ORBI and Nest Thermo

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-router

What 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

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CP5262 wrote:

Nest therostat cannot see ORBI RBR 40 network.  I've read putting it in AP mode solves the problem.  but when I put ORBI in AP mode I lose all wifi.

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The Orbi "mode" (router vs. access point) should have no relevance to whether a device connects to WiFi or not.  My original Nest thermostat was connected originally to my Netgear R7000 WiFi router.  When I replaced the R7000 with Orbi and configured the Orbi with the same WiFi SSID and password as the R7000, the Nest thermostat connected immediately to the Orbi.

With many devices, troubleshooting is more convenient when the device is placed close to the WiFi access point.  This is not possible with a thermostat which draws power from the HVAC connection.  It has been many years, but I have a vague memory that setting the WiFi was a bit cumbersome on my old Nest.  If you can specify exactly which Nest model this is, we can look at the installation guide and offer suggestions.

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CP5262 wrote:

 Im using an Arris surfboard modem - I was told to turn off wifi on it so only wifi on orbi is "on" so as not to interfere.  How do I connect NEST and keep internet on?!  Thanks very much.

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If you just turned off WiFi on the modem/Router you are most likely in a double NAT situation with both the Orbi and Arris acting as routers. This will cause probalems for many things. You have two options to fix that. 

1. Go into your Arris and set it to "bridge mode". You'll probably be able to find this by Googling the model number and bridge mode. This I would say is preferable as it leaves all the Orbi router features active. 

2. Switch the Orbi to Access Point mode. This shuts off the Orbi's router functions. I know you said you tried this already and it is hard to guess what whent wrong. It could have been you did not have DHCP on at the Arris, or it could be the IP address assigned to the Orbi was not in the correct subnet. It could also be something else. Try to get option 1 working first.

Any progress on this? 

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CP5262 wrote:

Nest therostat cannot see ORBI RBR 40 network.  I've read putting it in AP mode solves the problem.  but when I put ORBI in AP mode I lose all wifi.  My fix was to reset orbi to factory settings and start over.  So I have internet back, but still no Nest connection.  Im using an Arris surfboard modem - I was told to turn off wifi on it so only wifi on orbi is "on" so as not to interfere.  How do I connect NEST and keep internet on?!  Thanks very much.

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