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AT&T Wifi Calling
Hi - I have seen a number of threads on this topic and was hoping there was some resolution.
We are an AT&T household and are users of the Wifi Calling feature.
We have a single Orbi router, with no satellites.
We are experiencing an issue where the Wifi Calling works well around some of the house, but when we move into our kitchen it suddenly drops and people cant really hear us. It seems to happen on my wife's computer as well, where its like we are losing connection and thn reconnecting.
The reception seems strong there in terms of bars (although it is further from the router and through a plaster wall) but something seems to be triggering some kind of instability in the Wifi connection.
I went into advanced features - we dont have Fast Roaming checked (we dont have satellites so I dont know if thats relevant) and I was wondering if there are other optimal settings people have found that will solve this issue?
Thanks
What mode is the Verizon router configured for? Router or Bridge mode? IF in router mode, This would be a double NAT condition which isn't recommended. https://kb.netgear.com/30186/What-is-Double-NAT
https://kb.netgear.com/30187/How-to-fix-issues-with-Double-NAT
Couple of options,
1. Configure the modem for transparent bridge or modem only mode. Then use the Orbi router in router mode. You'll need to contact the ISP for help and information in regards to the modem being bridged correctly.
2. If you can't bridge the modem, disable ALL wifi radios on the modem, configure the modems DMZ/ExposedHost or IP Pass-Through for the IP address the Orbi router gets from the modem. Then you can use the Orbi router in Router mode.
3. Or disable all wifi radios on the modem and connect the Orbi router to the modem, configure AP mode on the Orbi router. https://kb.netgear.com/31218/How-do-I-configure-my-Orbi-router-to-act-as-an-access-point and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7LOcJ8GdDo&app=desktop
70 Replies
What Firmware version is currently loaded?
What is the Mfr and model# of the ISP modem the NG router is connected too?
What is the size of your home? Sq Ft?
What is the distance between the router and satellite(s)? 30 feet is recommended in between RBR and RBS to begin with depending upon building materials when wirelessly connected. https://kb.netgear.com/000036466/How-far-should-I-place-my-Orbi-satellite-from-my-Orbi-routerWhat channels are you using? Auto? Try setting manual channel 1, 6 or 11 on 2.4Ghz and any unused channel on 5Ghz.
Any Wifi Neighbors near by? If so, how many?Try enabling Beamforming and MIMO(MIMO may or maynot be needed) and WMM. Under Advanced Tab/Advanced Settings/Wireless Settings
Try disabling the following and see:
Armor, Circle, Daisy Chain, IPv6 and Set 20/40Mhz Coexistence to 40Mhz only by unchecking the box. Set Short preamble instead of Long preamble modes. Save settings and reboot the router and satellite(s).Has a factory reset and setup from scratch been performed since last FW update?
Thanks for the reply.
I am on 2.5.1.8
The Router it is plugged into is a Verizon FIOS Quantum router.
I will try the following and report back:
Try disabling the following and see:
Armor, Circle, Daisy Chain, IPv6 and Set 20/40Mhz Coexistence to 40Mhz only by unchecking the box. Set Short preamble instead of Long preamble modes. Save settings and reboot the router and satellite(s).Is it important to do a full factory reset?
What mode is the Verizon router configured for? Router or Bridge mode? IF in router mode, This would be a double NAT condition which isn't recommended. https://kb.netgear.com/30186/What-is-Double-NAT
https://kb.netgear.com/30187/How-to-fix-issues-with-Double-NAT
Couple of options,
1. Configure the modem for transparent bridge or modem only mode. Then use the Orbi router in router mode. You'll need to contact the ISP for help and information in regards to the modem being bridged correctly.
2. If you can't bridge the modem, disable ALL wifi radios on the modem, configure the modems DMZ/ExposedHost or IP Pass-Through for the IP address the Orbi router gets from the modem. Then you can use the Orbi router in Router mode.
3. Or disable all wifi radios on the modem and connect the Orbi router to the modem, configure AP mode on the Orbi router. https://kb.netgear.com/31218/How-do-I-configure-my-Orbi-router-to-act-as-an-access-point and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7LOcJ8GdDo&app=desktop
WPJoe wrote:We are experiencing an issue where the Wifi Calling works well around some of the house, but when we move into our kitchen it suddenly drops and people cant really hear us. It seems to happen on my wife's computer as well, where its like we are losing connection and thn reconnecting.
Does going into the kitchen affect any other WiFi activity? (streaming video, for example) In addition to a plaster wall, kitchens are loaded with large metal objects that can block WiFi signals. Is it "everywhere" in the kitchen, or only in certain parts of the kitchen?
My wife it seems like when she moves into the kitchen with her laptop it seems like the WIFI is momentarily disconnecting and then reconnecting....
WPJoe wrote:My wife it seems like when she moves into the kitchen with her laptop it seems like the WIFI is momentarily disconnecting and then reconnecting....
My investigation would focus on these areas:
- Does the problem appear when the laptop goes into the "shadow" of a large metal appliance (refrigerator, wall oven, etc. is directly in the path between the laptop and Orbi)?
- Does the laptop "change WiFi bands" when this happens?
Looking at the Orbi web interface or Orbi "app", does the laptop connection change from 5G to 2.4G?
Bear in mind that the Attached Devices status does not update instantly.
My experience is that it can take 15-20 seconds for a change in status to show up. - What happens to something like video streaming?
Is there a reproducable pattern. i.e. YouTube stutters or stops when I get to this part of the kitchen? - I use Android phones, so I have access to many WiFi "analyzer" apps that show the actual signal strength, updated as often as every second. Would be interesting to have such an app open and walk around observing how the signal strength changes.
Or, it could be that AT&T WiFi calliing doesn't like kitchens? (nah)
