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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 lo...
UPDATE - Jan 10
Some progress ... but issues remain.
Since upgrading to firmware 2.5.1.8, I have let things "settle in" and now can report what's up.
At present, all devices are now connected at 5GHz--even the basement Roku that seemed in love with 2.4GHz. So that's a good thing. Also, I spent a full day working in my basement office (on my iMac) without a WiFi disconnect--and that's rare. Speeds are good in the basement, which is one floor below the Orbi sat and about 40 feet away.
Still ... getting disconnects using my Macbook Air in the bedroom, which is only 30 ft from the main Orbi and on the same floor. Speed can't match the basement IMac's signal, either (I get Xfinitiy's promised 200MB/S downstairs off the Orbi sat but only 70MB/S upstairs off the Orbi router--which is running in AP mode). And that signal continues to drop intermittently. Strange that the sat seems to be both more relialbe on connection AND delivers faster speeds and better range than the Orbi router itself.
Current config: 2.4GHz at 25%, channel AUTO, 20/40 coexist disabled. 5GHz at 100%, channel 48. Daisy chain and fast-roaming disabled. Beamforming, MU-MIMO enabled.
Again, all of this is incredibly frurstating, as my former Airport Extreme (running in my old apartment) could reach out at least 40 feet thru walls and was absolutely rock-solid for YEARS with zero tweaking on my part. Meantime, for the past three weeks I've been attending to and tweaking the Orbi network like it's the Space Shuttle about to launch. No way could anyone with zero computer knowledge get this system up and running well. I'm not even sure I'll be able to do it.
The "whole house" coverge claimed simply isn't there for me, and my house is only moderately sized (2400 sq ft or so) and mostly on one floor.
Pretty much out of ideas (other than buying a true mesh system) at this point ...
LD
the SQ Ft range is way over-rated - maybe that works for a open banquet style hall. I'm using 4 satellites + base across a house ~4000 sq feet one story but lots of walls and getting a solid roaming mesh connection all the way thru (I bought 2 x RBK53 to do this and just use the satellites on the second kit - but there is a way now someone has found to convert RBR50 to RBS50 using telnet commands - u can google that on your own). When I first bought Orbi I had stability issues, but it's come a long way - FW 2.5.1.16 as of this post. I don't have neighbors close by but that could be the big advantage (no interference). I have CAT 5 so I can use ethernet backhaul or NOT - it seems to actually not make a big difference. On Wifi I can get 200-300-400 Mbps speeds (on a 1g Fiber connection). AC 3000 (RBK50). On the hardwired satellites I'm getting full speed 940 Mbps hardwired to the ethernet ports.
I don't use AP mode - I'd rather it NAT and create a separate subnet - I found that this is actually MORE stable for me than trying to bridge to the cable or fiber modem - (I don't game, but I do have ring cameras, Alexa, Nest with no issues). So my cable modem is 192.168.100.xx and my orbi wifi network is all 192.168.1.x and that presents no issue for me (i know people say u shouldn't do that but I experience no problems and I've been doing this for several years setup like this). Turn off the cable modem wifi - u dont need more wifi congestion.
Settings I'm using: Automatic for the channel settings
Advanced - advanced setup - wireless settings
All the following OFF: 20/40 Coexistence (NOT checked) -- this I found DID make a difference in my old house where I had too much wifi interference leaving it checked (ON) made my signal range worse.
All the following ON:
Enable Implicit BEAMFORMING - Boosts WiFi speed, reliability, & range for all mobile devices
Enable MU-MIMO
Enable Fast Roaming
Enable Daisy-Chain Topology
Enable WMM (Wi-Fi multimedia) settings
Enable SSID Broadcast
I leave the power settings at default 100%
So bottom line I think - u need more satellities than u think - the range isn't that good esp thru walls - but the speeds are awesome with the right number of satellites.
Distance, size and building materials are important. Concrete and steel will impact wifi travel.
5000sq ft size home two story with basement works for my 1 RBR50 and 1 RBS50.
