RBK13 assignment of devices to main router and satellites

Question

I just purchased and installed my new Orbi RBK13, "whole home" WiFi System.&nbsp; The setup was easy but I don't like it that i cannot control which devices connect to the router and its two satellites.&nbsp; I have a router satellite 8 feet away from my office desk, but my laptop is listed as being connected to the router which is upstairs, far away from the computer.&nbsp; At one point it was connected to the satellite near it.&nbsp; How does Orbi assign devices to its central router and two hubs?&nbsp; I would like to be able to assign devices to hub and satellites.&nbsp; Earlier today, it made sense that 2 cell phones, an iPad, and 3 laptops were connected to each of 3 devices by logical proximity.&nbsp; They seem to have migrated connections, but I haven't moved any of the devices.&nbsp; Is there a way to statically assign devices to satellites and even dictate whether to use 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz?

FURRYe38 · Answer

"What is the size of your home? Sq Ft? -&nbsp;3,300 sq. ft. with WOW modem / router combo (with WOW router still active but no device is using it).&nbsp; Modem / Router Combo WOW Gateway box is in an entertainment center, upstairs in bonus room, with ORBI main router connected to the WOW Gateway box"&nbsp;Modem Combo Units:&nbsp;This would be a double NAT condition which isn't recommended. https://kb.netgear.com/30186/What-is-Double-NAThttps://kb.netgear.com/30187/How-to-fix-issues-with-Double-NATCouple of options,1. Configure the modem for transparent bridge or modem only mode. Then use the Orbi router in router mode. You'll need to contact the ISP for help and information in regards to the modem being bridged correctly.2. If you can't bridge the modem, disable ALL wifi radios on the modem, configure the modems DMZ/ExposedHost or IP Pass-Through for the IP address the Orbi router gets from the modem. Then you can use the Orbi router in Router mode.3. Or disable all wifi radios on the modem and connect the Orbi router to the modem, configure AP mode on the Orbi router. https://kb.netgear.com/31218/How-do-I-configure-my-Orbi-router-to-act-as-an-access-point and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7LOcJ8GdDo&amp;app=desktop&nbsp;"but I don't see how i can change Coexistence to 40 MHz only. How is that done and what might that benefit?"Take the check mark out of the 20/40Mhz check box then save the setting, this sets 40mhz only. Helps keep a higher speed rate between the Orbi and your devices. Same with Beamforming enable it. MiMo isn't needed however if you do have some MiMo devices, you can enable it on the RBR.&nbsp;&nbsp;Be sure your wireless adapter drivers are up dated if your PCs uses an adapter to connect to the system.&nbsp;&nbsp;20 feet maybe too close. 30 feet is recommended starting distance.&nbsp;

CrimpOn · Answer

Alas, no. There is no method to force device to connect to a particular access point. There are industry standard protocols about how devices detect nearby access points and decide which they will use. Orbi follows the standards. The important question is, "Are the devices functioning correctly?" If so, there is actually no reason for concern. Things like phones, tablets, and laptops may "move" becauses their network software is written with movement in mind. Devices designed to remain in one place almost never change access points once they have attached to one.

I am not (personally) aware of any mesh router systems which feature this ability, certainly not easily.

rdhdiver · Answer

My personal laptop stays in my office, 95% of the time.&nbsp; It hasn't moved today, yet it dropped from the satellite, 8 feet away in clear sight, and hopped onto the main router upstairs and far away.&nbsp; This defeats the purpose of having bought the mesh network.&nbsp; Most of my devices were connected to the satellites downstairs, but now there are a few connected to the furthest away device.&nbsp; It is a matter of performance and having the satellites were providing me great performance while they were connected.

CrimpOn · Answer

Do you use the Orbi web interface or the Orbi "app" to administer the Orbi. The "app" will show the "Link Rate" between the device and Orbi unit.

I understand the concern. How has performance changed?

rdhdiver · Answer

The link rate shown by the app doesn’t mean anything other than relative rates when comparing devices. I have six devices, all of which I use the same speed test app to run speed test from same server. The speeds reported fall in line with what I expect from my cable / internet provider. My issue is that I don’t know why my old laptop dropped from one of my satellites to the main router. When it was connected to satellite, my issue was solved —- connection to newly placed router satellite. Now, the laptop is connected to main router far away, and with same issue as when I only had original cable company router upstairs and far away. I bought the Orbi Mesh System, thinking that satellite would be connection point for devices nearest it but that isn’t the case.

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RBK13 assignment of devices to main router and satellites

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