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Forum Discussion
Orbi satellite dropping connection
Right to the point: my Orbi system has 2 satellites and 1 main tower. The internet drops/slows down (to the point where internet browsing is not possible) 2-3 times per day randomly without warning o...
Here's my update-- I've been living on Ubiquiti Amplifi HD for about a week now and I've noticed a few things:
- Amplifi setup and management feels much more refined. Despite being app-only (no real web UI), everything is extremely fast and easy to navigate. And there are some nice power-user options like disable DNS cache so that the router propagates my Pi-Hole DNS server IP down to the clients rather than forcing them to use the router as DNS server.
- Amplifi is certainly slower, without a doubt. Innevitably I think this just boils down to the lack of a dedicated backhaul radio. If I sit next the main router with my phone I can saturate my 150mbps ISP connection, but on a satellite I'm usually around half of that even when standing next to the satellite.
- Band steering seems perhaps a bit better on Orbi, or this could be a range/antenna issue. I sometimes find my phones on 2.4Ghz when the satellites are in the same room. Toggling wifi off/on in my phone or unplugging/replugging the satellite generally fixes this scenario.
- Roaming between nodes could be better-- I sometimes find that I'm getting slow speeds because I'm still connected to the node in the room where I came from 5-10 minutes ago.
So here's my overall assessment...
- Orbi is better from a wireless perspective (speed, range, steering/roaming)
- Amplifi is better from a management/configuration perspective
- Amplifi is more stable/reliable (no full internet outages, as we're discussing here in this thread)
The last one is still the dealbreaker for me-- I'd rather have slow networking than no networking... Has Netgear even acknowledged this issue yet? Is there a fix coming? If this can be fixed I think I would revert back.
I had the same issues that you describe with WiFi signals dropping randomly on all of my apple products (iOS and OS X). I did a lot of research on the Orbi system as well as pros/cons with changing to other mesh systems. I had already dropped some serious $$ on the Orbi (Router, 2 indoor sats, 1 outdoor sat) and was not in the 30 day return window, so I decided to try and find a solution with the Orbi System. I bought the Asus AC-86U, added Merlin’s Firmware to the router and changed the Orbi System to access point only. I’ve previously used Asus routers w/Merlin’s Firmware, so I knew that it gave me the extra feature set I wanted to use with my system. Plus, when you buy an Asus router that supports it, you get Trend Micro’s “Aiprotection,” which has proven to be very useful built into the router including a free lifetime subscription. After setting the Orbi System I’m Access Point only, I have experienced fairly consistent WiFi with my iOS, OS X, and IOT devices. Occasionally, I do notice that my iPhone disconnects for a few seconds or so and then reconnects when I’m walking around my home or outside cutting the grass.
Also, I do have 3 separate automatic timer outlets for the modem (Netgear CM700), Asus router, and Orbi router (in access point mode) that resets all of the components in sequence (modem, router, access point) in the middle of the night.
Works well for my needs.
Also, I do have 3 separate automatic timer outlets for the modem (Netgear CM700), Asus router, and Orbi router (in access point mode) that resets all of the components in sequence (modem, router, access point) in the middle of the night.
Works well for my needs.