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pobbard
Feb 01, 2025Tutor
RBK50 no longer reliably connects to Google services
I've been running an RBK50 (1 RBR50 and 1 RBS50) with almost no issues for over 5 years.
Lately, however, I've noticed that certain devices (typically our iPhones or my iPad) connected to the mesh but will lose access to certain Google services, like Maps, YouTube Music, or search itself. The outage might last a few minutes or more. It seems to be an issue more likely to impact devices connected to the satellite (RBS50), but can affect devices connected to the RBR50 as well.
I have a PC hardwired to my Verizon Router, and it has no connectivity issues with Google, so I'm confident the issue is somehow related to the Orbi, but I can't seem to solve it thus far.
Here are things I've tried:
- I have rebooted both units (multiple times) and forced them to re-sync periodically
- I have made sure all firmware is current
- I have also rebooted the Verizon model (out of an abundance of caution)
The only wifi devices I've added to our home recently (maybe October?) were 2 Google Nest cameras, and a Dell laptop I rarely turn on. The issue with my Orbi feels more recent than those devices, but I'm not ruling anything out.
One last thing: Before I got the Orbi 5+ years ago, I had a Linksys router that had the same issue - intermittent loss of connectivity to Google services - but the Netgear extender I had at the same time never had this issue. As a result of this situation, when I went to a mesh, I chose Orbi because my Netgear extender had been so much more reliable. But 5+ years later, here I am again. It's truly bizarre.
ANY advice or ideas are appreciated. Thank you.
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What Firmware version is currently loaded?
What is the Mfr and model# of the Internet Service Providers modem/ONT the NG router is connected too?
Be sure your using a good quality LAN cable between the modem and router. CAT6A STP is recommended.How many RBS are deployed?
What is the size of your home? Sq Ft?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 wired or wirelessly connected.
https://kb.netgear.com/31029/Where-should-I-place-my-Orbi-satellite 🛰Does this happen with the RBS turned OFF?
Does this happen with both wireless and wired devices?
What channel configurations are currently set on the router?Be sure to disable any MAC Address randomizers on phones and pads while at home:
https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi-App/NETGEAR-Mobile-Applications-and-Apple-Devices-FAQ/td-p/2220016/jump-to/first-unread-messageTry disabling the following and see:
Armor, Smart Parental Controls or Circle, IPv6, Protection Engine, Traffic Meter.Try custom DNS on the RBR instead of the ISP detected DNS.
Has a factory reset and setup from scratch been performed since last FW update?