Some devices not connecting

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Derek Kreider

• January 10, 2026 13:54

I purchased the Firewalla purple because I do not have very much knowledge about networking and wanted something that would make life simple. It's been an overall good experience, but I'm having one major issue. 

I am running the purple as a router without any APs. I was able to connect all of my devices pretty easily with the exception of a few smart lightbulbs and some blink cameras. The issue with those was that they required a 2.4ghz connection. When I turned on the network's "Maximize Compatibility" to broadcast only in 2.4ghz, those devices connected to the network and worked fine. However, then some of my other devices wouldn't connect, like my miniPC and Hisense U7 tv. They would see the network, but wouldn't connect to the internet through it. 

My understanding is that the purple broadcasts a dual band network, so I'm not sure why the 2.4ghz devices are having problems seeing it - and I understand even less why my tv (which I confirmed works on either frequency) can see the network but not have internet access. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

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  Firewalla

  • January 10, 2026 21:29

  Firewalla Purple's wifi is not that strong, so your connection problems can either be the range, or the number of devices supported. (I believe the purple can do 8 devices). 

  How far are your unit from the purple? and how many devices do you have?

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  Derek Kreider

  • January 11, 2026 21:07

  Thanks for your response. I have seen a number of others saying they have upwards of 50 connected devices and theirs works fine. I don't have close to that many. I understand bandwidth should slow down, but the fact that some devices very close to the firewalla just don't detect the network at all seems off - especially when this seems related to the broadcast frequency. I'll keep digging. Thanks for your input. 

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  FirewallaSupportDesk

  • January 12, 2026 00:21

  Others are likely using a Wifi AP behind Purple instead of Purple's native WiFi. If you have more than 8 devices, you will need a WiFi AP to get all devices connected under Purple's network. 

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