Killing wifi on a 2D- supplied router that doesn't have this ability?

Forums › LAN (ethernet/Wifi/routers/Bluetooth) › Killing wifi on a 2D- supplied router that doesn't have this ability?

jonathan18

7413 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Trusted

#305995 19-Jun-2023 11:40

Does anyone have any bright ideas of how to ‘kill’ the Wi-Fi transmission on a router in which Wi-Fi can’t apparently be disabled?

Situation is an ISP-supplied device (Netgear Orbi RBR350) being used solely for router duties, as Wi-Fi is being provided by dedicated APs. Can’t find any setting in the web interface to disable Wi-Fi, only reduce power (which I’ve done), but I’d rather have it not transmitting at all.

If I’m unable to disable it, is there a way to massively attenuate the signal strength? I wondered about a basic Faraday cage-like thing of a sticking it in a box lined with foil, or something similar to that.

Another option I’ve put to the ISP is swapping the Orbi for a Fritzbox (2D reps, eg @MrGadget – would this be feasible?); while my sister could buy a s/h Fritzbox, I’d rather see if we can sort it without her having to spend money to solve a problem caused by the lack of flexibility of the ISP-supplied product.

Thanks for any ideas.

wellygary

8312 posts

Uber Geek

#3091958 19-Jun-2023 12:09

The manual talks about setting it in either AP or router mode... ( page 69/70) - does setting it in Router mode turn off the Wifi?

https://www.downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RBK352/RBK352_RBK353_UM_EN.pdf

jonathan18

7413 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Trusted

#3091978 19-Jun-2023 13:07

wellygary:

The manual talks about setting it in either AP or router mode... ( page 69/70) - does setting it in Router mode turn off the Wifi?

https://www.downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RBK352/RBK352_RBK353_UM_EN.pdf

Sadly not, as router mode is what it comes set as, as it's necessary for it to fulfil the router functions (the only bit my sister actually needs!).

Given the manual (and internet search) shows no way to disable wifi, I am pretty sure it's not possible on the unit. I can't even lodge a query with Netgear to confirm this, though, as the serial number has already been registered (by 2D I assume), which is a prereq to get support.

Gordy7

1906 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Lifetime subscriber

#3091988 19-Jun-2023 13:29

Looks tricky... but have a look here 😀

https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi-Wi-Fi-5-AC-and-Orbi-with/How-to-disable-WiFi-on-the-Orbi-Router-or-Satellite/td-p/1677533

Gordy

My first ever AM radio network connection was with a 1MHz AM crystal(OA91) radio receiver.

jonathan18

7413 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Trusted

#3091993 19-Jun-2023 13:37

Gordy7:

Looks tricky... but have a look here 😀

https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi-Wi-Fi-5-AC-and-Orbi-with/How-to-disable-WiFi-on-the-Orbi-Router-or-Satellite/td-p/1677533

Thanks, I had seen some similar but much more limited posts using a similar method, but seriously convoluted to achieve such a basic outcome!

This could be interesting, if it's still relevant and applies to this model:

If you're willing to try something untested, it appears that the entire 2.4 and 5GHz bands can be disable from the web interface. You have to log into the router and navigate to Advanced -> Advanced Settings -> Wireless Settings. Then open the web console in firefox (Developer Tools then Console for Chrome) and enter the following and press return:

document.getElementById("formframe").contentWindow.document.querySelectorAll("[style='display:none']").forEach(i => i.removeAttribute("style"))

This should show all the hidden elements including the "Enable Wireless Router Radio" checkboxes for 2.4 and 5GHz. You can uncheck and press Apply.

richms

28168 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#3092002 19-Jun-2023 13:59

Seems logical that they would hide those options. Support nightmare when people turn it off and can no longer configure the device to turn it back on.

Richard rich.ms

jonathan18

7413 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Trusted

#3092012 19-Jun-2023 14:21

richms:

Seems logical that they would hide those options. Support nightmare when people turn it off and can no longer configure the device to turn it back on.

Fair enough, but given it looks like 2D can't advise how to bypass this limitation it seems overly restrictive. I doubt this is the first case of someone wanting to do this.

I also imagine few users will ever log in to the web interface, given the provided info pushes the use of the Orbi app. They could also have just hidden this setting from the basic view of the web interface (leaving it accessible via the advanced).

They also haven't elected to hobble the Fritzbox, which doesn't even have the advantage of an app.

MrGadget

193 posts

Master Geek

ID Verified

#3092383 20-Jun-2023 07:51

jonathan18:

Another option I’ve put to the ISP is swapping the Orbi for a Fritzbox (2D reps, eg @MrGadget – would this be feasible?); while my sister could buy a s/h Fritzbox, I’d rather see if we can sort it without her having to spend money to solve a problem caused by the lack of flexibility of the ISP-supplied product.

Hi - not sure if that's an option but I can get someone to follow up with you to see if it is (PM me all of the account details - you will need to have been authorised on your sisters account, or have her available when you call for security reasons).

I know with my own (privately purchased) Orbi, I can disable the SSID (not the radio itself) which is at least something - doesn't seem to be an option with your model. Tjis is not a 2degrees imposed setting btw, this is how Netgear deliver the firmware for the model.