Orbi RBK50 Issues

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captain_phaser wrote:

With firmware V1.12.0.18 released here's an update to my current setup:

 

1. 2.4 GHz Performance 

I have noticed that my 2.4GHz speeds appear to have gone up slightly in areas on my property that were getting very poor speeds, but the overall issue of never being able to get over 230Mbps on my desktop (wireless) and 130Mbps on any of the phones remains. I am really curious as to what conditions are required to get the max 2.4GHz speeds. I have done speed tests as well as local file transfers in my testing.

 

    2. Separate SSID's / Disabling Bands

 

The strange removal of the option to disable either 2.4GHz or 5GHz band has become quite bothersome. I previously had the 2.4GHz band disabled due to its inferior performance (even at long range), but now I am forced to keep it on. I understand the "Bandsteering" feature is integral to the marketing of the Orbi, but it does not seem to work very well with my setup. I am having issues with my devices being "stuck" on the 2.4GHz band when they should be on the 5GHz band. This even occurs in the same room as the router or satellite. There was a suggestion to lower the 2.4GHz power output, but apparently that option was removed as well. The simple solution is to keep both bands on in the default settings, but allow for us to configure them in the advanced settings. 

 

   3. 5GHz Performance on Mobile Devices

 

I have since had the opportunity to test my wifi speeds on some of my guest's phones and am still hitting an apparent cap in mobile speed tests. I performed speed tests and local file transfers and fail to achieve more than around 300Mbps consistently. I've had a few fluke speedtests of around 380-400, but they can never be followed up with the same speed. This testing is all done with only the device being tested utilizing the network, and at various distances from the router or satellite. The phones being tested all have the capability for gigabit wifi, so I remain at a loss as to why the Orbi is failing to deliver maximum speeds.

 

I truly hope that the following options return in the next firmware update:

• Enable/Disable 2.4GHz or 5GHz bands
• Adjust power output of each band
• Turn off automatic firmware updates

I would again appreciate any tips on improving my current Orbi setup.

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Nice post!

Netgear why is there no response in the forums to almost anything?

The Orbi system has the possibility of being a really good WiFi system for larger homes but it seems like Netgear is wasting resources on 'removing' functionality instead of fixing reported issues.

I cannot understand why you would remove the ability to to off automatic updates, turning off the 2.4GHz radio etc.

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captain_phaser wrote:

I understand the "Bandsteering" feature is integral to the marketing of the Orbi, but it does not seem to work very well with my setup. I am having issues with my devices being "stuck" on the 2.4GHz band when they should be on the 5GHz band. This even occurs in the same room as the router or satellite. There was a suggestion to lower the 2.4GHz power output, but apparently that option was removed as well. The simple solution is to keep both bands on in the default settings, but allow for us to configure them in the advanced settings. 

I couldn't have said it better myself. They don't make it easy, but there is a way to set a separate SSID for your 5 GHz network: