Samsung Galaxy S21U, S22U, S24U & S24U Don't work with Asus 6E or 7 routers in UK

[GTMonster]

I own a GT-BE98 WiFi 7 router and a galaxy S21 Ultra phone. Both UK versions.

There seems to be a massive compatibility issue with flagship Samsung Galaxy S21U, S22U, S24U & S24U. These don't work using WiFi 6E or 7 on Asus 6E or 7 routers in UK. The problem is well documented in forums across the internet. The issue appears to be when using Asus routers .

As soon as MLO is switched on, the WiFi networks are visible for a few seconds. They can't be connected to. Then all WiFi attached to the router becomes invisible until phone reboot.

Phones with WiFi 6 only have no issues.

With MLO switched off, no issues. As someone who uses my phone to transfer data, I find this frustrating.

Has anyone else got this issue? Have you found a work around. Any advice would be appreciated.

[Saltgrass]

The S21 does not appear to be Wi-Fi 7 compatible, so you may want to test using an S25.   

If that is correct, are you using your basic (non-MLO) SSID to connect it to the network?

[GTMonster]

Hi. You've correct... I wasn't clear above. The S21 ultra is 6E not 7... But it will function using WiFi 6, however if it shows 6E networks found. It won't connect and then the networks disappear within seconds not to repeat till next phone reboot!

[jzchen]

Please try these two, the 2nd one on ASUS 6E (AXE) routers:

On the 6 GHz channel check the Preferred Scanning Channels (PSC) check box.

In the Professional tab

OFDMA/802.11ax MU-MIMO disable it completely on 6 GHz.  This appears to work correctly on WiFi 7 routers.

Report back...

[GTMonster]

Hi. 

Thanks. I tried as per your instructions. Unfortunately to no avail.

Ignoring MLO... I split all channels... the phone sees 6E, but just can't connect to it. When the 5GHz and 6GHz channels are joined but not as MLO, I can't connect. After a short while the 6E changes to 6 and the phone connects to 5Hz part.

[jzchen]

"With MLO switched off, no issues."

You'll need a WiFi 7 phone to utilize MLO.  You listed a lot of different phones and 6E ASUS routers as well.  I do not have experience with Android 6E devices, only a 6E Apple MacBook, BUT from way in the beginning when it was first released...

You'll want MLO off on your BE router unless you get a WiFi 7 device.  You'll very likely also need WiFi 7 off on the 6 GHz channel, because it uses 256 bit encryption and 6E does not, as well as a different QAM...

I find keeping 2,4 GHz and 5 GHz together the best, and separate 6 GHz BUT the two SSIDs and passwords are the same.  Again I don't have experience with Android 6E, but as far as I'm aware 6E Apple can utilize the splitting of 5 GHz and 6 GHz.  (In other words you don't want the router band steering between 5 GHz and 6 GHz).

Just to clarify everything works okay as long as you keep MLO off, and WiFi 7 settings off?  (This is expected).  What maximum transfer rates are you getting?  Maybe someone else here also has an S21U and GT-BE98 and can please compare?

[Saltgrass]

I don't see any mention of Smart Connect in the thread.  I prefer to keep systems simple.  Before Wi-Fi 7, I configured four different SSIDs to identify which radio each device was connected to.

A phone will probably look for the strongest, most reliable signal.  The 6GHz signal has a shorter range and more prone to have problems with interference from objects.  

[GTMonster]

Hi. My first instinct was to sit practically on top of the router. Sadly that didn't help. This phone just won't connect to 6E of the GT 98BE router!

[Saltgrass]

Would you happen to have a link to the user manual on that phone?

I just found it and notice there is something called Intelligent Wi-Fi, are you familiar with that?

[GTMonster]

Yes. I'm familiar with it. I've tried switching all of the items off in that menu. No difference. I also discovered a secret menu if you hit the intelligent WiFi version several times and tried some of the settings in there.

I'm stumped. I'm thinking that either Samsung has ballsed up here or Asus. Something is not right.