What happens if 2.4GHz and 5GHz have the same SSID?
Hello!
I have recently changed my wifi router and on this one, it seems I have to have the same SSID name for the 2.4GHz and the 5GHz networks.
Since I setup this new router, ALL my 11 printers can’t connect to the wifi anymore.
So obviously I suspect the wifi router is the culprit.
But I am trying to understand why.
When I « scan networks » with the orinters menu, the network is visible. If I try to select the network, and enter the password, no error is shown, but I get the No AP message.
Do you think the same-SSID-name is the problem here?
RE: What happens if 2.4GHz and 5GHz have the same SSID?
I had the same problem with a router change. Initially, in the router settings, I turned off 5G so that devices that only used 2.4G would link and connect. Then, I turned 5G back on. But even then, in some cases, after they disconnected for whatever reason, I ended up going into the router settings and changing the SSID to 2.4G.
Sorry for my poor English. I try to do my best.
RE:
I doubt it's naming fault. I have same ssid names on both bands for years and no problems. It's the best choice, too, since in this case dual-band devices will easier switch between 5G and 2.4G bands when needed (they automatically choose strongest signal). If names are different then switch will happen only when first signal (connection) is lost, while having same names switch will happen sooner and seamlessly.
The bigger problem is that modern routers have tons of settings and one setting wrong (by default, possibly) can cause a big mess. For example, on asus routers you have "modulation scheme", possible settings are "up to MCS 7 (802.11n), MCS9 (TurboQAM) and MCS11 (NitroQAM). Although higher settings are tempting, since should improve 2.4GHz speed they are not standardized nor widely accepted by all wifi vendors, thus not supported by many 2.4GHz devices. So only rock-solid choice is MCS7.
Dig a bit on google for "iot settings" for your router.
RE: What happens if 2.4GHz and 5GHz have the same SSID?
My new router (a Linksys SPNMX56) was supplied by my new full fibre broadband supplier, and came with a simplified user interface that offers very few options - same SSID for 2.4GHz and 5GHz, only 'mixed' mode, no option to turn off the wifi or hide the SSID, etc. I began searching for ways to load the Linksys retail firmware, but stumbled across a post that revealed a link to a more full-featured interface within the existing firmware. This allows much more control over the settings.
Perhaps such an option is available in the OPs router - it's possible that the wifi mode on 2.4GHz is not compatible with your printers, and you may need to downgrade the setting on the router. My printers all seem to cope OK with the router's 'mixed' mode (the default) - the alternatives are '802.11b/g/n Only' and '802.11/b/g Only', so I'm not really sure what 'mixed' offers that's different from 802.11b/g/n.
My previous wifi router (a TP-Link Deco) had an option for 'Fast Roaming', (802.11r I believe), which I had to disable in order to get some of my wifi devices to work.
RE: What happens if 2.4GHz and 5GHz have the same SSID?
Thanks for all your replies!
Well, I tried to turn off the 5GHz network, and it did not improve things... i have another idea about the possible cause (security level for the authentification), I will look for a topic about this.
RE: What happens if 2.4GHz and 5GHz have the same SSID?
Just for information. It was the security level (WPA/PSK) that prevented my printers from connecting. Both networks having the same SSID is not a problem, I turned both bands back on, and with the right security level (WPA2 with PSK, auto mode), everything seems fine.