NETGEAR is aware of a growing number of phone and online scams. To learn how to stay safe click here.
Forum Discussion
RBR50 different download speeds for different Macs
I have three Macs in my home. MacBokPro Mid-2012 with OS 10.15.4, an iMac Late 2015 with OS 10.14.6 and a Mac Mini Late 2012 with OS 10.15.4. The first two Macs achieve a D/L speed of 28 Mbs U/L sppe...
In answer to some of your questions - the prior answer was not from me - is as follows:
• Orbi Firmware: 2.5.1.16
• Cable Modem ARRIS Touchstone TM3402A (it's DOCSIS 3.1 and was replaced about 10 days ago as part of troubleshooting - made no difference) It is located about 3 feet from the RBR50 and connected via Ethernet.
• My MacMini is about 10 feet from the Orbi base, the RBR50. When I place the MacBookPro next to the Mini, the MacBookPro has a speed of 28 Mbs.
• Connecting the ARRIS to my Mac Mini via Ethernet produces as D/L Speed of 28 Mbs. Unfortunately, when I usethe Ethernet cable,the ARRIS is appears to disable the WiFi.
The other Orbi (RBS50s) are located 30 to 50 feet away and provide 28 Mbs speeds to the other two Macs - the MacBookPro and an iMac.
What mode is the Arris modem running in? This is a gateway modem with built in router and wifi already:
https://www.cox.com/residential/support/arris-tm3402.html
This would be a double NAT (two router) condition which isn't recommended. https://kb.netgear.com/30186/What-is-Double-NAT
https://kb.netgear.com/30187/How-to-fix-issues-with-Double-NAT
Couple 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&app=desktop
When placing laptops or mobile devices near the base or RBS, be sure to turn OFF the wifi radios on the device for aboug 5 seconds then back ON. This ensures the device connects to the nearest signal source and not remain connected to a farther signal source.
FURRYe38:
A super thank you for the information. After reviewing the references to the ARRIS you provided (I really appreciatre those documentation links) the best I can determine the 3402A is NOT a router just a cable modem. I see no references to any WiFi or WiFi settings in any of the documentation. Also, unfortunately, my cable company (MorrisBroadband) is a small Provider and they don't seem to have anyone who has a clue on the ARRIS setup and specifications. In fact, thanks to your references one question was answered. In troubleshooting the MacMini speed I connected the ARRIS via Ethernet to the MacMini and obtained the 28 Mbsd download. However, in the process the Ethernet signal to the ORBI disappeared. MorrisBroadband didn't have any idea why that happened. But, according to the documnentation you provided, only one Ethernet port on the ARRIS can be active ay any one time. Seems that I might be able to obtain the 28 Mbs download by connecting my MacMini via Ethernet to my RBR50. Does that make sense? I don't think I'd want to keep an Ethernet connection since I believe in using WiFi or Bluetooth wherevere possible since I am located in a very high thunderstorm area with frequent lightening strikes.
Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated but I have to admit much for your detailed suggestions went beyond my technical expertise.