NETGEAR is aware of a growing number of phone and online scams. To learn how to stay safe click here.
Forum Discussion
Solved
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 h...
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!
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.
Thank you for the reply!
At this point I do not think it is a matter of signal strength. I say this because my work laptop (MacBook Air), smartphones, and my wife's laptop (ThinkPad) all connect to the Orbi network (via a satellite extender) without issue. The problem seems completely isolated to the new PC.
We have the Orbi router in a central basement location with two satellite extenders one floor up to extend the Orbi network signal.
Nova17 wrote: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.
So the Intel WiFi has connected to three WiFi networks. (builder, Xfinity, Orbi).
Desktop computers are big metal cases. Are the antennas "blocked" from seeing the WiFi when it is placed upstairs?
I'm not familiar with what a "builder" network is, but yes, it has (at one point or another over the last 2 weeks) connected to the XFINITY network and Orbi network. However, the internet is not available. When I connect to Orbi, it takes about 10seconds before I see the "Connected, Secured" status. As soon as I try to access any URL, the internet connection is lost.
The antennas are not blocked. Not sure if it matters but I have an ASRock B450 motherboard. I did not realize it had an integrated network card...so I cannot even try to swap them out.
