Below is a list of devices that we know off that do not support all of the FastLanes (or DFS channels). Please use the following compatibility mode for your device.
Compatibility Mode A All FastLanes except for channel 100
- Vizio M-series TVs
Compatibility Mode B All FastLanes except for channel 100 and channel 116
- Coming soon
Compatibility Mode C Fastlanes turned off
- Amazon Firestick
- Amazon Fire TV
- Amazon Echo Dot
- Roku 2, 3, and 4
- Ring Doorbells
- Asus wireless adapters
Comments
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Ive got a Vizio M series tv, but it's only working on Mode C for me.
Amazon Echo (i.e. The original large sized one) works on A or B or C it seems, however my Echo Dots will only work on Mode C.
and which devices do support all portals fastlanes (Ch52+100+116+132)?
Almost all client devices using the WiFi standard 802.11ac built in the past 4 years can work in these channels. This includes all major brands of smartphones, and tablets. A list of devices that are NOT compatible is available at https://support.portalwifi.com/hc/en-us/articles/230886168-List-of-devices-for-compatibility-mode
There are a few client devices that cannot operate in the FastLanes at all. Portal's compatibility mode C will allow you to use these, but you might take a performance hit. Most have updates or alternatives that sell for around $50. So you might want to consider an upgrade to these client devices.
I see "Asus wireless adapters" in the incompatible list. Does this include the Asus USB-AC56. WiFi dongle?
Thanks.
For future reference, the FCC grantee id for Asus is MSQ. TP Link's is TE7.
This makes it easier to search here.
https://apps.fcc.gov/oetcf/eas/reports/GenericSearch.cfm?calledFromFrame=N
Can Compatibility be defined for each device connected to the Portal or the entire Portal? Just ordered my Portal and have a Roku.
Thanks
I also need to know why compatibility cannot be defined by device. I have 18 devices that need wifi in my home and because my Fire TV can't operate on Fastlanes the whole entire Portal must have Fastlanes turned off for all devices? Doesn't seem right.
What compatibility mode does is limit which channels portal can choose from for the 802.11ac/5GHz band. It limits the choice to channels your devices can use. It is only capable of using one 5GHz channel. So, it can't use a non-fastlane 5GHz channel for one device and a fast lane channel for another device.
However, you can have your non-compatible devices use the 802.11n/2.4Ghz channel, since Portal also uses one of those channels. Then turn off compatibility mode. This might be easier if you use two network names/SSIDs for the two networks rather than making them one.
Is it possible to define the Guest network only on the 2.4Ghz spectrum and have the Primary network as combined? The would resolve most issues except my wireless printers which need to be on the Primary .. Does anyone have any knowledge on Brother printers?
Thanks
How does one update the compatibility mode? I have scoured every menu items on myportalwifi.com and have not found a way to alter this settig
Compatibility mode is one of those things which can only be controlled through smartphone App, not web interface. I can understand desire to market App-based setup, but not being able to configure everything through web interface is frustrating to some like myself.
@DougH thanks for the clarification. I had to first reset my router to factory defaults before my app would connect to it. After that I was able update the compatibility settings as per your tip. I agree that not having all the functionality on both platforms is sub-optimal as was having to reset the router just so the app would connect with it.
If you get an unexpected error message from browser next time you try to use the web interface, be aware that using the App has a default setting to disable to web interface. You have to go back to the App (I think under some Advanced setting) and change the web interface to from the default to Enabled.
I can confirm that the Roku Streaming Stick (3600R) (2016 Model) works fine with DFS
Update: my original comment (below) was mistaken - the Stick is indeed dual frequency...
I could be mistaken, but I think Roku Steaming Stick is 2.4GHz only (not 5GHz). Therefore when you say "works fine" with DFS, it isn't actually using a DFS channel (they are 5GHz). But it does work like any 2.4GHz device does, since Portal is dual band.
I thought I would have issues with the Roku, but according to Roku, the current Streaming Stick has Integrated dual-band 802.11 b/g/n and the Portal Status shows the Roku on the 5Ghz network.
I apologize - my mistake, the Stick is indeed dual frequency. Glad it is working for you on a DFS channel. I guess that is an exception to my finding that many of the devices which need compatibility mode are devices which have a remote control which is piggy-backing on WiFi channel.
I have a Roku 3 and haven't had to do anything special to get it to work with compatibility mode turned off.
Gene - your description means the following: either you are using single SSID for both bands (which allows the Roku to connect at 2.4GHz) or you have two SSID and are connecting to the 2.4GHz or the Portal is not using "FastLanes" DFS channels (i.e., the router may have found interference or other use on those channels). Since I doubt that last case, my guess is that your Roku 3 is connecting to 2.4GHz (which is what I chose to do myself).
What is the verdict on the Echo Dots? I see them in the comments once but not in the list up top. Also, since they are not streaming video, are they happy enough on 2.4 GHz?
So I bought an Asus PCE-AC88 AC3100 Wifi adapter card as it hands down won all the reviews out there in terms of speed and performance and I liked the remote antenna placement. I also bought two portal routers (added the second one to make a mesh network when I could ot connect with my wifi card and I thought it was low signal strength)
It looks like Portal is not compatible with the leading provider of 5Ghz PCIe cards.
Which do I return, the portals or the wifi card?
I am trying to get my Sonos beam to work, which compatibility mode should I select? How do I ensure 2.4 is separate from 5?
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