So there maybe one of those "been there, done that" discussions that you can turn to.

       

      Maybe you've tried that already. You don't say.

       

      You could also consult the people who made these devices.  There is nothing unique to Netgear about these Mesh devices. It is really down to the makers of IoT stuff to work out how their customers can get things to work.