6GHz not working

[km2]

I just bought the BT8/BE1400 (2-Pk) and after setting up, I found that no devices are connected to the 6GHz (I have a couple of WiFi 6e devices, MBA M4 and iPad Mini 7). What I also noticed is that there is an extra WiFi network appearing with a long string of text (like a hex code), I assume this is related to the 6GHz issue, but I'm not certain.

I tried creating a separate SSID only for 6GHz, but still the devices cannot detect this network.

Anyone knows the issue? I've been seeing similar issues with WiFi 6e routers, but I'm not sure if they're related.

[jzchen]

If you don't have any WiFi 7 devices then I suggest you turn off MLO.  (I have a single WiFi 7 device and no 6E devices at home any longer, son moved out after college graduation).  MLO/WiFi 7 introduces 256-bit encryption which represents as AES+GCMP256.  Non-WiFi 7 clients can't encrypt at this level.

Turn on Preferred Scanning Channel (PSC) in the WiFi General (tab) if not already checked?

Let us know if 6 GHz appears?

[km2 · Accepted solution]

Okay, so what I did is removed 6GHz to my main network (now only 5GHz) and I created a new network only for 6GHz. Then my Macbook was able to detect it! For some reason though, my iPad Mini 7 could not detect it.

I didn't do a factory reset. Really just the separation of SSID's per band.

[Alex52]

You did more work than factory resetting the two routers would have been after they were updated and then adding the node to the main. You did prove the main router was corrupted at 6GHz and there is likely still some interference with 6GHz coming from within the mesh node. Without both units using their 6GHz radios, you cut the communication throughput down considerably between the main and the node which also cuts throughput down to the client. Do an Internet speed check using your connected computer. Then do one using QOS at the main router menu and you'll see the loss. It will be significant. Creating a separate wifi6 (iot) signal can be done in a fully functioning mesh system as needed without turning off 6GHz on the main router. But, if you are happy, so am I. Know your success may be short lived without doing the factory resets to both units after the firmware updates.