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Avohai's avatar
Avohai
Tutor
Mar 19, 2020

Huge WiFi speed drops with Orbi RBK53

Hi All, Since the past weeks I've noticed low WiFi performance of my devices (PC and Mac laptops, Iphones) of my Orbi RBS53 (Triband, router + two satellites). My configuration: ISP fiber 1Gbps-> O...
FURRYe38's avatar
FURRYe38
Guru - Experienced User
Mar 20, 2020

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-router

 

What 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, Fast Roaming, IPv6 and Set 20/40Mhz Coexistence to 40Mhz only. 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?

Avohai wrote:

Hi All,

Since the past weeks I've noticed low WiFi performance of my devices (PC and Mac laptops, Iphones) of my Orbi RBS53 (Triband, router + two satellites). My configuration:

ISP fiber 1Gbps-> Orbi router is wired (CAT 5e) to each of the satellites located in separate rooms at least 40 feet apart.

When connecting devices directly to the satellites via ethernet cable, I get download speeds ~ 500 Mbps (OK). Using the same devices nearby (same room) as each of the satellites, I get WiFi speeds ~ 250 Mbps (OK but huge dropping if you are just standing besides the satellite?). As soon as I walk to next adjacent room (10 feet away), the same device gets WiFi speeds ~ 40 Mbps, which is a huge drop.

I have had my Orbi since Christmas but I noticed the problem becoming worse since the past month or so. I am running the latest firmware. 

I know this is not normal because I could get better WiFi speeds in the same rooms with my previous (non mesh) router from Linksys which was 4 years old. 

For the price I paid for my Orbi, I was expecting way better performance.

Is anybody experiencing similar issues?

Thanks!