Millions of people install WiFi networking devices brought in by Netgear. This is because Netgear fabricates WiFi range extenders that work on 2.4 GHz and the 5 GHz frequencies. Thus, a person can easily connect them to his/her dual-band WiFi router without any hesitation. But, not everyone has an easy experience creating a connection between an extender and a dual-band WiFi range extender. A lot of individuals are complaining that they are cannot connect their Netgear extenders to the 5 GHz frequency band due to which they cannot see the extended Netgear_ext for the dedicated band on their client devices.
Are you facing connectivity issues with the 5 GHz band of the Netgear extender and your main router? If yes, then we suggest you have a look at this post. Here, we have highlighted the topmost solutions following which you will be able to connect your extender to the 5 GHz frequency band. Read on.
Solutions: Netgear Extender won’t Connect to 5 GHz
- Place the Extender Closer to Router
This is to inform you that 5 GHz band has a lower range than the 2.4 GHz band despite the fact that it offers higher speed. It means that this band will be able to communicate better if the distance between your devices is not too much. With that being said, you are suggested to bring your Netgear extender a little closer to the main router. You can maintain a distance of 8-10 ft. But, you also have to keep in mind that the distance is not too less. This is because if you do that, there is a high probability that the signals emitted by your WiFi router get clashed with those emitted by the Netgear extender.
- Restart the Extender
It is not always the distance due to which the 5 GHz band of the extender fails to communicate with that of the router. Sometimes, it is the technical glitch that prevents the connection. Therefore, we suggest you get rid of them. Simply, consider powering down the range extender and disconnecting it from the main router (if you have established a wired connection). You are also required to disconnect other wired clients from the Netgear extender. Now, you must wait for a decent amount of time. Once done, connect the range extender back to its respective wall outlet and try reconnecting your devices. Any luck this time?
- Update the Firmware
When was the last time you upgraded the firmware of your Netgear range extender? Can’t recall? Well, it seems that you did it during the setup process only. Keep in mind that if you make your WiFi range extender run on an outdated version of the firmware, it is most likely to become a victim of connectivity issues. The Netgear extender won’t connect to 5 GHz band is one such problem. So, you must get the firmware of your Netgear extender upgraded.
Although it can be done with the aid of the Netgear Nighthawk app, we advise you do it via mywifiext. The reason being, it allowed you to upload a particular version of the firmware file on the extender. Know that if you opt for this method, make sure that you upload the firmware file that is compatible with the range extender model you have.
- Configure the 5 GHz Network
May be you haven’t configured the settings for the 5 GHz band on your Netgear range extender due to which the extender is not getting connected to the respective band of the router. To make things work in your favor, you are suggested to create connection once again. If the main router has a WPS button, press it once. You need to press the same button on your WiFi extender too. If the LED lights located near the 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz label light up, the connection is successful. In case the router lacks the WPS button, you are advised to head over to its settings section to create a connection.
Summing Up
The connectivity issue related to the 5 GHz band of the Netgear extender is a common thing. We have highlighted all the major fixes that are likely to bring you some good luck. We are expecting that after giving a shot at them, the Netgear extender won’t connect to 5 GHz band problem will not trouble you anymore. But, know that these hacks will only work for you if you own a WiFi router that operates on dual-band. Otherwise, no luck will favor you.
