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jjodod1's avatar
jjodod1
Aspirant
Jul 14, 2021

FIOS and Orbi RBR40

Hi Folks,

 

I just switched from Xfinity (with a modem) to FIOS. I have outstanding speed at the router, but >65% drop off throughout the house. My configuration is (1) Orbi RBR40 and (2) RBS20 satellites, daisy-chain connected. The RBS40 is connected by ethernet to FIOS. Measured speed is >300 Mbps DN, >300 Mbps UP. The FIOS connection is in my garage and this is where the RBS40 is also. My 1st satellite is about 14 feet away through 2 wallboard walls. The second satellite is in the basement, down 1 story and about 50 feet from 1st satellite. All parameters (backhaul staus, etc.) are nominal in Orbi web app. The house is approximately 4,000 sq. ft. - 3 story, with the router and the 1st satellite on the 1st floor.

 

The problem is the wireless speed. The best speed I can achieve is with my iPad connected to the 1st floor satellite - 140 DN, 105 UP. As you know, there's no option on these units to select satellite or whether 2.4 or 5 Ghz, so the speed elswhere is dependent on which satellite and band it's currently hooked up to. My desktop is currently getting 51 DN, 52 UP and is about 50' from the 1st satellite.

 

The other issue is dropped signal and bufferring. Interestingly, the buffering usuall occurs at the same time in the evening. I had none of these issues when using Xfinity, but the connection there was to a cable modem on the 2nd floor.

 

Obviously, my Orbi configuration is not optimal for this new set up. So I have 2 questions for the community:

 

1. Would the addition of another satellite unit resolve the problems? If so, where to place for optimal results.

2. If not, should I replace the entire system? If so, replace with another Orbi? Which model? Or go with another compny, i.e., eero?

 

Thanks for any and all help.

 

John

1 Reply

  • FURRYe38's avatar
    FURRYe38
    Guru - Experienced User
    Jul 14, 2021

    What Firmware version is currently loaded?
    What is the Mfr and model# of the Internet Service Providers modem/ONT the NG router is connected too?

    Has a pull power OFF of the ISP modem/ONT and the RBR and RBS for 1 minute then back ON been performed? 

     

    14 feet between the RBR and the 1 RBS is too close. 30 feet or more is recommended in between RBR and RBS📡 to begin with depending upon building materials when wirelessly connected.
    https://kb.netgear.com/31029/Where-should-I-place-my-Orbi-satellite 📡

     

    What channels are you using? Auto? Try setting manual channel 1, 6 or 11 on 2.4Ghz and 40 to 48 channel on 5Ghz.
    Any Wifi Neighbors near by? If so, how many?

     

    Try enabling Beamforming and MIMO(MIMO may or may not be needed) and WMM. Under Advanced Tab/Advanced Settings/Wireless Settings

     

    Try disabling the following and see:
    Armor, Circle, Traffic Meter.

    Daisy Chain, Fast Roaming, IPv6 and Set 20/40Mhz Coexistence to 40Mhz only. Set CTS to 2347. Set Short preamble instead of Long preamble modes. Save settings and reboot the router and satellite(s). Under Advanced Tab/Advanced Settings/Wireless Settings

     

    One User Experience/Configuration:
    https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi/Most-Stable-Orbi-Configuration/m-p/1941087/highlight/true#M97026