Orbi RBR20 Keeps Rebooting

Techieforhire
Aspirant
Feb 19, 2020
This product is about as frustrating as they come. I had the ISP set our cable modem to bridged mode so the Orbi could act as a router and the network stability was terrible. It was constantly dropping connections and resetting them. We decided to put the cable modem back into routed mode and use the Orbi as an AP. This was no better for wireless clients. We brought the Orbi upstairs to be closer to the Satellite and although it shows the status from the web interface (and app) as good with a good backhaul status the Orbi shows as purple connection status between it and the satellite.

Still wireless clients only stay connected to it for a maximum of two minutes however my laptop connected to the passthrough Ethernet connection CAN surf and stay connected so the issue is not with the Internet connection. I am not sure if there is something askew with its auto selection of 2.4 Ghz wireless channel that causes it to kick everyone when it decides to look for a less saturated channel constantly but suffice to say I have never had issues like this with any other wireless product including mesh offerings from other manufacturers.
- FURRYe38
  Guru - Experienced User
  Feb 19, 2020
  What Firmware version is currently loaded?
  What is the Mfr and model# of the ISP modem the NG router is connected too?
  
  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
  
  RBS wireless or wire connected to the RBR?
  
  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?
  
  Try enabling Beamforming and MIMO(MIMO may or maynot be needed) and WMM. 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).
  
  Above suggestions working:
  https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi/Throttling-Devices-RBK53/m-p/1858561/highlight/true#M81925
  
  Be sure your modem routers wifi is disabled fully if it's in 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=desktop
  
  Be sure to read option #2...
  Techieforhire wrote:
  This product is about as frustrating as they come. I had the ISP set our cable modem to bridged mode so the Orbi could act as a router and the network stability was terrible. It was constantly dropping connections and resetting them. We decided to put the cable modem back into routed mode and use the Orbi as an AP. This was no better for wireless clients. We brought the Orbi upstairs to be closer to the Satellite and although it shows the status from the web interface (and app) as good with a good backhaul status the Orbi shows as purple connection status between it and the satellite.
  
  Still wireless clients only stay connected to it for a maximum of two minutes however my laptop connected to the passthrough Ethernet connection CAN surf and stay connected so the issue is not with the Internet connection. I am not sure if there is something askew with its auto selection of 2.4 Ghz wireless channel that causes it to kick everyone when it decides to look for a less saturated channel constantly but suffice to say I have never had issues like this with any other wireless product including mesh offerings from other manufacturers.
  - Amdahl
    Tutor
    Apr 24, 2020
    Router Firmware Version
    V2.3.5.30
    
    After updates and checking, basically the power supply/ router cannot tolerate any kind of power frequency issues. I spent months now (bought in Jan, now end of April) chasing this, finally i got out my plain old Belkin power strip with UPS and the router has not rebooted in several days, vs multiple times a day.
    This can be seen on the hidden page;
    http://192.168.1.1/debug.htm
    Where it shows uptime in Days/hours/mins/seconds.
    So, IMHO pending your poison it looks like this resolves this for me with a low cost UPS power strip of your choice, make sure it has the following;
    
    Not an endorsement, but what seems to resolve my constant reboots...
    
    https://www.belkin.com/us/p/P-BE106000-06/
    PROTECTS AGAINST SPIKES AND FLUCTUATIONS
    With a maximum spike amperage of 48,000 amps, the Belkin 6-Outlet Surge Protector prevents power spikes or storms from damaging your valuable devices. Intelligent circuitry with built-in voltage sensing detects and responds to your device's power needs, while safety features ensure that your devices are protected. Simply plug the surge protector into any AC wall outlet and connect your device to keep it safe from surges, lightning strikes, and AC contamination.
    REDUCED ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE
    This surge protector's essential power filtration is up to 43 dB, reducing electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI), blocking unwanted line noise, and ensuring better performance of your protected equipment. It also helps prevent equipment lockup.

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