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New Computer Wifi
I am throwing up the white flag here. Usually I can mange to figure out connectivity issues after some online troubleshooting. However, after a week of trying to figure this out...I'm begging for help.
To summarize, I had a new PC built with Windows 10 OS. The network adapter is an Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 3168. Firmware is updated.
I have an XFINITY gateway and I think the model is XB6-T. It's a combo modem/router. I have it in bridge mode.
I have an Orbi RBR40 router (not in AP mode) and two satellites. Firmware is up to date, as far as I can tell from the app updates features. I tried the AP mode feature and then nothing in my house could connect to wifi, so I turned AP mode off.
I am able to connect ethernet to both devices to log into their respective IP addresses and adjust settings. Nothing has done the trick.
The kicker is that every single device in my house has NO issue with connecting to the Orbi wifi network. Zero. Once in a while we've had weird connectivity issues but a simple power cycle usually solves the issue. The only device that is giving me an issue is the new PC. I can see the network and can connect, but no internet. I tried ipconfig /flushdns and a few other ipconfig resets.
I would be eternally grateful for any guidance here as I'm at my wits end. Many thanks!
I don't want to jump the gun here...but I think I figured it out. After searching the web regarding my motherboard wifi, it appears simply changing a wifi configuration setting was all it took. If so, I'm going to take a cold shower and drink some wine.
Pic attached of the change from 802.11n/ac from ac to n. I feel both stupid and smarter at the same time.
I am about to reconfigure the Orbi since I (needlessly) factory reset it. Fingers crossed!
55 Replies
Nova17 wrote:To summarize, I had a new PC built with Windows 10 OS. The network adapter is an Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC 3168. Firmware is updated.
I have an Orbi RBR40 router (not in AP mode) and two satellites. Firmware is up to date, as far as I can tell from the app updates features. I tried the AP mode feature and then nothing in my house could connect to wifi, so I turned AP mode off. This is what should happen. If neither the modem nor the Orbi is a "router", then there is DHCP server on your network and devices cannot connect.
I am able to connect ethernet to both devices to log into their respective IP addresses and adjust settings. Nothing has done the trick.
The kicker is that every single device in my house has NO issue with connecting to the Orbi wifi network. Zero.
My assumption is that this custom PC is a laptop (not a desktop).
Does the Bluetooth function correctly?
Since everything else works, my hunch is there is something amiss with this adapter. There are a bunch of troubleshooting tips here:
Is there a User Forum for this Intel adapter?
The nice person who built the laptop probably tested the WiFi before handing it over, correct?
p.s. I am still getting used to the concept that laptops no longer include ethernet connections. My first question was going to be, "Does it work when wired to the Orbi."
Thank you for the reply! If I understand your comment correctly, if I set the XFINITY gateway's bridge mode off and turn the Orbi AP mode on, this should work?
The PC is a desktop. The guy who built it said he tested the wifi in the shop and there were no issues. I am inclined to believe him as I was able to connect to wifi this past Monday after relocating my PC to the basement to hardwire the ethernet cable. I reset the gateway and Orbi and was able to successfully connect to both the XFINITY gateway wifi (when bridge mode was off) and the Orbi wifi network. However, as soon as I relocated the PC back upstairs I could not connect to the Orbi network. It makes no sense to me. Although, I'm not well versed in network infrastructure.
I will dig into the network adapter a bit. I am wondering if it could be some kind of setting, perhaps.
Nova17 wrote:The PC is a desktop.
I reset the gateway and Orbi and was able to successfully connect to both the XFINITY gateway wifi (when bridge mode was off) and the Orbi wifi network. However, as soon as I relocated the PC back upstairs I could not connect to the Orbi network.
Hardwire connection, as you know, is different than WIFI connection. So I'm thinking distance between the PC and the Orbi is the issue. How far away is the PC from the Orbi, when you move the PC upstairs? If possible, run a test by moving the PC closer to the Orbi to see if it connects. Make sure the PC WIFI adapter is set for DHCP. I would disable the wired PC Network adapter for testing purposes. Does your Orbi network consist of 1, 2, 3, etc. units? If 1 unit, the position of the Orbi in the home is important. Sometimes when a router is in a corner of the home, the Orbi is setup in the same location, causing poor signal elsewhere. I did a single Orbi RBR50 install, where in order to get good WIFI at the other end of the home, I had to run network cable from the ISP modem to a central location in the home.
Also, I just tested the Bluetooth with my headphones. Interestingly, the PC "pairs" with the headphones. However, the headphones do not aknowledge the pairing. The PC shows "paired" but the headphones do not connect. No audio or "connected to..."
I am wondering if this increases the likelyhood that the network adapter is the issue. I'm debating just opening up the PC and removing/reinstalling the adapter....or just purchasing a new/better one?
I tried something I should have already tried. The Orbi is unplugged. The ISP gateway is in router/modem mode. I'm currently on the 2.4GHz network wifi. It is working at the moment. I cannot seem to connect to the 5GHz.
I noticed the ethernet connection was capping out at ~230mbps. I'm sitting next to my ISP gateway on the 2.4GHz network and I'm capping out at ~40mbps.
I am going to try powering up the Orbi to see if it makes any difference.
Well. Currently, I can only connect the new PC to the ISP gateway's 2.4GHz wifi network, unless I'm hardwired, which I'm not at the moment.
I fired up the Orbi in AP mode and the other devices in the house seem to connect to the Orbi's network just fine. I haven't noticed any difference in speed/performance.
I tried connecting the new PC to the Orbi's network and it is still not functioning...but only with the new PC still.
I don't want to jump the gun here...but I think I figured it out. After searching the web regarding my motherboard wifi, it appears simply changing a wifi configuration setting was all it took. If so, I'm going to take a cold shower and drink some wine.
Pic attached of the change from 802.11n/ac from ac to n. I feel both stupid and smarter at the same time.
I am about to reconfigure the Orbi since I (needlessly) factory reset it. Fingers crossed!
I hope you fixed it. I know how frustrating it can be.
But it's good to talk it out and read all the suggestions, no mater how bizzare they may sound. I find it stimulates the brain and kaboom the solution surfaces.
Back upstairs and running on the Orbi wifi with no issues!
One little wifi adapter setting was all it took after 2 weeks. ! thank you all for helping me narrow down that it was not an Orbi or ISP gateway issue!
Many thanks!
GREAT to hear! Now enjoy!
Unfortunately Orbi and other brand WIFI mesh systems take the blame. But since these manufacturers take so much time in making their products plug and play, the reality is they are not usually at fault. More times it is a setup or configuration problem. I'm familiar with most brands and I will say the Netgear Orbi is right at the top when it comes to easy setup. Other brands are right behind. Just following the setup instructions usually reults in a successful install.
