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Forum Discussion
WGFLMAN
Nov 18, 2020Aspirant
Orbi RBR20 is Blocking Email Messages From Being Sent
Hello everyone. I'm new to the community, so please bear with me if I'm doing anything that does not follow normal protocol. :-)
Lots of details to share, but hoping that someone might be able to help, as I've reached the end of my proverbial rope technically.
For 6 months, I had no issues at all with my orbi RBR20 system, primarily supporting (2) computers running MS Outlook, (2) iPhone and (2) iPads, running the Apple email client. Then, about 5-6 weeks ago (yes, I've been dealing with this issue for that long), on a given weekend both computers and all Apple devices could suddently not longer send email through the Orbi router, neither wireless, or even one computer that is hardwired via ethernet into the Orbi router. Receiving emails fine and no problem with internet connection... just sending emails. Then, the troublshooting journey began.
I discovered that when turning off wi-fi on my cell phone that emails would magically send. I could also send emails from my phone when away from my house, or connected to another wi-fi network. So, I tried deleting and adding accounts on all devices and computers (multiple times) with no luck, called Spectrum tech support four different times and after all that (along with some research online), have my crosshairs set on the Orbi.
This was confirmed after changing out my Spectrum-assigned cable modem for a new one (model# Hitron EN2251), and even removing the hardwire from the Orbi router and plugging it directly into the cable modem, emails sent as they normally should. Then I hardwired my computer back into the Orbi and the sending of emials came to a grinding halt.
So, I tried power cycling the Orbi system, and amazingly, a few test emails from my computer slipped through my outbox, but shortly afterward, no more emails were able to be sent. Tried another power cycle, but no luck at all getting emails to send. Finally, did a factory reset and started from scratch, installing the Orbi system as if it had come straingth out of the box. No luck at all with emails being sent.
Next, was my call to Netgear, wondering if there might be a hardware failure that would be covered by the 1 year warranty. After answering some questions by the rep, it was determined by them that the Orbi was fine and that there must be some router settings that would need to be made in order to rectify the problem. It was then that I was informed that my complimentary 3 months of phone support had expired and that I'd be looking at paying $89 for a 6 month "support contract" to cover all of my network equipment. Are you serious right now?! I don't need a 6 month contract. I don't need coverage on all of my network gear. What I need is a 10-15 minute conversation with a tech that can tell me to adjust some router settings and tell me to go on my merry way!
Again, it is glaringly obvious that the ultimate solution to this problem is in some router settings, but unfortunately, the reseach that I've been able to do, combined with my mediocre technical level have led me to asking for a life preserver to be tossed my way. Any help that might be able to be provided would be GREATLY appreciated!
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What Firmware version is currently loaded?
What is the Mfr and model# of the Internet Service Providers modem/ONT the NG router is connected too?- WGFLMANAspirant
I've got the latest firmware version, which is V2.5.1.16.
As mentioned, the cable modem provided by Spectrum is a Hitron EN2251.
WGFLMAN wrote:Again, it is glaringly obvious that the ultimate solution to this problem is in some router settings, but unfortunately, the reseach that I've been able to do, combined with my mediocre technical level have led me to asking for a life preserver to be tossed my way. Any help that might be able to be provided would be GREATLY appreciated!
When a system works for six months and then suddenly stops working, usually "something changed." There may have been software updates to the Windows and Apple products. There could have been a software update on the Orbi. From the description, it does not sound as if any changes were made to the Orbi configuration.
The Hitron EN2251 is "only a modem" (no router or WiFi capability). When the computer is connected directly to the modem, the connection is "public" as far as the Windows Firewall is concerned and the ISP's DNS servers are used to resolve internet connections. (unless the user has elected to define DNS servers in the Network Control Panel.) When the Orbi is connected, it uses the single "public IP address and uses Network Address Translation (NAT) to provide internet access to devices connected to the Orbi. To the Windows Firewall, the connection will now be a "private" network as far as the Windows Firewall is concerned.
Could you describe the type of email services being used? (i.e. corporate Microsoft Exchange servers, Office 365, Gmail, AOL, other?)
- WGFLMANAspirant
Thanks much CrimpOn!
Yes, I suspect that something did indeed "change" after 6 months of worry free internet and email usage that I had experiences with my Orbi RBR20. However, the fact that both my Microsoft (Outlook) and Apple (iPhones and ipads) ALL quit sending emails at the same time, leads me to believe that it is not something on their end, but rather the Orbi router and associatd setting(s) that may now need tweaking.
I have firware updates on the Orbi scheduled to take place automatically, so perhaps an update from their side may have caused the disruption of sending emails.
Regarding your question on type of email services... I'm simply using Outlook 2010 (I know, I know, I need to update) set up as an IMAP account through my ISP, Spectrum (formerly Brighthouse).
Has a power off the Orbi system and ISP modem for 1 minute then back on been performed since last update?