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Forum Discussion

psykixx's avatar
Jul 04, 2018
Solved

Orbi ethernet backhaul issues.

I'm running my Orbi system using ethernet backhaul, but it is creating some issues.

I have a HDHomerun network tuner, and when using ethernet backhaul, then I get picture freezing followed by a "connection lost" error message.

I have ordered another satellite, and was going to go with a mixed ethernet/wireless backhaul setup but if I can't get the ethernet backhaul to be reliable, then I'm not sure.

 

Current connections are Netgear unmanaged 5 port switch, this has the HDHomerun, a Windows machine, and the Orbi router cabled to it. I have an ethernet cable between the Orbi router and the Orbi satellite, and the satellite has my Apple TV 4K and a Philips Hue hub connected via ethernet.

 

The Apple TV 4K is the client for the HDHomerun and that is where the issues lie.

 

Should daisy chaining be on or off? And if off, can I still add the extra satellite via wireless backhaul when it arrives?

 

Should ethernet backhaul be working flawlessly with the latest 2.4.16 firmware or are there issues still to be resolved?

 

(I've only had the Orbi a week, so still getting to grips with its little foibles!)

  •  

    Does the one device work if you connect it directly to the Orbi router instead of the satellite?

    Whats the model# of the NG switch?

     Besure your using good quality LAN cables. Swap cables to test. CAT6 recommended.

     

    Disable Daisy Chain.

    Yes you can still add another satelllite if Daisy Chain is disabled.

    How big is your home? SqFt?

    Distance between router and satellite? Should be 30 feet starting.

     

     

14 Replies

  •  

    Does the one device work if you connect it directly to the Orbi router instead of the satellite?

    Whats the model# of the NG switch?

     Besure your using good quality LAN cables. Swap cables to test. CAT6 recommended.

     

    Disable Daisy Chain.

    Yes you can still add another satelllite if Daisy Chain is disabled.

    How big is your home? SqFt?

    Distance between router and satellite? Should be 30 feet starting.

     

     

    • psykixx's avatar
      psykixx
      Star

      The Netgear switch is GS305.

       

      The HDHomerun is located where the router is because the cable from the antenna on the house roof is in that room, along with the internet feed.

       

      I'm using brand new CAT6 cables :-)

       

      I don't know the answer to the last two questions!

       

      I've disabled daisy chaining and it seems more stable. Why does that affect things? I will have to keep an eye on it!

      • FURRYe38's avatar
        FURRYe38
        Guru

        Don't know for sure. IF it's working better then keep it disabled. It's only needed if you want to piggy back satellites in a chain of each other two or three in row.

         

        Distance and how size is important if you can find this at some point. Small size you may only need 1 satellite or if even that. I have a 5000sq ft home and only use 1 satellite at the opposite end of the house. 40 feet in between router and satellite.

         

        Enjoy.

         

  • PINK means that since you don't have the WAN cable connected, it's showing you PINK as there is something wrong on the WAN port, thats all.

     

    You have to connect the satellite 1 at a time, wait up to 5 minutes, and the top led on the satellite should turn on BLUE. If so, then connect the 2nd satellite. Thay have to be directly connected to the Orbi base.

    I would set up IP address reservations on the host router for the Orbi base and each satellite.

     

    • Peter765's avatar
      Peter765
      Aspirant

      Thanks.  Knowing that the Orbi router showing Magenta in AP mode is a huge thing to know (when you use just the LAN).  As a test I turned off both satellites and you are right there is a wifi signal there (from the router).  I reserved all the Orbi devices to fixed addreses in the router.  I still seem to have problems using ethernet backplane even when both are plugged directly into the LAN ports of the Orbi router (and started 1 then pause then start the other).  You've help tho and I appreciate it.

      • FURRYe38's avatar
        FURRYe38
        Guru

        Besure your using good quality LAN cabling. CAT6 recommended. As a test take one of the satellites to the same room as the Orbi router, let it connect via wireless, then connect it via wired to the back of the Orbi router. Wait 5 minutes. Top led on the satellite should come on BLUE. I would try connecting the Orbi router back to the main router using the WAN port. Daisy Chain should be disabled as well.

        If you can get one satellite on wired back haul, do the same with the 2nd satellite in the same room. Let us know what you see.

         

        Besure both router and satellites are on same version of FW.

        Last resort try a factory reset on both router and 1 satellite, setup the router up from scratch and into AP mode. Then reconnect 1 satelliet while in same room as router, then connect wired back haul.


        Peter765 wrote:

        Thanks.  Knowing that the Orbi router showing Magenta in AP mode is a huge thing to know (when you use just the LAN).  As a test I turned off both satellites and you are right there is a wifi signal there (from the router).  I reserved all the Orbi devices to fixed addreses in the router.  I still seem to have problems using ethernet backplane even when both are plugged directly into the LAN ports of the Orbi router (and started 1 then pause then start the other).  You've help tho and I appreciate it.