Hi,

For the Archer C2300, with the 2.4GHz wireless brdiging to the front-end router, you can see the 5GHz after finish the configuration only, no more 2.4GHz, vice versa. That is the reason why you cannot see 2.4GHz anymore. 

Meanwhile, for the smart connect, it uses the wifi name of the 2.4GHz by default, while cause it won't broadcast anymore, it is still the 5GHz network name, it uses the chipset of 5GHz, You can check the wireless negotiation speed to confirm it. 

Regarding to the unstable connection issue with smart connect enabled, may I know have you setup static IP for the C2300 which is in the same subnet of the front-end router? And did you disable the DHCP server yet？

May it help and have a nice day. 

Dcumbrian wrote

Hoping someone with better tech. experience can explain what is happening.

My original set up was a Virgin Media (netgear) router to a netgear extender. Works fine but I read reviews saying that I could probably extend my wi-fi range by getting my own router. So after research I went for the TP-Link C2300 model.

Put the Virgin Hub into Modem Mode, connected the C2300 and absolutely no improvement, even on high power.

I then noticed WDS Bridging.  Looked interesting. Researched it. Go for it. Set up was very easy.

Bridged the 2.4GHz band and then scanned using a tablet.

I can see two networks from the Virgin Hub (2.4GHz and 5GHz) but only the 5GHz from the C2300 but can connect to the internet on all three. I expected to see two networks for the C2300.

Interestingly (or stupidly) I then enabled the ‘smart connect’ and the C2300 2.4GHz immediately appeared but the 5GHz disappeared. While I could then get to the internet it would get extremely slow or drop the connection (to the internet) within a few minutes.

I’ve gone back to the original bridge without smart connect and everything has been ok for the last few hours but I like to know why things do what they do so would appreciate any explanation, advice or comments.

P.S. I also was able to connect the extender to the bridged C2300 with the thought I could then place the extender next to my smart T.V. and connect to the T.V.  by ethernet cable. Is that being too ambitious?

Hi David,

Thanks for your reply, glad  to hear that the router works fine now. 

Please take your time to do so, if need any further help, do not hesitate to contact us.

Have a nice day.