Is my router supported?

Last Update:Feb 23 2022 1:48pm • Est. Read Time:Est. Read Time: 3 MIN

Router Requirements

This article will help you find out if your router and the Rachio controller are compatible and how to troubleshoot in case it's not. 

Although Rachio is compatible with most networking equipment, some network devices are incompatible. Usually, when networking hardware does not work with Rachio, it’s because the hardware lacks support for the network protocols that Rachio uses to operate.

Rachio controllers support both dual-band and single-band routers; a steady 2.4 GHz connection on a secured (WPA/WPA2) network is required for Generation 2 and Generation 1 controllers (This is preferable to be separated from the 5 Hz ), but Rachio 3 can use either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz connection on a secured network.

Specific Router Model Troubleshooting

The equipment below is incompatible with Rachio. Be aware that the majority of this list is made up of older networking equipment, but may still exist as part of a home network. We try to keep this list up-to-date, but it is only indicative.

Tip

If you have a question about your router or other network equipment, please see the Wi-Fi Troubleshooting section at the end of this article.

Network hardware that may be incompatible without adjusting default settings:

  • Cisco RE1000  - Router Defaults to WEP encryption
  •  D-LinkDIR-300  - Multiple setup attempts may be required by users.
  •  MotorolaSBG6580  - Defaults to WEP encryption
  •  Western Digital AC1300-J2F  - Change Channel Width to 20Mhz
  •  Netgear Nighthawk N7000  - Known issue when 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz share the same name
  •  Linksys E4200  - Known issue when 2.54Ghz and 5Ghz share the same name
  • EdgeMax  routers - Router Defaults to WEP encryption
  • Netgear / WPN824V3 - Router Defaults to WEP encryption
  • Linksys / WRT54GS - Router Defaults to WEP encryption
  • Linksys / WRT54G - Router Defaults to WEP encryption

Change Router Settings

To change your router settings, please reference  SetupRouter.com (routers are listed alphabetically).

Wi-Fi Extenders FAQ

  • Extenders will work with the Rachio under some restrictions.
  • If the Rachio is in a central location that can connect to both the extender and the main access point, the Rachio may bounce between both access points.
  • If you see frequent disconnects you will want to make the SSIDs have different names and passwords

Wi-Fi Channels

  • The Rachio only supports channels 1-11. In Europe, 2 additional channels (12 and 13 are available). If your router moves to one of those channels the network will likely become invisible to the Rachio and drop offline or be unable to connect.

Wi-Fi Troubleshooting

To assist our team in better helping you with your Wi-Fi issue, we’d ask that you complete a Wi-Fi diagnostic before you contact our support team in help solve your issue quickly. To complete a Wi-Fi diagnostic, please follow the steps in this support article.

Wi-Fi 6

We will be compatible with Wi-Fi 6, however, we will not be using any of its features at this time. We do not foresee any issues, as Wi-Fi 6 is designed to work with existing/legacy hardware, and is consistent with prior iterations of the 802.11 protocol, i.e. all 802.11ac routers/access points are able to function with 802.11bgn equipment.

WPA3 might be different but we do not have an update at this time. Again, we expect continued interoperability and the broadscale release will be able to accommodate existing/legacy devices.


Do you still need help?


We have a chat support team ready to assist you! You can submit a support request by selecting the chat icon in the bottom right of this page and a member of the support team will contact you live.


Summer Hours (April-September)

7am-5pm (MST), 7 days a week.


Winter Hours (October-March)

8am-5pm (MST), Monday - Saturday. We are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years Day.