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Forum Discussion
Wadebbi
Dec 22, 2020Aspirant
ORBI App and Interface intermittently not showing connected device
Firmware: v2.6.1.40 I saw an earlier thread, but there have been numerous firmware updates since then. When I look at the connected devices list, my ipad pro wasn't showing up on the list, but my i...
CrimpOn
Dec 30, 2020Guru - Experienced User
Wadebbi wrote:When I look at the connected devices list, my ipad pro wasn't showing up on the list, but my iphone was showing. I then rebooted the router and then my ipad pro was showing up on the list, but my iphone wasn't.
I found, what I think, is the problem. Apple has a wifi setting called "Private Address". When I turn in on, then my phone disappears. When I turn it off, then my phone reappears on the list.
This new "Private MAC Address feature" means well, but in specific situations can cause issues. If Access Control is disabled on this Orbi, then the Private MAC address feature should not produce this phenomenon.
As I understand the concept (and I have been know to be woefully ignorant), this is an attempt to enhance "location security" for mobile devices. If a device presents exactly the same MAC address to every WiFi network that it joins, then there could be a record of which WiFi networks the device joined, and by extension where the device was. Aha, connected to Starbucks, then to the Airport, then to the Holiday Inn (you naughty boy), then to.... Private MAC address means that the device creates a random bogus MAC address for each WiFi network that it joins. Every WiFi network thinks it is a different device. Thus, no record. Here's what Apple says:
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT211227
I guess some people let their iPhone connect to every unsecured WiFi network they drive past, and I guess (in theory) Big Brother could somehow collect all this information.
This can cause all sorts of problems if the Ori's Access Control is enabled and the setting is "Block all new devices from connecting." Until that private MAC address gets added to the "Allowed" list, the iPhone will never get to the internet. Since it appears that these iPhone and iPad's are actually working correctly, my guess is there is some other issue, such as the Connected Devices display being "no damn good."