Wi-Fi & connectivity

[BlueSkyHi]

Hi,

I have three (3) Roku Ultra devices in my ASUS AiMesh system and have an issue that I can't seem to resolve.

None of the three devices connect via the 5.1Ghz band unless I bind the Roku to the main wireless router which has less than optimal wireless strength due to physical separation, etc.

When I try to bind the Roku devices to the AiMesh node that is closest to the Roku, the connection is great but only connects to the 2.4Ghz band.

I know this isn't a Roku issue, but an ASUS AiMesh issue, but maybe some has stumbled across it in the past and can share some insight.

Thanks! 

[Anonymous]

Specify non-DFS channels, don't use auto channel selection. I have 1 radio using channel 48 (set to 20/40/80 MHz width), and another radio uses channel 149, same channel width. All 3 of my Ultras will connect to either with no problem.

You don't need to specify one of those channels, those co-exist best with MY neighbors, just specify some non-DFS channel, which I assume you're including by stating 5.1 GHz. Again, auto channel selection will include those channels that the Ultras won't see.

[BlueSkyHi]

Thanks for the response.  My router, in this case an ASUS RT-AC5300 and, other than automatic, only allows 5.1Ghz control channels of 36, 40, 44, or 48 and the "Extension Channel" set to automatic.  This particular router firmware doesn't seem to know about DFS specifically and I can't manipulate the device to try different options.

Still, the fact that I can connect directly to this router at 5.1Ghz with my Roku devices but not to the nodes that are in AiMesh configuration is something that maybe ASUS can help with.

Thanks again!

[djcmount]

I just replaced my primary router going from ASUS RT-AC68R with RT-BE96U.  My upstairs neighbor's Roku TV would no longer connect after this.  After some experimentation, I determined that 6GHz band on a guest network forces WPA3 encryption.  I disabled 6GHz band from guest network, and now it's working after selecting WPA2/WPA3.  PS I still have a couple RT-AC68R nodes available to boost signal if needed.  To clarify, I believe WPA3 was the culprit of the Roku TV being unable to authenticate.  

[AvsGunnar]

@djcmount 

The use of the 6ghz band is going to cause an issue with Roku devices.

Wifi 6(ax) is now supported/available to the new Roku Ultra 4850 and the Pro/Plus series of Roku-branded RokuTVs.  Since these devices are wifi6 capable, they can use the WPA3 security protocol.

The above devices are still limited to using the 2.4ghz and 5ghz bands.

Wifi 6e (ax with 6ghz band) is not currently supported by Roku devices.

----

If your neighbor's RokuTV is not one made by Roku (and made by a manufacturer like TCL, Insignia, Hisense, etc) it is likely not wifi6 capable so cannot see see or use the "ax-mode/protocol".  Will need to use n/ac on the 5ghz band.  (if you set the 5ghz band to use n/ac/ax, then network devices will connect as needed/appropriate).

As such, you will also need to have your security protocol set to WPA2/WPA3 (personal) so devices can also connect as needed. (non-wifi6 devices will connect on the WPA2 protocol, while wifi6 devices can use the WPA3 if desired).