Spectrum Wifi router not found on Dell laptop

[Retired Navy WO]

Does anyone have any experience in resolving this issue? My dell inspiron 15 doesn't find my new spectrum wifi network. I can see other wifi networks and all my other devices see the router and are able to connect but the laptop wont. Any ideas on how to resolve this issue?

[GpaVader]

We had this issue at work and had to update the firmware on our access points. I would suggest contacting Spectrum to see if they have an update for your Router/Modem/Access Point. Depending on how old it is, it may likely need to be updated.

[Road-Runner]

Do any other devices like your phone see the new network? If not, your wifi may have been set up not to broadcast or it's just not working. You can try this to see if it's an issue with broadcasting:

How do I connect to Wi-Fi that isn't broadcasting?
In most cases, you can follow this procedure to connect to a hidden network:
- Select Settings > Wi-Fi > Add Wi-Fi network.
- Enter the network name (SSID), security type, and password.
- Tap Connect. Your device connects to the network.

[retiredguy123]

Do any other devices like your phone see the new network? If not, your wifi may have been set up not to broadcast or it's just not working. You can try this to see if it's an issue with broadcasting:

How do I connect to Wi-Fi that isn't broadcasting?
In most cases, you can follow this procedure to connect to a hidden network:
- Select Settings > Wi-Fi > Add Wi-Fi network.
- Enter the network name (SSID), security type, and password.
- Tap Connect. Your device connects to the network.
Unless I am missing something, the OP said that other devices can connect to the network.

[retiredguy123]

I assume that you have reset the router and rebooted the laptop. I would connect the laptop directly to the router using an ethernet cable to see if you can connect. That will at least tell you if the router is able to communicate with the laptop, and that the problem is with either the wifi signal or the laptop wireless adapter.

[villagetinker]

My laptop has a button to turn the wifi on and off, could yours be turned off?

[Road-Runner]

Unless I am missing something, the OP said that other devices can connect to the network.

You're correct, I read that too fast the first time.

[metoo21]

I think the Spectrum routers are initially set to 5 GHz and do not broadcast a 2.4 GHz signal. Is your laptop too old to have a 5 GHz wifi card? I'm not sure about the Spectrum router but others that are set for 5GHz initially can be changed to also broadcast 2.4 but you have to go into the modem software of the router to make the change. Probably log into 192.168.1.1 by typing that into a browser (not the laptop's) and pressing enter. Then it should ask for your username & password. I couldn't tell you what these are for sure but sometimes the default username is Admin. Maybe it is all on a label on the router. I don't use the Spectrum router, I have my own Asus router which is much better.

EDIT: I think you may be able to separate the 2 bands using the Spectrum App on your phone. You will need to make 2 networks - one for each band. Use the same network name but add 24 or 5 on the end of the name. Note that the name can not have spaces but you can use an underscore for spacing. I don't think you can have a period in the name.

[retiredguy123]

I think the Spectrum routers are initially set to 5 GHz and do not broadcast a 2.4 GHz signal. Is your laptop too old to have a 5 GHz wifi card? I'm not sure about the Spectrum router but others that are set for 5GHz initially can be changed to also broadcast 2.4 but you have to go into the modem software of the router to make the change. Probably log into 192.168.1.1 by typing that into a browser (not the laptop's) and pressing enter. Then it should ask for your username & password. I couldn't tell you what these are for sure but sometimes the default username is Admin. Maybe it is all on a label on the router. I don't use the Spectrum router, I have my own Asus router which is much better.
If that is correct, another solution is to buy an external dual band wireless adapter on Amazon for about $20 and plug it into the laptop. It will probably work better using 5 GHz.

[metoo21]

I just read about the Spectrum routers. They broadcast 1 network name and internally pick the band. My suspicion is that the Dell laptop is not 5GHz capable. I do know that routers that broadcast 1 network and "decide" on the connection do not play well with devices that can't see both bands.

I agree with retiredguy, if your laptop is not 5GHz compatible, I'd just get a dual band adapter for it.

[CosmicTrucker]

Had the very same issue with a Dell Inspiron 17. I replaced the built-in wifi card thinking it was failing, but this didn't resolve this strange issue. This is NOT an issue with your Spectrum router, but the problem can be resolved by changing the router setting to limit it to broadcasting only on the 2.4ghz channels. The option of buying a USB adaptor is also a fix, but a little clumsy for a laptop in my opinion.

[RoadToad]

My laptop has a button to turn the wifi on and off, could yours be turned off?

OP said laptop sees other networks. So, must be on.

[Retired Navy WO]

Ok so I have just decided to unplug the spectrum wifi router and use my ORBI. It works fine and also gives me better coverage in the house with the satellite antenna. Thanks for all that replied.

[airstreamingypsy]

My Spectrum wifi router shows the option of choosing 5 G or 2.4. Two lines with the router name, one line with 5, one with 2.4 after the name.

My laptop is 7 years old and connects easily, that said, I use the Spectrum wifi modem and pay them $5.00 a month, I think, to use it. That way I don't have to have my own separate wifi router and the modem. Too much clutter.

I'm camping, not home, so can't look at it.

Hunter

[Michael G.]

Or, you could give your grandchildren a call........

[Ontolater]

Does anyone have any experience in resolving this issue? My dell inspiron 15 doesn't find my new spectrum wifi network. I can see other wifi networks and all my other devices see the router and are able to connect but the laptop wont. Any ideas on how to resolve this issue?

Another solution would be to purchase another router to connect to the spectrum router with cat 5 cable. The router would be yours and if you change wifi vendors you need not change your password. Just make sure the new router works with your laptop.

[dsgreen3]

I had a similar problem when I changed phone companies and my printer could not connect to my wifi. The solution is I named the new connection the same as one of my old ones and it confused the printer. I had to rename the new connection and the issue was fixed.

[jarodrig]

The option of buying a USB adaptor is also a fix, but a little clumsy for a laptop in my opinion.

To “clumsy” ? Really ???

I had to circle it for you to see it ! 😂😂😂