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Forum Discussion
Orbi RBK53S Using 4X Data
I recently purchased the Orbi RBD53S-100NAS (Orbi router with two satellites) from Costco. This is connected to the Xfinity router capaple of gig speeds (Model CGM4140COM). I went through the steup process on the computer (not hard wired in) and was not able to update the firmware while in the setup process (note i have the satelites hardwired to the router in star topology). I had to log back in after setup was complete and force it manually. Since installing, my data usage has quadrupled. I went from using around 25GB/day to nearly 100GD/day. At this rate, I would blow past the 1TB of allowable data each month. In reading prior posts from other users, it appears doing a factory reset would be helpful. I performed a full reset and went through the setup process again, but am still experienceing very high data usage. With all my devices turned off, there's still a substantial amount of download activity on the traffic meter. Connectivity has worsened as well.
I have a ticket open with ORBI, but has anyone found a fix for this? I saw one person returned theirs for another, but there has to be a way to fix this. Any help would be appreciated.
7 Replies
Your modem has a built in router and wifi. Let us know what mode you have it running in? Bridge or router mode?
Modem Combo Units:
This would be a double NAT condition which isn't recommended. https://kb.netgear.com/30186/What-is-Double-NAT
https://kb.netgear.com/30187/How-to-fix-issues-with-Double-NAT
Couple of options,
1. Configure the modem for transparent bridge or modem only mode. Then use the Orbi router in router mode. You'll need to contact the ISP for help and information in regards to the modem being bridged correctly.
2. If you can't bridge the modem, disable ALL wifi radios on the modem, configure the modems DMZ/ExposedHost or IP Pass-Through for the IP address the Orbi router gets from the modem. Then you can use the Orbi router in Router mode.
3. Or disable all wifi radios on the modem and connect the Orbi router to the modem, configure AP mode on the Orbi router. https://kb.netgear.com/31218/How-do-I-configure-my-Orbi-router-to-act-as-an-access-point and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7LOcJ8GdDo&app=desktopHas a factory reset and setup from scratch been performed since last FW update? Power OFF The ISP modem for 30 seconds then back on then walk thru the setup wizard after doing a factory reset?
Thanks for the reply. I have the xfinity router in router mode as i sometimes utilize the xfinity network when this one becomes problematic. Prior to using this new orbi setup, they have operated in harmony. Is the double NAT issue only apparent on this model perhaps? Do you think that by putting the xfinity router in bridge mode this will eliminate the excessive data usage? Finally, is there any downside or feathers I'll lose by running the Orbi in AP mode instead of router mode?
To answer your last question, yes, when I did the factory reset I rebooted and also powered down the xfinity router each time as well.
Ok, well you are in a double NAT condition, so anything could be possible here.
I would narrow down where the problem maybe coming from.
If you remove the Orbi from service, does the usage still happen?
Next, I would leave the ISP modem in router mode then configure the Orbi for AP mode. You'll loose featuers on the Orbi accept for Wifi and Guest Network is all.
Run this configuration for a while and check usage to see if this continues.
You might run just the RBR alone with the ISP modem in router mode.
Other alternative would be to bridge the ISP modem and configure the RBR for router mode and test again.
I would also check to see if there are any devices using up data unexpectedly. Turn OFF all devices if possible and run just a one or two.
TXOrbi wrote:With all my devices turned off, there's still a substantial amount of download activity on the traffic meter.
Is that really "all devices" turned off? Wow. In another post you mention "Prior to using this new orbi setup, they have operated in harmony." Did this new Orbi replace a previous Orbi? (and the old Orbi went where?)
I know of no tools built into the Orbi system to track how much data is being generated by different activities or devices. There are external tools that can be used, but they all require investment of time and perhaps money.
One user has posted about his solution. $133 plus some effort and he can not only report, but can control data usage by device and by application (see post 16): https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi/Can-I-track-data-usage-per-device/m-p/1561664
A less expensive, but more tedious method might be to turn on the debug mode, capture a full day of WAN traffic onto a USB stick, and use Wireshark or something similar to see how many packets are coming and going from each device. Honestly, I have not done it and have no idea how many hours of effort it would take, or if it's even possible.
