This Mesh was working fine with one router and two satellites with AP Mode and Wired Backhaul until I upgraded to the latest firmware. Once you upgrade, your satellites may de-synch and thats where the problem starts. You can get it working but you will have User Itnerface bugs that will make it look like its not working... If for some reason it does not work, here is what I followed to get it working and how I tested it. There was another article where when you change from Router mode to AP mode, there is no need to move the wire from the Internet Port to the LAN port. That post was correct ,leave it alone. It changes it internally.

Also I recommend to do this via a latop or desktop browser, not the phone.

If you cannot get them to synch:

1. Go to the web interface of the router -> Attached Devices - If you see them there in a disconnected state, remove them.

2. Reset everything including the router and satellites. Put a pin in the reset and hold for 30 seconds. Make sure it is blinmking Orange on the back near the reset switch.

3. Connect the router network cable back to Internet port if not already.

4. Once everything is reset and powered on with a steady white light (This can take up to 6 mninutes or more) connect your computer to the default wireless SID.,

5.Browse to "http://192.168.1.1" or your default IP address of the Orbi Router.

6.Start the normal setup and detect the satelites. All should detect and connect and work fine. (I dont know if it matters or not but I put all the Satellites and Router within 10 feet for all of this)

7. Now change the mode to "AP" mode in the router.

8. Do not move the cable on the router. Leave it in the "Internet" port.

9. Now when the system is up, check to see if the all is fine.

10. Move the Satellites to where they belong now and attached the backhaul ethernet to them.

11. Boot up, now you will no longer see the satellites in Attached Devices. (But it should be working).

12. To figure this out, install the Netgear Orbi App on the phone.

13. Go right to your router and connect to wifi so your phone connected to the router and not the satelittes.

14. Launch the app. The app will work fine now and check the satallites and backhaul connection. All should be good.

If the app does not launch, you are connect to the satellite. Move closer to the router and turn off and on the wifi. Then try.

The WebUI is broken and will not sure the Satellites or any of the devices that are connected to them. So long as the phone app shows it correctly, your good.

Hopefully they fix it soon.

Forum Discussion

Orbi RBR850 / RBS850 AP Mode Totally Broken after Firmware update to V4.6.3.16_2.0.51