Smart Connect is a feature that combines your NETGEAR router’s WiFi bands into a single WiFi network name (SSID). Smart Connect automatically chooses the best WiFi band for your device to give you the best WiFi performance. Depending on the router model that you have, Smart Connect can consolidate various combinations of 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands.
Without Smart Connect, a typical dual-band NETGEAR router broadcasts two SSIDs: a 2.4GHz band SSID and a 5 GHz band SSID. For example, if the router’s SSID is set to NETGEARWIFI, it broadcasts the SSIDs as NETGEARWIFI for 2.4 GHz and NETGEARWIFI-5G for 5 GHz. You then manually select the appropriate SSID to connect to when setting up your WiFi devices.
With Smart Connect enabled, that same router broadcasts a single NETGEARWIFI SSID for both the 2.4 GHz band and 5 GHz band. You see a single SSID broadcast when connecting your devices, and the router automatically selects the best WiFi band for each device.
Depending on the router model that you have, Smart Connect might or might not be disabled by default. You can enable or disable Smart Connect from your router’s web interface.
To enable or disable Smart Connect on your NETGEAR router:
- Launch a web browser from a device that is connected to your router's network.
- Enter www.routerlogin.net.
- Enter your user name and password.
The user name is admin. The password is the one that you specified the first time that you logged in. The user name and password are case-sensitive.
The BASIC Home page or Dashboard displays. - Select Wireless.
Some models might use slightly different navigation, like Settings > Setup > Wireless Setup.
The Wireless Setup page displays. - Select the Enable Smart Connect check box to enable Smart Connect or clear the check box to disable Smart Connect.
Note: Some models might offer additional variations of Smart Connect, like an option to broadcast one SSID for multiple 5 GHz radios. Enable or disable the options that work best for your network and devices. - Click Apply.
Your settings are saved.
For more information:
- What are WiFi bands and how many do I need for my network?
- What is the difference between 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz wireless frequencies?