How do I get my ethernet connected laptop to default to the 2.ghz band?

[Agfox46]

My wife & I have relatively new, identical laptops connected by ethernet cables to a netgear dual band modem router. Initially, both laptops defaulted to the 2.4ghz band but mine is now defaulting to the 5ghz band. Both bands have differently named SSIDs but I don't see the 2.4ghz SSID as an option in my laptop's wireless network settings. Both laptops have the same up-to-date relevant drivers & I can't identify any differences when comparing adapter properties etc.

Clearly, I'm missing something & would welcome some advice, please

 

[Colif]

why would you get wireless ssid if you running on a Ethernet cable??

They two different things, Ethernet can go much faster than wireless anyway so I wouldn't worry about the band

Or did I miss something too??

 

[Pooneil]

If you are connected by ethernet to a network, Windows will default to using that connection. The Wifi will not matter.

As to the wifi, restart the router and the laptop and recheck. Frequently a missing SSID can be solved by logging into the router settings and selecting fixed channel number instead of the default "Auto" setting. Temporarily disable the encryption. Use 1, 6, or 11 for the 2.4 GHz band.

Get the computer next to the router and once you see the SSID, re-enable the encryption using WPA2 with AES and enter a strong password.

 

[Agfox46]

why would you get wireless ssid if you running on a Ethernet cable??

They two different things, Ethernet can go much faster than wireless anyway so I wouldn't worry about the band

Or did I miss something too??

Sorry - I selected your response as the best solution in error.

Perhaps I wasn't sufficiently clear in my post: both laptops are connected by ethernet cable. Both defaulted to the 2.4ghz band SSID until around 10 days ago when I noticed mine was connecting to the 5ghz band SSID. My problem was not being able to revert to the 2.4ghz band as it was no longer an ethernet option when checking on my laptop to see what connections are available

 

[Agfox46]

If you are connected by ethernet to a network, Windows will default to using that connection. The Wifi will not matter.

As to the wifi, restart the router and the laptop and recheck. Frequently a missing SSID can be solved by logging into the router settings and selecting fixed channel number instead of the default "Auto" setting. Temporarily disable the encryption. Use 1, 6, or 11 for the 2.4 GHz band.

Get the computer next to the router and once you see the SSID, re-enable the encryption using WPA2 with AES and enter a strong password.

Thanks for your advice. I'm not using the Auto setting & generally use Channel 1 or 11. I will try disabling the encryption though & see if that helps. Both laptops are within 3 feet of the modem router at all times

 

[Pooneil]

Thanks for your advice. I'm not using the Auto setting & generally use Channel 1 or 11. I will try disabling the encryption though & see if that helps. Both laptops are within 3 feet of the modem router at all times

Change the channel anyway, it won't hurt. A second "helps many wifi problems" recommendation would be to download the wifi card driver directly from the computer manufacturer's website and reinstall it. Do it this way because rarely but occasionally Windows Update breaks a driver and it may have happened only to your computer and not the other. While you're acting as network manager, check to make sure the router firmware is up to date. You could also try forgetting all the wifi connections you have and starting over, sometimes that helps too.

But remember, as long as you are connected by an ethernet cable, the wifi will not matter as the computer will default to using the always superior ethernet connection.

 

[Agfox46]

Thanks for your advice. I'm not using the Auto setting & generally use Channel 1 or 11. I will try disabling the encryption though & see if that helps. Both laptops are within 3 feet of the modem router at all times

Change the channel anyway, it won't hurt. A second "helps many wifi problems" recommendation would be to download the wifi card driver directly from the computer manufacturer's website and reinstall it. Do it this way because rarely but occasionally Windows Update breaks a driver and it may have happened only to your computer and not the other. While you're acting as network manager, check to make sure the router firmware is up to date. You could also try forgetting all the wifi connections you have and starting over, sometimes that helps too.

But remember, as long as you are connected by an ethernet cable, the wifi will not matter as the computer will default to using the always superior ethernet connection.

Thanks P. I tried changing channels & the router firmware is up to date, but the 2.4 band is still not available. I've decided to go with the flow as per your last sentence & not concern myself so long as the ethernet connection operates efficiently & effectively. I appreciate & thank you for your assistance