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AlmondRoca's avatar
Mar 01, 2019

RBK40 v1.12.0.20 Satellite drops connection to Router

RBK40 satellite not able to keep stable connection to router. This has ocurred on three DIFFERENT RBK40 units; had to return previous two.

Does not matter how close or far the satellite is located from router. Changing channels does not affect issue. Customers were willing to spend more money on a "mesh" system so that the satellites would do their job. One job.

7 Replies

  • FURRYe38's avatar
    FURRYe38
    Guru - Experienced User

    What FW is currently loaded?
    What is the Mfr and model# of the ISP modem the NG router is connected too?
    Is the Orbi system operating in Router or AP mode?

    How are the satellites connected? Wirelessly or wired? 


    What is the size of your home? Sq Ft?
    What is the distance between the router and satellite(s)? 30 feet is recommended in between them to begin with depending upon building materials.

     

    What channels are you using? Auto? Try setting manual channel 1, 6 or 11 on 2.4Ghz and any unused channel on 5Ghz.
    Any Wifi Neighbors near by? If so, how many?
    What WPA security modes are you using?

     

    Try enabling Beamforming and MIMO.

    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).


    AlmondRoca wrote:

    RBK40 satellite not able to keep stable connection to router. This has ocurred on three DIFFERENT RBK40 units; had to return previous two.

    Does not matter how close or far the satellite is located from router. Changing channels does not affect issue. Customers were willing to spend more money on a "mesh" system so that the satellites would do their job. One job.


     


  • AlmondRoca wrote:

    RBK40 satellite not able to keep stable connection to router. This has ocurred on three DIFFERENT RBK40 units; had to return previous two.

    Does not matter how close or far the satellite is located from router. Changing channels does not affect issue. Customers were willing to spend more money on a "mesh" system so that the satellites would do their job. One job.


    The software that you have in Orbi (v1.12.0.20) is quite old. There are many packages released after that which contain many fixes.

    I'd update the nodes and test before doing further troubleshooting!

    • AlmondRoca's avatar
      AlmondRoca
      Tutor

      At first I couldn't upgrade the satellite firmware while plugged into the router. The satellite is located one floor directly above the router. The upgrade process kept crapping out and disconnecting the satellite. Then I plugged my laptop straight to the satellite and tried different versions of firmware. After trying 5-6 times, the only one that applied directly from 1.12.0.20 was 2.0.0.56. After that, upgrading to the latest version worked. 

       

      It would be nice if Netgear stated which firmware to upgrade to first, somewhere in their documentation. Most customers will give up and return their product.

       

      But the disconnect problems still linger. 

      • FURRYe38's avatar
        FURRYe38
        Guru - Experienced User

        I would contact NG support and ask them about replacing the RBS. Possible the unit is just faulty. 


        AlmondRoca wrote:

        At first I couldn't upgrade the satellite firmware while plugged into the router. The satellite is located one floor directly above the router. The upgrade process kept crapping out and disconnecting the satellite. Then I plugged my laptop straight to the satellite and tried different versions of firmware. After trying 5-6 times, the only one that applied directly from 1.12.0.20 was 2.0.0.56. After that, upgrading to the latest version worked. 

         

        It would be nice if Netgear stated which firmware to upgrade to first, somewhere in their documentation. Most customers will give up and return their product.

         

        But the disconnect problems still linger. 


         

  • FURRYe38's avatar
    FURRYe38
    Guru - Experienced User

    New FW here:

    https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi/New-NetGear-Orbi-20-40-Series-Firmware-Version-2-3-0-28/td-p/1714639/jump-to/first-unread-message


    AlmondRoca wrote:

    RBK40 satellite not able to keep stable connection to router. This has ocurred on three DIFFERENT RBK40 units; had to return previous two.

    Does not matter how close or far the satellite is located from router. Changing channels does not affect issue. Customers were willing to spend more money on a "mesh" system so that the satellites would do their job. One job.