Is WiFi always backwards compatible?

Forums › LAN (ethernet/Wifi/routers/Bluetooth) › Is WiFi always backwards compatible?

Geektastic

18021 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 8480

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#309191 27-Sep-2023 17:24

We have a Grandstream WiFi network. There are three APs spread though the house.

Yesterday I did a firmware update on them. This morning our oldest iMac (2013) refused to use wireless at all despite showing it was connected.

I hooked it up with an Ethernet cable and it was absolutely fine.

Every other device in the house is fine on the WiFi.

I can’t find any obvious fault so I wondered if the firmware update might have done something that would prevent an older device from using it?

Linux

12360 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 8650

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#3135571 27-Sep-2023 17:27

A firmware update should not impact devices that have connected in the past

Behodar

11209 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 6234

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#3135573 27-Sep-2023 17:38

There have been some changes over the years (WEP, WPA, etc.) but I would've thought that a 2013 machine would be new enough to support all of them.

To isolate any software issues, try booting into recovery mode (Cmd-R at the boot chime) and see whether you can connect to Wi-Fi from there.

Batman

Mad Scientist
30047 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 6235

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#3135603 27-Sep-2023 18:45

always factory reset after doing a firmware update on a router or it can glitch to no end, every now and then, little bits here and there

but yeah i don't always follow my advice but this is the generic advice

Tinkerisk

4906 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 3822

#3135616 27-Sep-2023 19:30

@geektastic

Just reboot the APs with power off/on and wait - they‘ll be back.

Qui nihil scit, omnia credere debet. - He who knows nothing must believe everything.
Firewalls do NOT stop dragons. Really not!
I avoid Big Tech. They try hard to dictate technology and „culture“ across borders.
In effect we have everything to hide from someone, and no idea who „someone“ is.

Linux

12360 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 8650

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#3135619 27-Sep-2023 19:51

Have you removed the saved Wi-Fi network from the Mac?

timmmay

20923 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 5395

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#3135635 27-Sep-2023 20:32

Apple TV

Stream your favourite shows now on Apple TV (affiliate link).

ANglEAUT

altered-ego
2472 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 865

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#3135660 27-Sep-2023 22:19

Linux: Have you removed the saved Wi-Fi network from the MAC?

I'd start here. Easiest option.

For Wi-Fi encryption, you have Open < WEP < WPA < WPA2 < WPA3

You then also have TKIP vs. AES. TKIP is available on WEP & WPA. AES is the new kid & is supported from WPA onwards.

It is possible that the firmware upgrade either disabled WEP / WPA or changed from TKIP to AES. Removing / forgetting the network & joining again will connect with the correct encryption.

Other options get more involved. Often enough, even if you roll back the firmware of the WAP, it will not roll back from AES to TKIP.

Please keep this GZ community vibrant by contributing in a constructive & respectful manner.

BarTender

3630 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2572

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#3135672 27-Sep-2023 23:01

Wireless protocols backward compatible.. No, not always.

Tinkerisk

4906 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 3822

#3135693 28-Sep-2023 01:19

The is an option in the GWM’s config menu to stay „compatible to older wifi devices“ but usually, this is not modified during a f/w update. Check otherwise.

Qui nihil scit, omnia credere debet. - He who knows nothing must believe everything.
Firewalls do NOT stop dragons. Really not!
I avoid Big Tech. They try hard to dictate technology and „culture“ across borders.
In effect we have everything to hide from someone, and no idea who „someone“ is.

Jase2985

13772 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 6254

ID Verified

Lifetime subscriber

#3135695 28-Sep-2023 03:51

hasnt switched to an incompatible wifi channel?

Geektastic

18021 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 8480

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#3135946 28-Sep-2023 14:14

I’ll work through all these. Thanks.

No other device using the same network has had any issues at all, just that one computer - which was 100% fine the day before.

The computer needs to go soon really - it won’t update to the new Mac OS versions and MS Office keeps complaining about that!