Orbi

how do I know what firmware is there?

What is the Mfr and model# of the Internet Service Providers modem/ONT the NG router is connected too? I use Utah Broadband. I called them and they determined signal to house is uninterupted.

I confirmed signal coming intot he house is as it should be, but when it comes thorughthe Orbi I loose about 50% of both upload and download.

Is the Orbi system operating in Router or AP mode?

I don't know. How do I tell?

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 wirelessly connected.

I believe the distances are good. The two satelites are on the main floor, and the rbr is in the basement where the wires come in. 

What channels are you using? Auto? Try setting manual channel 1, 6 or 11 on 2.4Ghz and any unused channel on 5Ghz.

I did the diagnostics on my computer and it says I am using current channel count 3, best 2.4 = 11, best 5 is 144, but I have no idea how to change this / test this.

Any Wifi Neighbors near by? If so, how many?

There are about 7 with decent signal, another 7 with almost no signal

Try enabling Beamforming and MIMO(MIMO may or may not be needed) and WMM. Under Advanced Tab/Advanced Settings/Wireless Settings

I have no idea how to do this.

Try disabling the following and see:
Armor, Circle, Daisy Chain, Fast Roaming, IPv6 and Set 20/40Mhz Coexistence to 40Mhz only. Set Short preamble instead of Long preamble modes. Save settings and reboot the router and satellite(s).

Sorry - no idea what this is either...