RT-BE88U - Any way to set Wi-fi 2,4 Ghz network into legacy mode (b/g/n)?

[Marsi4eg]

I'm currently using Merlin 3006.102.6 fw on my BE88U. That's annoying that wi-fi settings was separated to 2 different locations, and the new interface of basic settings lacks the "Wireless mode" setting that usually contained options like "auto", "bg only", "n only" etc. The problem is I can't connect an old device - PSP to the network, it just doesn't see it. It's probably because the network operates automatically in n+ax mode or something like that, while PSP is 802.11b device.

How can I enable legacy 2,4 modes with this "new" wi-fi network settings? Maybe there's an NVRAM parameter leftover that could be changed properly and commited?

Thanks

 

[bbunge]

While I do not have a BE class router and I've tried to look at the BE88U User Guide, which was not at all helpful, Here are a couple of recommendations. I have learned that some older 2.4 GHz clients do not like 40 MHz bandwidth and WPA2/WPA3-Personal. So, set the 2.4 GHz to 20 MHz. If you feel that you need to use WPA2/WPA3-Personal set a Guest WIFI that uses just WPA2-Personal or if necessary WPA. You should not need the "legacy" mode you mentioned above.
I apologize if I am assuming your settings incorrectly...

 

[Marsi4eg]

Unfortunately all these steps don't help and that settings were already set to make everything similar to like it was on AC66U. But the PSP just don't see the network in the list, and says "Network not found" if I try to use saved/manually created network profile. That was also the case on AC66U if you manually set 2,4 Wi-fi to "n+ac" mode. But if you set some legacy mode, - the network starts to be visible on PSP.

BE88U in latest firmwares for some reason doesn't have (missed) the option that was called "Wireless mode", so there's no chance to do this from Web UI. Neither on "Network" page and on "Wi-fi--Professional" page.

I don't know if it's an error in firmware or Asus removed that setting consciously

 

[ColinTaylor]

How can I enable legacy 2,4 modes with this "new" wi-fi network settings? Maybe there's an NVRAM parameter leftover that could be changed properly and commited?

To enable 11b the following used to work on the old AX routers. Whether it's even supported on the BE models I don't know.

Determine which variable is being used for 2.4 GHz by looking for ofdm. It's probably wl0_rateset.

# nvram show | grep wl._rateset
wl0_rateset=ofdm
wl1_rateset=default

Then change it from ofdm to default and restart the wireless subsystem.

nvram set wl0_rateset=default
service restart_wireless

 

[bennor]

Also make sure to set the encryption to WPA, not WPA2/WPA3, if possible.

Another option, while not optimal, is to use (or buy/find) an old router that has older 2.4 GHz B/G options in AP mode with it's own SSID WiFI and connect it to the RT-BE88U. Or perhaps use Wireless extender that has more configurable 2.4 GHz settings. Or if one has a ISP wireless router in front of their RT-BE88U check that ISP router's WiFi options to see if the PSP would connect to that ISP router if one is just looking for internet access only.