Have you purchased the latest Netgear WiFi extender model? Congratulations! Now you can enjoy uninterrupted internet access at blazing fast speed. Netgear WiFi extenders come with the latest technology including WiFi 6, MU-MIMO, and WPA 3 security. However, at times, these might suffer from certain drawbacks. For example, your new Netgear WiFi extender might not be able to connect to a 5 GHz network.
Let us first see why you might face this issue.
The Cause
Given below are 5 reasons you might face this issue. You will also find the solution here.
1. Insufficient Power Supply
Have you connected the Netgear WiFi extender to a poor-quality power outlet? A faulty power outlet would not let the device function to its full capacity. Make sure you connect it to an active and undamaged power outlet.
2. Incomplete Setup
Did you skip out any steps when installing the Netgear WiFi extender? There is a high chance you would not be able to connect to a 5 GHz network band. We recommend that you follow all the steps throughout to ensure no issues when trying to access the internet. You can do this by following the on-screen instructions as shown on the Netgear Genie setup wizard.
3. Too Much Distance
Have you kept the WiFi extender and router far away from each other? There will be issues when the two devices try to communicate with each other. Make sure the devices are kept at an equal distance. Do not keep them too near as that will lead to a collision between the WiFi devices coming from the router and extender. This creates problems when you try to access the 192.168.1.250 IP address.
4. WiFi Interference
Is the WiFi Extender or router kept near a television or radio? Chances are you will face issues when it comes to trying to access the 5 GHz network using the WiFi extender. Certain devices like radio, television, baby monitors, cordless phones, and Bluetooth speakers emit electromagnetic waves.
These waves interrupt with a smooth connection between the router and WiFi extender. Make sure you kept both devices away from these. It will help you access the internet through the Netgear WiFi extender.
5. Outdated Firmware
Are you trying to access the internet using an older firmware on the Netgear WiFi extender? It would not work. Firmware update is not only an update patch, it is a way for the device to keep up with the latest networking technologies.
An updated firmware ensures that your WiFi network is safe from unauthorized access. Make sure you keep the WiFi range extender firmware running on the latest version. Download the firmware file from official channels only.
Following the steps mentioned above will help you resolve the problem. If the issue persists, it is time to make some changes to the WiFi router settings. Here’s how you can do that.
Steps to Change WiFi Router’s WiFi Channel
- Firstly, make sure the WiFi extender and router are within a safe distance.
Note: There should not be any other device between the two.
- Open an internet browser.
- Log into your WiFi router user interface.
- Now, select Wireless to open the Wireless Settings web page.
- Under the Wireless Network (5 GHz) look for the Channel option.
- Now, if the WiFi router is set to channels between 52-64 or 100-140, change it.
- Change the values to 36-49 or between 149-161.
- Click on Apply. Now, try reconnecting the Netgear WiFi extender to the 5 GHz band.
Following the steps mentioned above would help reconnect the WiFi extender to the 5 GHz network band.
Conclusion
Is the Netgear WiFi range extender not able to connect to the 5 GHz network? Don’t worry. Just follow the steps mentioned here to get the issue resolved once and for all.