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Sven1960's avatar
Sven1960
Aspirant
Jan 25, 2020

Netgear Orbi 23 App and installation issues

Hi,   I am no tech nerd, just a guy who wants faster internet. I bought the Orbi 23, but have difficulties installing the mesh system. I will try to explain my problems:   1. The Sagemcom modem/r...
FURRYe38's avatar
FURRYe38
Guru - Experienced User
Jan 25, 2020

What Firmware is currently loaded?

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. Save settings and reboot the router and satellite(s).

 

Has a factory reset and setup from scratch been performed since last FW update?

 

Modem Combo Units:
This would be a double NAT 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

Sven1960 wrote:

Hi,

 

I am no tech nerd, just a guy who wants faster internet. I bought the Orbi 23, but have difficulties installing the mesh system. I will try to explain my problems:

 

1. The Sagemcom modem/router provded by my cable company did not work well. I disabled the router function, made Orbi my new network and tried to connect the modem and the new Orbi router.

2. I am supposed to use the Internet LAN ports on the modem and the Orbi router. When I do, I loose the wifi connection. If I use the cable provided and connect using the LAN ethernet ports, I have wifi, much faster than before. At least in my living room, where the modem and router is located.

3. Upstairs and in the basement, where I have put the satellites, Internet speed is around 40 % of the speed in the living room. I am uncertain whether the satellites work. The white light pulsates and dies, without having turned to blue or magenta.

4. I am also unable to connect the Orbi app with my Orbi network. It keeps telling it has issues connecting. I have tried several times and I have reinstalled the app twice. I have no idea what else to do.

 

To sum it up:

  • Why does it not work, when I use the Internet ports on modem and router?
  • Are the satellites connected, when I use the ethernet ports on modem and router?
  • How can I get the app to work, instead of hiccuping that it keeps having issues?

 

Grateful for any help and explanations that are easy to understand.

 

Best

Sven

 

 

 

 

  • Sven1960's avatar
    Sven1960
    Aspirant
    Jan 26, 2020

    Thanks, FURRYe38 for replying. I will try to clarify.

     

    I live om three floors in an old brownstone from 1920. Each floor is around 60 sq. meters, or 645 sq. feet. Modem and router in in the living room on the ground floor, my stationary Mac is upstairs. I also have someone living at the bottom floor. Most walls are brick.

     

    All my neighbors have wifi. We are in a row with four brownstones, there are other apartments across the street.

     

    The distance between router and satellites (through the floors) is around 25 feet.

     

    I believe the channel settings is auto. I have a cable TV/broadband provider that offer 2,4 and 5 Ghz and I thought I moved seamlessly between them. I have no idea how to set those manually.

     

    I am sorry, I am totally bewildered by Beamforming, MIMO, Armor, Circle, Daisy chain. You completely lost me.

     

    No, no factory reset and set up from scratch has been performed. You ask about firmware, I am uncertain what you mean. I am just a regular browsing and e-mail guy with a Mac, nothing more advanced.

     

    I did not understand that about Modem combo units, but will look it up.

     

    You write as your first option, configure the modem for modem only mode. I believe I did that when I turned off the router function on the Sagemcom. I am connected to the Orbit network and the Orbit router is definetely the one I am using, as it is much faster than the old Sagemcom router.

     

    I have no wifi radios on the modem, as far as I know. Well, my cable provider offers them, but I have never listened.

     

    My challenge is not being able to use the Internet port on the Orbi router (I use the Ethernet to stay connected) and the uncertainty whether the satellites work, when I use the Ethernet port. I also have trouble with the app, as I first described.

     

    Thanks for trying to help, sorry to be tech stupid. But I thought the Orbi set-up was supposed to be easy. Isn't that why they don't give you a manual, just an app where you can't get past a hinder once it pops up?