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LloydG's avatar
LloydG
Aspirant
Dec 22, 2021

Netgear Orbi RBR50 / Open reach modem UK

Good morning.

Can anyone assist.

I'm currently using a BT Smart Hub 2 but it doesn't have modem mode. So I've purchased an openreach modem model ( B-Focus V-2fub/r Rev.B).
I've connected it to DSL , which it recognised and thought it would be a straight forward plug and play to the Orbi Internet / WAN port.
However the orbi is flashing purple and although showing as a network, is showing no IP address.
My technical knowledge is limited and it may be a simple fix. Any help would be appreciated.
I know that alternatively I could use the mesh in AP mode and turn off WiFi on my router and go that route, however I'd prefer this route first.

5 Replies

  • Your ISP Modem already has a built in router and wifi. 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

     

    Try option #2 first...

     

    Has a power off for 1 minute then back ON with the ISP modem and router been performed since last update?
    Be sure to restart your network in this sequence:
    Turn off and unplug modem.
    Turn off router and computers.
    Plug in and turn on modem. Wait 2 minutes for it to connect.
    Turn on the router and wait 2 minutes for it to connect.
    Turn on computers and rest of network.

    • LloydG's avatar
      LloydG
      Aspirant
      Many thanks.
      I've gone for AP mode.
      Unfortunately my BT smart Hub 2 doesn't have modem or bridge mode functionality so I've disabled WiFi.
      I'm not a power user so strictly speaking don't need router mode. However is router mode quicker than AP?
      • FURRYe38's avatar
        FURRYe38
        Guru

        AP mode would have better performanced that router mode since the RBR doesn't have to process many features while in router mode. 


  • LloydG wrote:
    Good morning.

    Can anyone assist.

    I'm currently using a BT Smart Hub 2 but it doesn't have modem mode. So I've purchased an openreach modem model ( B-Focus V-2fub/r Rev.B).
    I've connected it to DSL , which it recognised and thought it would be a straight forward plug and play to the Orbi Internet / WAN port.
    However the orbi is flashing purple and although showing as a network, is showing no IP address.


    Could you clarify that the goal is to replace the BT Smart Hub2 with the Openreach modem (B-Focus V-2fub/r)?

    I am not having a lot of luck find a user manual for that modem.

    • LloydG's avatar
      LloydG
      Aspirant
      Yes ideally my initial goal was to replace the smart hub with the VDSL openreach modem.
      I may still try a Netgear dm200 modem. But I've set up everything with the Orbi RBR50 in AP mode and deactivated WiFi on the smart hub. I've run speedtests on the Orbi router and each of the satellites via wired connections and I'm getting exactly the same speed as the Bt router so there's been no drop off in performance