Can't Connect to 2.4 Ghz on Home Network

Question

Level 1

106 points

Can't Connect to 2.4 Ghz on Home Network

Keep getting a message that I can't connect to my 2.4 GHz network but I am able to connect to the 5 Ghz network. I have Verizon FiOS and I am using their Quantum Gateway Router. Verizon configures the router to separate the 2.4 and 5 GHz networks with different names. Within the last few days I noticed that I can't connect to the 2.4 GHz network. I restarted the router a few times. I applied the 10.11.6 update so I am thinking it might be related to that. Why go to the slower network? My printers are connected to the 2.4 GHz network and for some reason when I switch to the 5 GHz network the printers go offline (this only happened when Verizon pushed out the firmware update to separate the networks). So to print I need to switch networks. Also noticed that access to a few hardware devices only connect when I am on the same network as them. Many issues here but hoping someone can help with at least getting my mac back on the 2.4 GHz network. Thanks in advance.

Tom

OS X El Capitan (10.11.6), iphone 6; Thunderbolt Display

Posted on Aug 18, 2016 5:25 AM

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Answer 1

zand999

Level 1

4 points

Dec 28, 2017 9:42 PM in response to Tom DePrenda

I found a solution to the problem. The solution that worked for me was turning the computer off and holding down Command-Option-P-R what I turned it back on. When you get the menu of options I reinstalled Mac OS and while it took about 35 min it fixed the problem.

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Answer 2

Feb 12, 2018 6:57 AM in response to Tom DePrenda

I believe I may have a potential source of this issue...this weekend, I performed several of the "usual" remedies to get my 2.4GHz WiFi channel to work properly (with any and all my devices), and afterwards, it has been working great. These steps were taken while I had my MacBook Air (2013) disconnected from it's usual location, my desk. While on my desk, it is connected to my Apple 27" Thunderbolt display. So this morning, while everything in my 2.4 world was working blissfully, I connected the Air back on the Thunderbolt. Immediately, the 2.4 became unavailable, with the usual self assigned problem. I'm going to try connecting the display using it's ethernet to see if this somehow resolves this. Otherwise, I may just have to drop using the display. I'm very tired of the "169.xx..." crap. At least for my home and family use, it may not be worth the hassle. I'll keep posting updates as I tinker further with this.

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Answer 3

Feb 14, 2018 6:26 PM in response to Tom DePrenda

update...so yeah...after several docking and undocking (to the Thunderbolt Display) steps, at least for my circumstance, the 2.4GHz definitely drops out when reconnected. I've read on other boards that the culprit is usually some peripheral attached to your chain of devices. One person stated that is was their thunderbolt hub so I think I lucked out early on by testing my one and only thunderbolt device. My solution is to turn the WiFi off (on my Air) prior to docking with the display. The display is wired via ethernet port to one of my Apple Extremes acting to extend my network. Once my laptop sees this connection, done. A minor step to take in order to keep my 2.4 available.

Hope this helps to solve similar problems others are experiencing.

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Answer 4

dialabrain

Level 10

130,729 points

Aug 18, 2016 5:38 AM in response to Tom DePrenda

FWIW, I also have FiOS and I've been on 5 GHz since it came out. I just tried 2.5 GHz and now I can't connect to it either. Might be time for a call to Verizon.

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Answer 5

KiltedTim

Level 10

211,110 points

Aug 18, 2016 5:39 AM in response to Tom DePrenda

Settings>General>Resets>Reset Network Settings.

After the phone re-boots, try to re-join the 5GHz network.

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Answer 6

Tom DePrenda Author

Level 1

106 points

Aug 18, 2016 5:42 AM in response to KiltedTim

It's my MacBook Pro not my iPhone. It can connect to either network.

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Answer 7

dialabrain

Level 10

130,729 points

Aug 18, 2016 5:49 AM in response to Tom DePrenda

FWIW, I just tried one of my iPads. It won't connect to 2.4 GHz either. I get an incorrect password. It isn't.

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Answer 8

Tom DePrenda Author

Level 1

106 points

Aug 18, 2016 5:52 AM in response to dialabrain

Yeah, not sure if it's Verizon or my MBP at this point. I mentioned to the KiltedTim above that my other devices connect ok, such as iPhone and iPad. I haven't had a chance to check my wife's or my son's MacBook Air. Will check tonight.

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Answer 9

dialabrain

Level 10

130,729 points

Aug 18, 2016 5:57 AM in response to Tom DePrenda

FWIW, I checked another iPad and a MacBook Air. No dice.

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Answer 10

dialabrain

Level 10

130,729 points

Aug 18, 2016 6:05 AM in response to Tom DePrenda

I just remembered something else. I have an LG Smart TV and a few weeks ago I couldn't get on NetFlix. So I went to the network settings and it wouldn't accept the password. I had to connect to my Time Capsule. I'm thinking it's a Verizon problem. Maybe all their routers are failing. 😝

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Answer 11

Tom DePrenda Author

Level 1

106 points

Aug 18, 2016 6:12 AM in response to dialabrain

I haven't like this router from day one... never had an issue with wifi before I switched to the Quantum router. I used Airports for while and then thought I was having issues with them but realized it was the Quantum router. Verizon even replaced the original one for me. Never had issue with the earlier routers they had. Read that many users have issues with the Quantum routers. Figured I would just use the Quantum router because if there was issue, Verizon could trouble-shoot. Would much prefer to use my own wifi routers again but not willing to spend the $$ right now.