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Forum Discussion
RobFisher
Jun 10, 2019Aspirant
Poor Backha
I have an Orbi RBR50 system with two satellites. I have an Ethernet cable making the long haul to the Orbi in the TV room. I have a Kodi system which play movies and series from my PC and it worked b...
- Jun 11, 2019
I had the same problem with my concrete-and-steel split level.
The problem was solved for me by turning the 2.4GHz radio strength down to 25%. I was told in the beginning, that Orbi wants to use WiFi backhaul at almost ANY cost. So, while we are prevented from turning off the 2.4GHz radio, we can weaken it to the point it can't be used efficiently... Forcing the use of 5GHz and Ethernet.
My working concept is: Since it works, I don't care to understand anything more than that.
At least it's a quick and easily-reversible thing to try.
CrimpOn
Jun 10, 2019Guru - Experienced User
On the "Attached Devices" page, does it show the satellite as "wired"?
- RobFisherJun 11, 2019Aspirant
It says 2.4g. After a reboot it shows a GOOD backhaul for a minute or so and then changes to POOR. Not sure why it doesn't show wired?
- CrimpOnJun 11, 2019Guru - Experienced User
RobFisher wrote:It says 2.4g. After a reboot it shows a GOOD backhaul for a minute or so and then changes to POOR. Not sure why it doesn't show wired?
A backhaul connection at 2.4G is the "last choice" for Orbi. 1st choice is wired. 2nd choice is 5G. and Last is 2.4G The reason the situation has improved is reducing the signal strength on the 2.4G "front haul" radios has made client devices more likely to connect at 5G, and thus reduced the interference on the 2.4G backhaul.
I suspect there is something wrong with the ethernet cable. This can be verified by temporarily relocating the satellite to the same room as the router. When it is turned on, it should immediately connect at 5G. Then, use a short ethernet cable to connect the satellite to the router. It may take 5 minutes or more, but the satellite should then change to "wired." This is the expected behavior.
If the satellite is returned to the previous location, connected again to the ethernet cable, and it does not show up as "wired", then there is something wrong with the cable.
Orbi is capable of tremendous bandwidth on the backhaul between satellite and router. 2.4G provides the slowest possible backhaul. Eventually, this is going to cause some other problem to crop up.
- RobFisherJun 11, 2019Aspirant
Thank you! I think you may be 100% correct! My techincal man will come visit tomorrow and check the cable!