Guest Network Issues with RBR50 and RBW30

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CrimpOn wrote:

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bdsmith63 wrote:

So I shouldn't experience much issue -- you just do a factory reset, and then start all over again it sound like?  Are you running the latest firmware on all your devices?  You might have already shared this and I missed it.

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In my case, I have spent (literally) hours and hours assigning specific IP addresses to each of my permanent devices and customizing the way they appear in Attached Devices.  I am somewhat OCD, and I want all my security cameras to appear with consequitive IP addresses, all the smart speakers together, the smart plugs together, etc.  I like knowing that my printer is 192.168.1.4  I also use OpenVPN and DDNS for remote access.  Configuring all this from scratch takes 2-3 hours.  So, I am reluctant to do a Full Factory Reset.  What I have done a couple of times is save the config to my PC, Factory Reset, and then reload the config to the Orbi router.  This is a 15 minute job.

 

I would be greatly interested in how to do what you've done, I'm semi-technical, but not sure how to actually do the assigned IP addresses and then make a backup copy to reload, if I do a complete reset.  I guess given your current situation you don't have issues with your guest network functioning normal for any guests that use it?  I am definitely somewhat OCD with my network, but haven't ventured that far with the specific IP addresses!

 

It is possible to run an Orbi without configuring anything. Plug it in. Use the SSID/password printed on the label and be happy.  Alas, that is not a "nerdly activity."

 

One tip: because I have customized my Orbi, when I do either the Full or 'reload config' reset, when the Orbi first powers on I do not change the SSID to the one I have had for 15 years at first.  If I did that, devices would start connecting and getting random IP addresses before I have any chance to reload the config or define anything.  Reloadig the config causes a restart with the saved credentials.  Waiting until I have finished configuring everything also keeps devices off until I am ready for them.

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bdsmith63 wrote:

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I would be greatly interested in how to do what you've done, I'm semi-technical, but not sure how to actually do the assigned IP addresses and then make a backup copy to reload, if I do a complete reset.  I guess given your current situation you don't have issues with your guest network functioning normal for any guests that use it?  I am definitely somewhat OCD with my network, but haven't ventured that far with the specific IP addresses!

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I have never had problems with Guest WiFi, so I have never had to confront how to 'fix' it.

The Orbi web interface provides tools to customize how devices are assigned IP's on the

Advanced Tab, Setup, LAN Setup page. Under "Use Router as DHCP Server", define the range of IP addresses to be used for temporary devices.  Any IP's outside this range can be assigned to devices without fear of accidental duplication.  Everybody has a unique way to approach this.  My range is 71-99 for temporary devices, which leaves 2-70 and 100-254 for things I want to assign. ( Some people do 2-100 and 101-254.)  I am probably not thinking ahead enough by leaving space for only 70 devices... oh, well.

Then, decide how you want to assign IP's to your permanent devices. Just add things one at a time?  Group similar devices together? Whatever feels right.  Use the bottom section of the page to Add one device at a time by the Device MAC address.  After several devices have been added, click on Apply.

Now the Attached Devices display can be used to customize how each device appears.  Click on a device and a box will open to define the device name, device model number, and device type.

None of this is necessary.  I just felt like doing it and could not seem to quit.

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CrimpOn wrote:

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bdsmith63 wrote:

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I would be greatly interested in how to do what you've done, I'm semi-technical, but not sure how to actually do the assigned IP addresses and then make a backup copy to reload, if I do a complete reset.  I guess given your current situation you don't have issues with your guest network functioning normal for any guests that use it?  I am definitely somewhat OCD with my network, but haven't ventured that far with the specific IP addresses!

None of this is necessary.  I just felt like doing it and could not seem to quit.

 

Thank you for your help, I certainly will take a look at all of this and see how I might want to set mine up.  I assume there are benefits to doing this over letting the system automatically assign IP addresses.  My Orbi app shows under Device Manager 39 devices, when I go into that menu, it lists 82 devices.  I've got at least 69 or so Lutron devices that work just through the Lutron hub alone.

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The Orbi remembers every device that has ever connected - every single one.  My 35 devices turned into 124 in the Orbi app.

If things connect through a hub, they probably are not listed as separate devices to the Orbi.

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CrimpOn wrote:

The Orbi remembers every device that has ever connected - every single one.  My 35 devices turned into 124 in the Orbi app.

If things connect through a hub, they probably are not listed as separate devices to the Orbi.

 

You're right about that - that certainly is why my number of devices have exploded!  I've got some work to do eventually, thanks for all your collaborative help!

Although disconcerting to us, there actually is a valid reason for remembering every device that has ever connected.

Access Control has two settings:

• Allow new devices to connect, or
• Not allow new devices to connect.

Just because some device has not appeared on the network for months does not make it "new" when it finally appears.

Keeping track of every device that has ever been allowed solves this.  "Oh, you're back."

Since I do not use Access Control, I find the huge list annoying and purge it.

When someone comes to visit next year, their WiFi device may remember my Orbi and connect automatically (no Access Control to block them).