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Forum Discussion
jerryschwartz
Sep 26, 2017Apprentice
RBS50 weak signal
I was using Netgear's handy little WiFi Analytics Android tool to map out the signal strength in various parts of my house, and I found that the signal strength in my bedroom is only 86%. What makes ...
martyfp
Sep 27, 2017Luminary
It is possible that the phone is connected to the Router instead of the Satellite. (Perhaps they are a little too close together?)... I also think that when you get very close to either the satellite or router then the signal strength does drop due to near field effects, this is normal.
If you're using the latest firmware (2.0.0.74) then you can tell which devices are connected to the router or satellite in the "Attached Devices page"
If you turn off wifi on the phone then re-enable then it should connect to the stronger signal.
There is a new option in the Advanced wireless settings that enable "Fast Roaming", that should encourage your phone to switch between router and satellite more aggressively.
- jerryschwartzSep 27, 2017Apprentice
I do have fast roaming enabled. I will test this again, being careful to turn WiFi off and on. My phone may well be latched onto another satellite or the router. That's why I was wondering what the threshold might be for triggering a handoff.
- jerryschwartzSep 28, 2017ApprenticeMy phone seems to prefer a 5MHz connection even if there's a stronger 2.4Mhz signal available. I can tell that, because my phone can tell me the MAC address it's attached to. My sleuthing hits a bump there, because l can't find the MAC addresses for the router or satellites' 5Mhz band shown anywhere. I'll have to start disconnecting pieces of the gear one by one.
- AmitRSep 28, 2017NETGEAR Employee Retired
Orbi prefer the 5GHz channel by design. It's typically has the least congestion and is faster. If you have MR 2.0+ (and if you don't, you should upgrade), then you can see the Orbi Mac address on the Attached Devices page.
Orbi Product Team