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Forum Discussion
SailorGuy57
Aug 29, 2021Aspirant
Manage 2 different Orbi physical sites (RBR40 and RBR50) remotely from an external browser or app
I have two separate Orbi mesh networks in two different physical locations that I manage and support: My home network: (1) RBR40 router and (2) RBS20 satellites A family member's network in thei...
CrimpOn
Aug 29, 2021Guru - Experienced User
On the Advanced Tab, Advanced Settings menu there is an entry for Remote Management or Web Services Management. After first creating a Dynamic DNS (DDNS) entry, this page can be used to activate web access to the router from the internet. Any web browser can navigate to the Orbi router from anywhere on the internet and log in using "admin" and the web password.
The instant Remote Management is activated, people will begin attempting to log into the Orbi web interface. With my 25 character admin password, security web sites claim it will take about 4 billion years for someone to finally hack their way into my Orbi.
This can be set up only from the web interface, which means you have to be connected to the Orbi system to do so.
SailorGuy57
Aug 29, 2021Aspirant
Thanks for the prompt response.
**** NEVER MIND - I found the DDNS setup option ****
On both the RBR40 and RBR50 "Web Services Management" screen, there is no clickable "enable" checkbox (see the attached screenshot).
https://www.screencast.com/t/pLx9pJpk0
Do I have to enable something to permiit remote management?
And instead of defining a DDNS entry, can I just use the external IP address in my URL? Is there a specific port number to add?
For example: "https://70.123.45.28:1234"
Thanks,
SailorGuy57
- CrimpOnAug 30, 2021Guru - Experienced User
SailorGuy57 wrote:
And instead of defining a DDNS entry, can I just use the external IP address in my URL? Is there a specific port number to add?
Yes, you can use the Public IP address with a web browser. On my Orbi, the Remote Web Access would not set up until I had DDNS working. My suspicion is that they felt not being able to automatically follow changes in dynamic IP assignment was doomed to fail (eventually).
This is unfortunate. I just now loaded v2.7.3.22 on my spare Orbi and brought up the Web Services page (see attached). Under the "Local Management" section I have another section labelled "Remote Management" that allows me to restrict which public IP addresses can reach my Orbi remotely and the default port number (8443). So my web browser entry would be:
https://dynamicDNSname:8443 (the link is secured - SSL - hence the https.
Another strange thing is this time when I enabled Remote Web Access, it did not require me to set up DDNS. I could use the IP address. This Orbi WAN IP address starts with 192.168 because it is attached to my primary Orbi for testing purposes - not directly to a modem.
I have no explanation for what could cause the same firmware version (v2.7.3.22) to have different web pages. Maybe do a restart?
And..... there is another option for remote access: Set up OpenVPN. This is what I use to administer two Orbi systems. As a computer nerd, I took satisfaction in hammering away at OpenVPN until I got it working (and it was a struggle).
- SailorGuy57Aug 30, 2021Aspirant
Thanks for the info, CrimpOn.
I'll call Netgear tech support tomorrow.
I'll post what happens.
SailorGuy57
- LythSep 02, 2021Guide
I have been using remote management for a long time. I only allow the static ip block from my office to connect. Your logs will be littered with people trying to connect. I had to reset and setup my router from scratch tonight as it completely stopped working. I couldn't even reset it. After forcing a firmware update with tftp and getting everything going again. The option for remote management is completely gone and I did previously have it working with the latest firmware. See attached. Looks like I'm in the same boat now as Sailor.