Re: 2016 MacBook Pro stay connected to Wifi but no internet bandwidth

JTORBI · ‎2023-10-26

I upgraded from an eero6ProE to the Obi wifi 7 with 2 Satellites. Speed and coverage seemed to be significantly improved. System is running for a few days and it seems more stable. Experienced some disconnects with iPhones 15pro and Max (random mac disabled). I have a 2016 Mac book pro that although connects to the wifi and keeps connected, after 2-3 minutes there is no internet. Although it seems connected, the IP address drops from the orbit app and the admin page. I have to disconnect, close wifi connection and connect again and again having the same problem. I opened a case with support and still waiting for feedback. I provided all the logs and info they requested. The laptop connects fine to my neighbors wifi (from my home) and any other hotspots without any connections issues. I have a 1.2 GB network connection.I tried the following:

1. Reset network settings in laptop

2. Moved laptop next to the Satellite (even next to the router having the same issue, shouldn't make any difference anyway).

3. reinstalled the Mac OS to the latest (Monterey 12.7) and the update that was released yesterday based on the mac book pro model.

4. “forgot” several times the networks and continuously turn off and on the wifi and connect to either the regular or IoT network. Exactly the same issues.

5. I tried several times to renew the DHCP address. although the renewal was shown in th elaptop, there was no internet bandwidth. Wifi was still connected with full strength, next to the satellite.

5. I changed under the network settings the TCP/IP to use manual DHCP instead of automatic. I assigned a different IP although at the admin site and app is shown with the initial IP address. It connected and worked for again 4-5 minutes. Then exactly the same problem, wifi connected but no internet passing.

6. I checked under the admin settings if the laptop was blocked, but was not the case (allowed).

7. Also flashed the memory from the laptop.

8. Connects fine to any other wifi or hotspot.

9. No issues when hardwired to the satellite, as expected.

I gave all this feedback to support. Based on the fact that is connected to any other wifi i tried, the problem must be with the mesh system and not the laptop. Other much newer MacBooks and mac mini M2 connect without any problems.

Any further ideas of troubleshooting would be greatly appreciated. Also, as I'm new to the Orbi ecosystem and primarily my setup is Apple based, any concerns on compatibility ?

Thanks

FURRYe38 · ‎2023-10-26

What security mode do you have set on the RBR for the Wifi SSID password?

Does setting a IP address reservation on the RBR help keep the laptop connected?

JTORBI · ‎2023-10-26

Hi, thanks for the reply.

Set to both wpa2, wpa3

Not sure how to do the IP reservation. I tried the manual IP from the laptop, but after it connected it showed the original IP address used in the router/satellite. Same IP as the automatic selection.

FURRYe38 · ‎2023-10-26

https://kb.netgear.com/25722/How-do-I-reserve-an-IP-address-on-my-NETGEAR-router

So Mixed WPA2/WPA3 is set? Wondering if you change the mode to OPEN or disabled and see if the unsecure SSID changes the behavior. Possible that older laptop wifi HW may not work right with mixed mode WPA2/WPA3 is set. I see this on older routers that support wireless bridge mode, won't connect if mixed mode is set. Has to be WPA2 only.

JTORBI · ‎2023-10-26

I tried wpa2 only under the IoT network, in only 2.4, only 5 and then both, same issue. under the reserve, do i enter an new ip address under the advanced /LAn setup, after clicking Add you see a list of connected devises. Do i connect the laptop and when i see the ip showing up in the list i select it, or i have to assign a new IP address?

JTORBI · ‎2023-10-26

The link with the instructions are very clear, thanks. One clarification. Every time the laptop is connected (and then there is no internet after a few minutes) is assigned the same Ip address. The IP never changes. I can create a new IP (with 1 increment, .39 vs .38 for example and copy the mac address. Would this be different, as the IP address remains the same every time.

JTORBI · ‎2023-10-26

I tried the reservation and static IP but it didn't work. Now I'm getting a "failure" under the add reserve address and redirects back tot he lan setup page. I deleted the reserve address and i'm getting a failure again when i click the edit button where in the past i could see all the connected devises

FURRYe38 · ‎2023-10-26

Something to try, find you a Mac OSX supporting USB WiFi adapter/WPA3 supporting as well and connect to this laptop and see if this changes the behavior.

I'd make contact with Apple as well for help and information regarding this laptop. Let them know other Apple devices are working.

JTORBI · ‎2023-10-26

I tried getting an external adaptor but since Apple moved to 64b systems there are no USB adaptors supporting above MacOS 10. I'm running 12.7

I have 2021, 2022 airs and mac minis M2, no problem connecting. And this is the weird thing. I was wondering if any members of the community have similar issues with older Macs (although still supported by Apple) and Obi routers. The solution might be to retire the laptop !! thanks again for all the support.

JTORBI · ‎2023-10-26

Just to add, have a 2017 iMac that works fine as well.

FURRYe38 · ‎2023-10-26

Seems like something going on with the 2016 unit. Oldest MBP I had was 2008. But it finally died on me before I got into Orbi AX systems. So only thing I've tried with WPA3 is NG routers that support wireless bridge mode. I found that the R7000, R7800 and R9000 do not like mixed modes with WPA3.

The only think I wish NG would put in on the main WLAN is WPA2 only. Would help with older devices connecting, but eventually, some older devices will get left out and would need WPA2 supporting wifi or get depreciated as WPA3 gets more popular.

FURRYe38 · ‎2023-10-26

Does this Mac run same OSX as the 2016 does? If it does, would point to the 2016 maybe having some HW differences, especially in the wifi HW section.

I have a 2018 MBP and Monterey on Primary drive and beta Sonoma on external USB drive.

JTORBI · ‎2023-10-26

I have OS 13 (ventura) on the iMac and it works fine, no issues. I tried the IoT network with wpa2 only and did not work. It is weird because it can connect to any other routers. I had no problem last week connecting to the eero 6proE.

FURRYe38 · ‎2023-10-26

Does the laptop connect if you set the Security to disable temporarily? Re-enable it after testing.

JTORBI · ‎2023-10-26

at the laptop or the router? I don't see an option at the laptop. I don't want to mess up with the router in case i have more connection problems

FURRYe38 · ‎2023-10-26

Router.

Sounds like something to contact Apple about.