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Orbi AC3000 generally unhappy
hi, I am struggling with a few issues with wifi on my Orbis: I have six Phorus PR5 receivers (these are hard-wired to an amp which is connected to wired ceiling speakers around the house and al...
Final update: I bought the Nintendo Ethernet adapter (above) for all the PR5s and they have been rock solid since.
Given that the MBP does not always appear in the list of AirPlay devices, plus the iPad issue when connected to the Orbi satellite, plus the drop outs on signal on the Orbis, I will lay the blame on the Orbis, but it is not 100% proven.
Done messing with this, and shame i had to throw money at the issues.
Thanks for introducing the Phorus PR5. The literature shows units scattered around next to separate audio systems. Having six in one place is a unique solution. This is an interesting option for someone who already has audio equipment and wants to stream music to it. (Instead of, for example, buying Echo or Nest speakers and mumbling, "Alexa, play Rolling Stones.") If the existing audio systems are high quality, then this can essentially turn them into a "Super Echo" for only $30US.
The diagram is well done, thanks.
Basements present awkward issues for WiFi systems:
- Internet Service Providers (ISPs) often deliver service to basements when they use buried cables (rather than overhead delivery), so it is more convenient to locate the WiFi router there.
- Some customers need network service in the basement. (Which is different from "I'll put the computer stuff in the basement because that's where the router is")
- There is no mention of an Ethernet patch panel in the basement, so it might be safe to assume that equipment is not located in the basement "because that's where all the wiring terminates".
- But basements often interfere with WiFi signals to the rest of the house. "Other end of the house" brings up an image of the WiFi connection between router and satellite having to penetrate the concrete basement wall, through a lot of dirt, and up into the house.
- When the iPad shows a strong signal in the upstairs bedroom, that is because it is relatively close to the satellite. Those two devices have a strong connection. It would be useful to know more about the connection between router and satellite. Does the Orbi web interface Attached Devices page show the connection as "5G Good"?
See page 99 of the User Manual: https://www.downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RBK50/Orbi_UM_EN.pdf
>Thanks for introducing the Phorus PR5. The literature shows units scattered around next to separate audio systems. Having six in one place is a unique solution. This is an interesting option for someone who already has audio equipment and wants to stream music to it. (Instead of, for example, buying Echo or Nest speakers and mumbling, "Alexa, play Rolling Stones.") If the existing audio systems are high quality, then this can essentially turn them into a "Super Echo" for only $30US.
The idea of these is great for whole house audio. a bunch of them plugged into an amp with 6 different physical amps inside connected to hard-wired speakers. But in practice there have been headaches such as initially their app had to be used to mimic things like the iOS Music app, Pandora, Spotify, etc. Later they fixed the PR5s to allow them to show up as AirPlay devices so i can now just use the actual iOS apps. But they have mostly had this issue of disappearing from the list. if i can get that fixed i would be a very happy camper!
>The diagram is well done, thanks.
Thanks. It's simple but it gets the idea across.
>Internet Service Providers (ISPs) often deliver service to basements when they use buried cables (rather than overhead delivery), so it is more convenient to locate the WiFi router there
I had that done intentionally since that way i can centralize all the comm gear in a rack in the home theater closet. (the HT Gear has its own rack)
>Some customers need network service in the basement. (Which is different from "I'll put the computer stuff in the basement because that's where the router is")
Our basement is finished and leads to a walk-out patio and outdoor room, so it is basically just another floor in the house
>There is no mention of an Ethernet patch panel in the basement, so it might be safe to assume that equipment is not located in the basement "because that's where all the wiring terminates"
The problems I am experiencing is all with gear connected with Cat6 cables directly from devices like the AVR receiver directly to the Netgear hub.
I also have structured wiring but it is not involved in the paths where I am having issues
>But basements often interfere with WiFi signals to the rest of the house. "Other end of the house" brings up an image of the WiFi connection between router and satellite having to penetrate the concrete basement wall, through a lot of dirt, and up into the house.
The floor between the basement and the rest of the house is standard wood I-joists. There is not concrete slab between the basement and the rest of the house
>When the iPad shows a strong signal in the upstairs bedroom, that is because it is relatively close to the satellite. Those two devices have a strong connection. It would be useful to know more about the connection between router and satellite. Does the Orbi web interface Attached Devices page show the connection as "5G Good"? See page 99 of the User Manual: https://www.downloads.netgear.com/files/GDC/RBK50/Orbi_UM_EN.pdf
Yes, it shows as 5G Good.
Amazon says my PR5 will be here tomorrow. Was a bit disappointed to see the "mixed reviews" on Amazon. But, I've spent $30 on a bottle of wine that was 'gone' in less than one hour. This gadget will provide much more entertainment.(and may replace the ancient iPod Play that provides Christmas Music to our stereo system).
I'm not an AirPlay House, so that aspect is beyond me. May be worth some internet searching.
If you can tolerate the rambling, this review of the PR5 offers some interesting comments on the device:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=87R-y_kNfHM
Maybe Apple customer forums have general solutions for AirPlay problems.
Devices roaming seamlessly between Orbi devices (or not roaming well) is a frequent topic on the forum. Once connected to the upstairs satellite, the strong WiFi signal and the satellite being connected as "5G Good" seem at odds with being horribly slow. Does the iPad seem to work normally in other locations?
There are numerous models of Apple TV. Which one is this that will not connect to WiFi but has an Ethernet connection?
As an aside, there actually is a newer version of Orbi firmware, v2.7.5.4. It came out in late February. Honestly, I doubt that firmware is responsible for these issues, but one of the comments often made is, "why not update the firmware?" At some point, Netgear will change settings to make the router "aware" of the new firmware and let the user select to have the router perform an update automatically. Until then, it is available for users who want to update firmware manually at
https://kb.netgear.com/000065539/RBR50-RBS50-Firmware-Version-2-7-5-4 Instructions for manually updating firmware can be found here:The Phorus PR5 arrived and had been installed. Not the most "user friendly" setup app I have seen, but eventually got through it. The PR5 is on the network and the Phorus app works as expected. (Streams Amazon Music to the PR5, etc.)
Note: there was none of that "Must be 2.4G WiFi" nonsense with the Phonus. Kudos to them.
Was a bit of a "learning experience" finding an Android App (besides Phorus) that will stream to an AirPlay speaker system. Found that AirMusic works on one of my Android devices and streams music from TuneIn Radio to the PR5 receiver.
Conclusion: I'm stumped. I see no reason why Phorus PR5 receivers should appear inconsistently on the WiFi network. Maybe having six of them in close proximity to each other might be an issue? (Can't imagine why.)
Had hopes of concluding, "This is what you're doing wrong." No such luck. Sorry.