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Forum Discussion
Orbi satellite RBS50 drops Orbi Satellite RBS50 only
My Orbi RBS50 satellite frequently drops the signal from the Orbi RBR50 router. Today, I updaed to firmware 2.3 on the router and the satellite. Unfortunately, two hours later, the signal dropped. I ...
Georgiakacy wrote:
My Orbi RBS50 satellite frequently drops the signal from the Orbi RBR50 router. Today, I updaed to firmware 2.3 on the router and the satellite. Unfortunately, two hours later, the signal dropped. I get a seady magenty liht on the router when it drops. Sometimes i also get a green light on the router when the satellite signal drops; at other times when the signal drops, the router light is off. Also, I am unable to get the router to reset. Pressing the reset button for over a minute has no effect on the power light.
The Orbi router is connected to a Comcast/Xfinity modem. I have no signal problems from my modem.
This problem arose after six months of flawless Orbi performance. Now the dropping happens several times a day. Please advise.
There are now two "2.3" versions of RBR50 firmware (2.3.0.32 and 2.3.1.44), which do you have? One of the things people often advise is to perform a "Factory Reset" on the Orbi after manually updating firmware. Depending on how much the configuration has been customized, this can be a chore.
Netgear publishes a description of Orbi color codes here: https://kb.netgear.com/31030/What-do-the-LEDs-on-my-Orbi-mean
"Solid Magenta" is not one of the listed codes.
Sometimes, it helps to be very specific when describing colors the Orbi is displaying. "Green", for example, is what the Orbi and Satellite show on the tiny LED on the back. This is normal and what it should be. "Pulsing" colors are on the LED ring at the top.
At first, I got confused between the "sync" button on the back of the Orbi and the tiny Reset hole that we stick a paperclip in to perform a Reset (solid orange) or a "Factory Reset" (blinking orange). (I held the sync button down for a LONG time and nothing seemed to happen!)
When something works for months and months and then fails, I usually look for "what changed?" Did the drops begin before or after updating firmware?
Thank you for responding.
I updated to version 2.3.032 on Sunday. That was the first time I'd performed an update on the equipment and, admittedly, I did it only as a troubleshooting remedy. The drops began after updating the firmware.
The satellite color "solid magenta" is shown on as the 3rd color under "Satellite Ring LEDs" on the link that you shared.
Unfortunately, I've not confused the recessed Reset button with the Sync button. I've used a paperclip to press the Reset button for over a minute--the Power light remains steady green.
I totally appreciate your willingness to help me figure this out.
Factory reset the router using the back push pin button. Hold it in until the top led turns on AMBER then let go of the back button. Do this on the RBS as well. Wait for the WHITE led to slowly pulsate, then log in to orbilogin.com using a web browser and walk thru the setup wizard. This time write down all important information for safe keeping later on.
Try setting manual channel 1, 6 or 11 on 2.4Ghz and any unused channel on 5Ghz.
Try enabling Beamforming and MIMO. Under Advanced Tab/Advanced Settings/Wireless Settings
Try disabling the following and see:
Daisy Chain, Fast Roaming, IPv6 and Set 20/40Mhz Coexistence to 40Mhz only. Save settings and reboot the router and satellite(s).After setting up the RBR, this the black sync button on the back of the RBR then RBS. Yes you can do this while in the same room with the RBR and RBS initially. Connect 1 satellite first via wireless, then once you get the BLUE led on top of the satellite. Once this is done, do a IP address reservation for the satellite ON the Orbi router. Save and apply. So same for 2nd satellite if you have one.
If the satellite remains BLUE then turns off, this indicates the satellite is working weill. Power it off and place at remote location. Besure it's 30 feet away from the RBR.
Georgiakacy wrote:
The satellite color "solid magenta" is shown on as the 3rd color under "Satellite Ring LEDs" on the link that you shared.
You are totally correct. I looked only at the router colors.
Georgiakacy wrote:
Unfortunately, I've not confused the recessed Reset button with the Sync button. I've used a paperclip to press the Reset button for over a minute--the Power light remains steady green
This is really fascinating that you are not the first person to report this phenomenon. Do you actually hear (or feel) something happening when the paperclip goes in? I am wondering if Netgear manufactured some Orbi's with the internal microswitch misaligned or something. I would pull the case off the satellite and take a look. It will work fine with the case off, and once it is working correctly, removing power and putting the case back on won't change the configuration.
