How use-friendly is the RBR config (inc DHCP)?

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AntonyD wrote:
So, just some reassurance that I can easily (with the Orbi) define an internal IP range and add reserved addresses in seconds, rather than frustrating minutes, would be appreciated!

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Yes, indeed. The user can allocate part of the address space to "assigned" devices with specified IP addresses and part of the space to a "general pool".

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AntonyD wrote:
Also... is it possible to “fix” a particular device to use only 2.4GHz or only 5GHz, rather than having the Orbi switch between the two?

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No.  Orbi uses a standard 802.11 method where access points and devices communicate their capabilities ("I can do 802.11b/g/n/ac" for example) and the device decided how to connect.  It is a general selling point of "mesh" systems that there is one WiFi name (SSID) and password to remember and connections are handled by the devices rather than the user.  For example, if my tablet is connected at 5G and I wander too far from the Orbi to get a strong 5G signal, the device will switch to 2.4G.  In general, I have found that once a device gets connected, it tends to "stick" unless it moves.  This is one of the most common complaints about the Orbi system.

It sound like what you want is a system where the user can create separate WiFi names for the 2.4G and 5G channels and manually connect devices to them.  If you wander as I do, then it will be up to you to realize, "oops, I need to change WiFi connections."

Good that you thought to ask before purchasing.

Modem Combo Units: https://community.netgear.com/t5/Cable-Modems-Routers/What-s-the-Difference-Between-a-Cable-Modem-and-Cable-Modem/m-p/1864698#M21950
This would be a double NAT (two router) 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
https://kb.netgear.com/26765/Disabled-Features-on-the-Router-when-set-to-AP-Mode

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AntonyD wrote:
Hi all,

Just before I commit to buying an RBR20, in after a bit of reassurance over its admin “friendliness”.

As background, primarily I want to assign fixed IPs to at least some stuff in the house; currently we have a Virgin “Super”Hub 3, which is anything but in this regard. It dangles the promise of the functionality before you, but every single addition or edit takes about a minute to commit and generally causes everything else connected to the SH3 to get disconnected, at least temporarily. It really is a bag of spanners.

So, just some reassurance that I can easily (with the Orbi) define an internal IP range and add reserved addresses in seconds, rather than frustrating minutes, would be appreciated!

Also... is it possible to “fix” a particular device to use only 2.4GHz or only 5GHz, rather than having the Orbi switch between the two?

The SH3 again offers this but it’s a right PITA to actually set up, and without it my laptop can be happily getting 100Mbps in the 5GHz channel and then get shuffled onto the 2.4GHz where, thanks to probably various factors of location and contention, it struggles to get 2Mbps.

Many thanks in advance!

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