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Forum Discussion
flroots
Mar 28, 2020Guide
How to force Orbi to switch to best frequency and access point?
I just purchased the RBK50 and noticed that when testing internet speed while moving from Office at one end of house to Living Room at other end, it doesn't consistently connect to the same access po...
FURRYe38
Mar 28, 2020Guru - Experienced User
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-router
flroots wrote:I just purchased the RBK50 and noticed that when testing internet speed while moving from Office at one end of house to Living Room at other end, it doesn't consistently connect to the same access point (ie, Router or Satellite). To get consistent results, is there a way to force system to check and if necessary switch to optimum access point and frequency? I've used both the computer browser and app to view frequency and connected access point.
Also, is there a way to run a real time speed test on the link to a specific device?
Finally, is there a Orbi app user guide? If so, can you provide link?
- flrootsMar 28, 2020Guide
FURRYe38 wrote:What is the size of your home? Sq Ft?
My home is just under 2000 sq ft.
What is the distance between the router and satellite(s)?It's approx. 60 feet
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-router
flroots wrote:I just purchased the RBK50 and noticed that when testing internet speed while moving from Office at one end of house to Living Room at other end, it doesn't consistently connect to the same access point (ie, Router or Satellite). To get consistent results, is there a way to force system to check and if necessary switch to optimum access point and frequency? I've used both the computer browser and app to view frequency and connected access point.
Also, is there a way to run a real time speed test on the link to a specific device?
Finally, is there a Orbi app user guide? If so, can you provide link?
I should mention that I'm very happy with the coverage throughout the entire home. My issue was over the lag in Orbi's switching from one access point to the other. This is only an issue when measuring performance in each room. I simply wanted it to be optimum (not that it was unsatisfactory).
- flrootsMar 29, 2020Guide
I'm confused! I used the Orbi app to monitor the access point to which my phone was attached as I walked to a distance of over 100 ft from the side of the house in which the Satellite is located (with Router on opposite side). It never switched from Router to Satellite. This makes me wonder what the algorithm is that decides if or when to switch? Is it time-based? I would think it would frequently compare signal strengths of each access point in making the decision as to when or if to switch? I finally got it to switch by disabling WiFi, opening app which complained, and finally switching WiFi back on. Finally it switched to Satellite! Anyone have any insight into this behavior?
- FURRYe38Apr 06, 2020Guru - Experienced User
It's up to wifi devices to pick and choose which signal they connected too, not Orbi. Orbi only provides a platform to connect too.
You can adjust the power output of the RBR to maybe help in some cases. Under Advanced Tab/Advanced Settings/Wireless Settings
flroots wrote:I'm confused! I used the Orbi app to monitor the access point to which my phone was attached as I walked to a distance of over 100 ft from the side of the house in which the Satellite is located (with Router on opposite side). It never switched from Router to Satellite. This makes me wonder what the algorithm is that decides if or when to switch? Is it time-based? I would think it would frequently compare signal strengths of each access point in making the decision as to when or if to switch? I finally got it to switch by disabling WiFi, opening app which complained, and finally switching WiFi back on. Finally it switched to Satellite! Anyone have any insight into this behavior?