HT201519: Update the software on your AirPort base station

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abreuant
Level 1 (4 points)
Wireless

Q: Timecapsule downgrades WiFi to 2.4GHz after applying firmware update v7.6.7

After applying the firmware update v7.6.7 the WiFi connection to TimeCapsule is now 2.4Ghz instead of 5Ghz.

It was the firmware update for sure that did this... no doubt about it:

  • My bluetooth mouse notices interferences when my MacBook is connected to a 2.4Ghz WiFi;
  • Before the update, everything OK
  • After update, my mouse mouse start jittering
  • <alt-click> on the WiFi icon on the menu bar confirms it: the connection is now 2.4Ghz

 

Restart to TM e MB changed nothing.

 

In the TC WiFI options tried to set a separate name to the 5Ghz network with success, but cannot connect to it: timeout error every time.

 

Tried hard-reset of TC and reconfigure WiFi... the same result, but with a difference:

  • Setting a separate SSID for the 5Ghz connection (in the WiFi options) now created a network that I can access.
  • However, this is not the optimal solution... I do not want 2 SSIDs.

 

It is not the first time Apple breaks things with updates... and I see people move away from Apple for these kind of situations.

I also had bad experiences with OS upgrades lately and postpone them as much as possible.

 

The problem is that I cannot go back... or can I?

 

Any help is wellcome.

Thx

Time Capsule, OS X Mavericks (10.9.5), Airport Utility v6.3.2 (623.3)

Posted on May 29, 2016 12:17 PM

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abreuant

Q: Timecapsule downgrades WiFi to 2.4GHz after applying firmware update v7.6.7

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Bob Timmons,Helpful

    Bob Timmons Bob Timmons Jun 4, 2016 3:33 PM in response to abreuant
    Level 10 (105,018 points)
    Wireless
    Jun 4, 2016 3:33 PM in response to abreuant
    The problem is that I cannot go back... or can I?

    Sure you can, but it may or may not help.

     

    Open AirPort Utility

    Click on the picture of the AirPort router

    Hold down the option key on your Mac while you click on the version number of firmware

    A drop down menu will appear

    Choose the firmware version that you want to use

  • by abreuant,

    abreuant abreuant Jun 4, 2016 3:53 PM in response to Bob Timmons
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Wireless
    Jun 4, 2016 3:53 PM in response to Bob Timmons

    Very helpful tip to go back to a previous version, thanks.

     

    And in fact it helped:

    1. Installed my previous version (v7.6.4);
    2. Reconfigured to previous network settings;
    3. Turned Wifi off and back on;
    4. And I have my 5Ghz back.

     

    I did not want to leave this success to chance, so I went further and updated (again) to v7.4.7... and (again) it fell back to 2.4Ghz.

    • Turned Wifi off and on several times, no success;
    • Even moved right next to the Time Capsule itself (so it would not be a signal strength issue), still no success.

     

    However, before going back to v7.6.4 definitively, I played a bit with the WiFi settings.

    I discovered that moving the 'Radio Mode' out of its automatic setting to '802.11a/n - 802.11b/g' and after a few off/on rounds the 5Ghz appeared and sticked.

     

    Thanks for your help.

  • by abreuant,

    abreuant abreuant Jun 4, 2016 3:55 PM in response to abreuant
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Wireless
    Jun 4, 2016 3:55 PM in response to abreuant

    ... just to add this.

     

    If I move the 'Radio Mode' to its automatic setting... it always falls back to 2,4Ghz.

  • by LaPastenague,

    LaPastenague LaPastenague Jun 4, 2016 4:01 PM in response to abreuant
    Level 9 (52,335 points)
    Wireless
    Jun 4, 2016 4:01 PM in response to abreuant

    There are a number of things happening here.

     

    Let me suggest you use 7.6.7 and set the 5ghz to a different wireless name and fix the wireless channel.

     

    There are a number of profiles available and the TC can automatically choose one which is not ideal in your area.

     

    Forcing the client to 5ghz is the only way to overcome it.

     

    Also note it is the client swapping to 2.4ghz not the TC.

     

    Apple has setup the client to connect to the best signal.. not the fastest connection. When you change firmware it can drop to a lower power channel.. because 5ghz uses varying power output to maintain range.