Ever since replacing my Asus RTAC87U with the RBR50 I have been having constant Wifi drop outs on all devices. I have observed on some devices including my S10+ and a Samsung Galaxy Tablet showing the Wifi Icon as still connected to the Orbi but without internet. Now when this occurs I jump onto my desktop to check if there is an internet connection, which after checking shows the ethernet device will full speed. I try and run speed tests on the devices including my S10 and I get Ping: 41ms, Jitter 457ms, Download 0.04 and Upload 0.00Mbps with the speedtest app. Using latest firmware 2.5.1.8Also my satelite is connected via Wired Backhaul through a POE Switch.ROUTER --> POE SWITCH/GIGABIT SWITCH --> SATELITE. (Now was wondering if this may be the cause of the issue due to it going through the GIGABIT SWITCH?). I have used network analyser app to find the best Channel for my 2.4ghz and 5ghz channels that my neighbours are not using also. I am at a loss as to what to do to fix this issue. The Asus AC87U was flawless and never had wifi drop outs. I have tried disabling different settings including MU-MIMO, WMM, and 20/40 Coexistence, Beam foaming. All seem to have the same issue that happens intermittently. Sometimes in one room I can go from 340mbps connection speed down to 32mbps. Extremely unreliable. Disabling (WMM) causes my wifi to be connected at only 54Mbps. I think my only option is to try and use wireless backhaul to see if that fixes my problem. Any recommendations? I have attached my settings. Am considering selling this and going back to a singular device with no Mesh. Hopefully I can resolve this.

If your having similar problems and have tried everything, you'll need to make contact with NG support to continue the support effort. Not everyone has problems with there wifi. Some have had problem units being faulty in which NG has sent them new units. Something to ask NG support about:https://www.netgear.com/support/# Can try Voxels FW as well:https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi/Voxels-FW-available-for-50-series-Orbi-only-available/td-p/1839431/jump-to/first-unread-message Good Luck. JimboNZ wrote:Exactly the same issues. Been trying everything - different switch configs, MIMO, beam forming, DHCP etc. You name it... Clearly an underlying issue with these units. These posts have been going for ever. What's Netgear going to do about it????

I've a similar problem with my S9+ and Laptop. The WiFi /VOIP calls keep dropping. esp moving from one room to another. There is no drop visibily on the WiFi itself and no issues seen with the static devices. If I disable WiFi, call on mobile 4G network functions without a problem. Appreciate if there are good troubleshooting guidelines to solve this.

an update- final one I hopeSo the RBK50's are out of stock from the orginal place I purchased from.Bit the bullet and purchased the RBK23 with x 2 sattelites.Needless to say little effort setting up and has not dropped out ONCEOutside of me enabling MU-MIMO & BEAMINGFORMINGruns like a dream.... until the next drop out.

What is the Mfr and model# of the ethernet switch in the configuration? If this is a managed switch, try the RBS directly connected to the RBR, by passing this switch. IGMP should be disabled on managed switches and use of "Green Ethernet" featured switches is not recommended. 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? Beamforming and MIMO(MIMO may or maynot be needed) and WMM should always be enabled. 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. Save settings and reboot the router and satellite(s). Has a factory reset and setup from scratch been performed since last FW update?

Have tried all options as mentioned. Similar issue to https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi/Orbi-RBR50v2-WiFi-Connection-Drops-on-Smartphone/m-p/1854753#M81285Have tried everything. Considering moving back to ASUS

Orbi RBK50 - WIFI drop outs constantly

24 Replies

FURRYe38
Guru - Experienced User
Jan 27, 2020
What is the Mfr and model# of the ethernet switch in the configuration? If this is a managed switch, try the RBS directly connected to the RBR, by passing this switch. IGMP should be disabled on managed switches and use of "Green Ethernet" featured switches is not recommended.

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?

Beamforming and MIMO(MIMO may or maynot be needed) and WMM should always be enabled. 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. Save settings and reboot the router and satellite(s).

Has a factory reset and setup from scratch been performed since last FW update?
- Marky-P
  Tutor
  Jan 29, 2020
  Have tried all options as mentioned. Similar issue to https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi/Orbi-RBR50v2-WiFi-Connection-Drops-on-Smartphone/m-p/1854753#M81285
  
  Have tried everything. Considering moving back to ASUS
  - FURRYe38
    Guru - Experienced User
    Jan 29, 2020
    Would be nice if you gave feed back next time to the questions presented so we get more of a picture of what you have goign on there. Possible you just have a faulty unit. Not everyone has this problem. Contact NG support and ask about an RMA.
    
    Good Luck.
- my_coron
  Tutor
  Jun 20, 2020
  Hi,
  
  I wanted to add to this thread. I purchased the RBK50 with the acompanying sattlite and my setup is (In Australia) a Fibre 100M/20M service which connects to my carrier NTU and then my RBK50 Router. I have setup with approximately 10+ devices to my wireless network and when it is not dropping out, its been a life changer. But like many I am experiencing intermittent wireless drop outs. My setup is in a single level home with approximately 160 sqmetre living area and I have the sattelit at approx the same recommended distance. It has been 5 days and with the intermittent drop outs have been inconvenient. Steps taken:
  
  Firstly I am running the fimware V 2.5.1.16 which is the latest available for Australia
  
  1. factory reset
  2. unplugged all cables and reconnected
  3. contacted netgear support and they advised to change the wireless 5GHz from 36 to 40 and then to keep changing this settings until the drop outs resolved. Its current aat 48 and after calling back to neatgear support they have emailed the case to suggest that the RBK50 units is faulty and recommended I have it replaced. Iam convinced that there was more that could be troubleshooted, and will exercise that if all my options get exhausted.
  
  But I wanted to share that I have performed the follow as you have suggested of
  1. change 2.4ghz channel from auto to 1
  2. disabled 20/40Mhz co-existence
  3. enabled BEAMFORMING
  
  I've applied and have rebooted. Are there any other suggestions should this not work?
  
  I will update on status - Im crossing my fingers that this will work
  - FURRYe38
    Guru - Experienced User
    Jun 20, 2020
    Any Wifi Neighbors near by? If so, how many?
    
    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
    my_coron wrote:
    Hi,
    
    I wanted to add to this thread. I purchased the RBK50 with the acompanying sattlite and my setup is (In Australia) a Fibre 100M/20M service which connects to my carrier NTU and then my RBK50 Router. I have setup with approximately 10+ devices to my wireless network and when it is not dropping out, its been a life changer. But like many I am experiencing intermittent wireless drop outs. My setup is in a single level home with approximately 160 sqmetre living area and I have the sattelit at approx the same recommended distance. It has been 5 days and with the intermittent drop outs have been inconvenient. Steps taken:
    
    Firstly I am running the fimware V 2.5.1.16 which is the latest available for Australia
    
    1. factory reset
    2. unplugged all cables and reconnected
    3. contacted netgear support and they advised to change the wireless 5GHz from 36 to 40 and then to keep changing this settings until the drop outs resolved. Its current aat 48 and after calling back to neatgear support they have emailed the case to suggest that the RBK50 units is faulty and recommended I have it replaced. Iam convinced that there was more that could be troubleshooted, and will exercise that if all my options get exhausted.
    
    But I wanted to share that I have performed the follow as you have suggested of
    1. change 2.4ghz channel from auto to 1
    2. disabled 20/40Mhz co-existence
    3. enabled BEAMFORMING
    
    I've applied and have rebooted. Are there any other suggestions should this not work?
    
    I will update on status - Im crossing my fingers that this will work

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Orbi RBK50 - WIFI drop outs constantly