NETGEAR is aware of a growing number of phone and online scams. To learn how to stay safe click here.
Forum Discussion
Orbi AC3000 system constantly dropping Wifi
I've read through this board and have seen a few similar queries, but haven't found any answers to my issues in them so posting this.
After much tweaking and fiddling with router and satellite locations, I've got a good signal throughout my roughly 2400-sq-ft one-floor ranch house. The house is "L"-shaped, with the router near the cable modem about 1/3 of the way from the long end of the L, and the satellite on the same floor about 50 feet away (through one wall), closer to where the short end of the L intersects. In my basement office, naerly directly under the satellite, I am getting excellent speed, about 240MB/S, which is what my provider (Xfinity) says my plan offers. The bedroom at the top of the L, closer to the router and on the same floor, gets around 75MB/S, which isn't ideal but is okay given that that's the bedroom and I only use the WiFi for casual surfing and email on a Macbook Air there. (The basement iMac and an LG SmartTV in the short stick of the L benefit from the faster speeds I seem to get only from the satellite.)
Problem is, the connection randomly drops multiple times per day, at every location and on every device. Incredibly frustrating, as at my old apartment (about 1600 sq ft) using an Airport Extreme router with Airport Express extenders, I got far less speed (via Spectrum Internet) but an absolutely rock-solid connection. I think in the 7 years I lived there the connection might have dropped four or five times--in every case due entirely to Spectrum making fixes or adjustments to the line, not the WiFi itself.
Here's my current setup:
1) Xfinity Technicolor TC8717C modem/router with 200MB/S plan. I am using the router capabilities but the WiFi radios are disabled.
2) Orbi router set to AP mode, wired connection to router via LAN port.
3) Orbi RBR50 satellite about 50-60 feet away on same floor, just one bedroom wall between the two units (the satellite is next to an open archway entrance to the living room). I get a solid blue signal when connecting the two devices. Wireless backhaul.
4) Router set to 25% power on 2.4GHz channel, which seems to solve issues with devices latching on to the slower signal (the LG TV is particularly prone to doing this, even though it's closer to the satellite than the router).
5) Firmware: V2.3.5.30
6) Current advanced settings: Daisy-chain, MU-MIMO, fast roaming OFF. Beamforming ON. 2.4GHz 20/40 enabled, power 25%, Channel 6. 5GHz 100% power, Channel 44.
7) Most wireless clients are Apple devices (iPhones, Macbooks, IMac, AppleTV). One Windows desktop connected to Xfinity router via wired Ethernet.
I have tried all manner of changes: switching on an off such things as fast roaming, beamforming, MU-MIMO, different channels and power settings, etc. Still get random drops multiple times a day.
Anything else I could try?
Could my VPN (Nord) have anthing to do with this (I do get drops even when I'm not using VPN, though)?
Would it help to bridge the Xfinity modem/router and use the main RBR50 in router mode?
Again, this is really frustrating as I did a LOT of research before purchasing this not-inexpensive setup, and what I've found is that the Orbi has nowhere near the range I'd expected (I've tried a bunch of different locations for both transmitters) and the lack of a dependable signal may eventually drive me to scrap the whole thing--which I really hate to do, because when it's working it's great.
Thanks for your wisdom.
LD
33 Replies
LanceD wrote:I've read through this board and have seen a few similar queries, but haven't found any answers to my issues in them so posting this.
...
Here's my current setup:
1) Xfinity Technicolor TC8717C modem/router with 200MB/S plan. I am using the router capabilities but the WiFi radios are disabled.
2) Orbi router set to AP mode, wired connection to router via LAN port.
...
Anything else I could try?
...
If the Orbi LAN is currently connected router LAN port, disconnect/reconnect Orbi yellow (WAN) port to TC8717C LAN port.
Thank you for the note. That is indeed how I have the modem and router connected (Xfinity LAN to Orbi WAN). Sorry I wasn't clear about that.
In that case, disable Daisy-Chain and verify that backhaul signal is within dBM range, between -30dBm and -70dBm, by pointing your browser at http://orbilogin.com/online_upgrade_info.html.
Try forcing Orbi to use static IP address by assigning it an reserved IP address. Here is an example of my AP staic IP/DNS.
LanceD wrote:Here's my current setup:
5) Firmware: V2.3.5.30
Please consider upgrading to the latest FW version v2.5.1.8, which has been stable for my RBK53. More importantly, give Orbi time to settle down once it's been upgraded, typically 24 hours before mucking around with it unless Internet/Wifi stops working post FW upgrade.
Thanks for the detailed info.
1) I am already running with Daisy Chain disabled. Have never enabled it as I have only one satelite. Unless I should give that a try?
2) I am also already running a fixed IP for the Orbi router (which is running in AP mode as noted). This seemed to help with some intital problems of the Orbi dropping offline.
3) I will upgrade the firmware as you suggested and let it settle in; see how that goes.
4) Also, thank you for the tip on monitoring backhaul connection strength. I will test that out also.
LanceD wrote:Thanks for the detailed info.
1) I am already running with Daisy Chain disabled. Have never enabled it as I have only one satelite. Unless I should give that a try?
No. Daisy-Chain is only required if Satellites are too far from main Orbi. Otherwise, it's a performance penalty.
2) I am also already running a fixed IP for the Orbi router (which is running in AP mode as noted). This seemed to help with some intital problems of the Orbi dropping offline.
Nice. Keep it as is.
3) I will upgrade the firmware as you suggested and let it settle in; see how that goes.
Yeah - if nothing else, it'll restore Orbi WiFi peak performance.
4) Also, thank you for the tip on monitoring backhaul connection strength. I will test that out also.
Circle back with update if possible. Also, please verify which band is affected, 2.4GHz vs 5GH or both.
I also had the Orbi AC3000 mesh system which dropped out daily for very short periods but very frustrating had to return it and bought a TP-Link Deco X60 which is superb and very stable. Would never buy Netgear Orbi system again. Looking at the different forums this has been happening for years and never been sorted by Netgear
- It’s too bad. I really wanted to like it. I just bought 6 months ago another extender so now have 3. It still doesn’t cover the house and the drop outs drive us all mad. Additionally thought it’s the compatibility with other home automation. Blink cameras won’t work with Orbi. I’m likely going to get xFi pods from xfinity and junk the Orbi system. Big waste.
I have the exact same problem. The router is dropping wifi on both PC and Apple products even when right next to the router. Very frustrating. I tried upgrading the firmware. that did not help at all.
What Firmware version is currently loaded?
What is the Mfr and model# of the Internet Service Providers modem/ONT the NG router is connected too?
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-routerWhat 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 may not 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. Set Short preamble instead of Long preamble modes. Save settings and reboot the router and satellite(s).One User Experience/Configuration:
https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi/Most-Stable-Orbi-Configuration/m-p/1941087/highlight/true#M97026
Has a factory reset and setup from scratch been performed since last FW update?
Press the back reset button for 15 seconds then release.
bjvinton wrote:I have the exact same problem. The router is dropping wifi on both PC and Apple products even when right next to the router. Very frustrating. I tried upgrading the firmware. that did not help at all.
