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Alice55
Reel Rookie

Are modem and new router incompatible

Just installed new router (Netgear 1800).  Is fine with my computer but can't get either of my Roku sticks to work - sees my router but won't connect.  Have changed router password so no special categories, reset Roku, rebooted router and modem.  Could my new router be incompatible with my old Xfinity modem?

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AvsGunnar
Community Streaming Expert

Re: Are modem and new router incompatible

@Alice55 

If you see AX1800 on your Netgear router, then that is a wifi6 router. (AX protocol is wifi6)

While your Streaming Sticks are not wifi6 compatible, you can still use them with your router.

Go into your router settings and verify that you have n/AC enabled (as well as AX) under Wireless Mode on the 5ghz band. (by enabling n/AC/AX you can use both wifi5 and wifi6 devices on the 5ghz band).

Additionally, under your Security settings, (wifi password), verify that you have WPA2 enabled as well as WPA3. (WPA2 will be used for wifi5 devices, WPA3 will be used for your wifi6 devices).

Roku Community Streaming Expert
Just another Roku user... I am not a Roku employee.
Insignia RokuTV, Ultra 4660, 4802, 4850, Premiere+ 3921, Express 4k+ 3941, Streambar 9102

Alice55
Reel Rookie

Re: Are modem and new router incompatible

After literally 8 1/2 hours working at this I found the solution and it's ridiculous.  I changed my password on my NETGEAR router when I installed it, and this worked fine to connect my computer to the internet. BUT turns out my Roku required the original password that came with my router.  Here's hoping this fix might help someone else save an incredible amount of time trying every and any solution imaginable.

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AvsGunnar
Community Streaming Expert

Re: Are modem and new router incompatible

@Alice55 

The Roku device (and any other wireless/wifi device) uses the password that you have assigned for the SSID (network names) in your router.

In a router, there are different bands. (usually 2.4ghz and 5ghz bands).  Each band has a SSID name and password. (network name and password).  Most people use the same password for all the bands.  If you are using different passwords for the different bands, then this is likely your issue.

You may be using 'password A' for connecting to the 2.4ghz band, and using 'password B' for the 5ghz band.  If you connect your Roku to the 2.4ghz band, then you will need to use password A.  If you connect your Roku to your 5ghz band, you will need to use password B.  This likely explains why you are needing to use different passwords (new and original).  

Try going into your router and changing all the SSID bands/names to use the same password and your Roku should be able to connect to whatever band you are using. (and be able to use the same password as your computer).  Again, depending on the exact model number of your Netgear router, you may find that you have one 2.4ghz band and multiple 5ghz bands you can connect to, as well as additional Guest networks depending on how you set up your router and network.

Additionally, make sure you are not confusing the router's password (admin portal) with the router's wifi password. 

Roku Community Streaming Expert
Just another Roku user... I am not a Roku employee.
Insignia RokuTV, Ultra 4660, 4802, 4850, Premiere+ 3921, Express 4k+ 3941, Streambar 9102

atc98092
Community Streaming Expert

Re: Are modem and new router incompatible

I have the Netgear AX1800, and I assure you it works just fine with a Roku device wirelessly. Mine is in Access Point mode, and is located within three feet of my Ultra 4850 (my Ultra 4800 was in the same place previously). The Netgear does not have a 6 GHz radio, but does support what is referred to as WiFi6 (meaning 802.11ax). 

My settings are mostly the same as @AvsGunnar mentioned, although I only have WPA2-Personal security set on both radios. I use different SSIDs for each radio, so I know my Roku can see and connect to either band. I use the 5GHz radio because it gives me almost triple the speed of the wired connection. 

I believe Gunnar might have identified your issue. You didn't change the password on your WiFi radios, you only changed the password for the admin console. Two completely different passwords, but I can easily understand the confusion. You have to set the password manually for each radio, even if you don't use different SSIDs. 

Dan

Roku Community Streaming Expert

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