Orbi RBR50 RF interference

WiFi frequencies depend on Region (where in the world).  For the "50-series" Orbi they are:

5.775GHz (5,775Mhz) is the frequency band used for the 5G WiFi backhaul connection between router and satellites.

I would expect the frequency scanner to also detect the user facing radios operating at 5.18-5.24GHz.

 

It would help to know more about the Internet Service Provider (ISP) device.  If it is a telecommunications firm offering an LTE connection, those typically operate in specific frequency bands (also by country).  This Wikipedia article describes the LTE frequencies in use in many parts of the world:. (Scroll to the bottom table.)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LTE_frequency_bands 

None of the typical LTE frequency bands are at the same 5,775Mhz frequency used by the Orbi backhaul (North America).

 

So, my initial impression is, "no dice."  If typical WiFi interfered with LTE connections, nothing would be working - not cell phones, not LTE modems or Hot Spots.  Nada.

 

Of course, this network provider might not be an LTE connection.

 

 

 

Industry standard Wi-Fi 4/5/6/6E/7 (802.11 n/ac/ax/be) on the license-exempt 2,4 GHz, 5 GHz, and the newish 6 GHz WiFi operating on can certainly interfere with the non-licensed channels in the 5.45 ... 5.75 GHz channels where such PtP and PtmP devices like the popular Ubiquity UISP airMAX and the likes are operated.

 

Everything fully legal, 5470..5730 must be operated with DFS and TCP, limited to 500 mW instead of 1 W without TPC.  5735..5835 can blast at full allowed power, without DFS and TCP under the FCC regulations.

 

This says it all - virtually impossible to provide a paid (reliable) service on these bands. 

What is the Mfr and model# of the Internet Service Providers modem/ONT the NG router is connected too?
Be sure your using a good quality LAN cable between the modem and router. CAT6A STP is recommended. 

 

How many RBS are deployed? 
What is the size of your home? Sq Ft?
What is the distance between the router and 📡 satellite(s)? 30 feet or more is recommended in between RBR📡 and RBS🛰️ to begin with depending upon building materials when wired or wirelessly connected.
https://kb.netgear.com/31029/Where-should-I-place-my-Orbi-satellite ‌‌🛰️

 

Does this happen with the RBS turned OFF? 
Does this happen with both wireless and wired devices? 
What channel configurations are currently set on the router?  
Any Wifi Neighbors near by? If so, how many

 

Be sure to disable any MAC Address randomizers on phones and pads while at home:
https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi-App/NETGEAR-Mobile-Applications-and-Apple-Devices-FAQ/td-p/2220016/jump-to/first-unread-message

 

Try disabling the following and see:
Armor, Smart Parental Controls or Circle, Traffic Meter.

 

Has a factory reset and setup from scratch been performed since last FW update? A complete pull of the power adapters for a period of time after the factory reset then walk thru the setup wizard and setup from scratch with a wired PC and web browser. https://kb.netgear.com/22697/How-do-I-install-my-NETGEAR-router-using-the-router-web-interface
Recommend setting the default DHCP IP address pool range to the following after applying and a factory reset: 192.168.#.100 to 192.168.#.200.
https://kb.netgear.com/24089/How-do-I-specify-the-pool-of-IP-addresses-assigned-by-my-Nighthawk-router
https://kb.netgear.com/25722/How-do-I-reserve-an-IP-address-on-my-NETGEAR-router
I would power OFF the ISP modem for 1 minute. Factory reset the router and power it off. Power ON the ISP modem and let it sync. Then power ON the router and walk thru the setup wizard again using a wired PC and a web browser.
Press the back reset button for 15 seconds then release. 
https://kb.netgear.com/31486/How-do-I-reset-my-Orbi-system-to-factory-default-settings
https://kb.netgear.com/000062081/How-do-I-erase-the-configuration-settings-on-my-Orbi-WiFi-System

 

One User Experience/Configuration:
https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi/Most-Stable-Orbi-Configuration/m-p/1941087/highlight/true#M97026

 

Might update FW as well:

https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi-Wi-Fi-5-AC-and-Orbi-with/New-RBR50-RBS50-Firmware-Version-2-7-5-4/td-p/2296598/jump-to/first-unread-message

 

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jefferis wrote:

Firmware v.2.7.424       

 

I have an Orbi Mesh RBR50 system with 2 satellites. 1 is connected via Ethernet, the other by Mesh.  I am on a Radio Frequency Internet service, not WIFI.   The Radio Receiver is on the frequency of 5775       Of Late,  my Internet speed, which should be around 70/30 keeps getting throttled and disconnected or dropping to anywhere from 2/2 to 18/x and usually settles around 8/5        I have had my provider help me with various tests and they say my signal to my receiver from their towers is 100/x    They think it may be local interference from the Mesh system, as that is the only wifi near the RF box.   The radio receiver connects to the Orbi Router via Ethernet after going through its power box interface.    

My previous normal reception used to be in the 50/30 range.  Of late, it is dropping connections and varies widely in consistency and speeds. Usually after a fresh reboot, I get high speeds but then it drops.    Here is a spectrum analysis of my frequency with local wifi competition on nearby towers: https://app.screencast.com/3H2DI7J2RIqut    

 

My question is,  could or does the Orbi Mesh system compete with RF signals and if so, is there anything in the settings I could do something about it? 

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jefferis wrote:

I am on a Radio Frequency Internet service, not WIFI.   The Radio Receiver is on the frequency of 5775.

While this might be not implicitly or explicitly WiFi, this PtP or PtmP system does operate on the standard Unlicensed Spectrum - the same frequencies and channels in use for WiFi and other applications like audio or video distribution for example. What was a great idea when the vendors and ISP started to deploy - because the usage of this spectrum was low - times have massively changed in the last years. This is very different from systems like mobile networks, which are making use of licensed bands.

 

Considering modern WiFi systems - especially WiFi 6 and much more WiFi 7 (Mesh or not is not relevant) are extremely ressource and bandwidth hungry covering many homes are making the deployment of such PtP or PtmP networks using these unlicensed bands very difficult if not impossible. 

 

I give you another example. In sport venues with some 2500 to 12500 seats, there is not only the mobile network on-air. There are also very dense WiFi networks deployed on he 2.4 and 5 GHz band. Everting went well with using the hand full of in-house video production cameras were equipped with 6 GHz WiFi - until the day the WiFi network provider faced-in 6 GHz WiFi APs covering the complete venue, too. As a quick fix, we had to make them to agree to reserve a massive part of the 6 GHz unlicensed spectrum to protect the wireless in-house video production cameras.

 

This is what your ISP can't do, because your decent Orbi WiFi 6 system can use the same channels for the wireless backhaul. Still, they challenge you for freeing up this 57xx MHz channels in favor of their wireless ISP service. The day you are going to deploy even more 5 GHz and 6 GHz WiFi (and other) equipment their business model working on unlicensed band will bust - they will have to license and probably buy licensed bandwidth. Game over for them - unless they can bring fiber (or for the sake 2wire) to your home to provide you with sufficient bandwidth.