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Forum Discussion
RBW30 Crippling Certain Devices
I'm having issues with an RBW30 that I added to an exisiting RBR20/RBS20. It seems that certain devices are rendered unusable when they are connected through the RBW30 but not through either of the other units. I added the RBW30 back in May and have been trying to troubleshoot the problem on and off since. I have tried several different firmwares, and am currently on the most recent (2.6.1.6), multiple factory resets, and a full reset and setup of the entire Orbi network. I have RMAd an RBW30 and the new unit has the same issue. This is most certainly an issue with the RBW30 itself and not the connected devices in question. When connected to the RBW30, the devices will be unresponsive and the Orbi App will show a link rate of 1 Mbps. If I unplug the RBW30, the devices will connect to either the RBR20/RBS20, funciton as expected and show a reasonable link rate (e.g. 72 Mbps). While my RBS20 is typically on ethernet backhaul, I have relocated it to where I plug in the RBW30 and do not have any issues with the devices in question (suggesting its not a wireless backhaul problem). I added the RBW30 to extend range toward the front of my house and increase the link rate to a couple of my security cameras. Unfortunately the RBW30 seems unwilling to handle the data transfer. I've tried several settings configurations, but have not found any success. Are there any suggestions? If it matters, the devices having issues include Ring Stick Up Cams, and a Fanimation smart fan. A ring doorbell also operates inconsitently (but not in the same way) when connected through the RBW30. All devices operate on 2.4 GHz. I realize Ring and Orbi haven't always cooperated well, but recent Orbi firmware updates seems to have generally fixed that. I have 6 ring cameras and all of them function when connected through the RBR/RBS20, but will not function when connected through the RBW30. Is there any hope here of getting this working, or do I need to try to fight for a refund.
12 Replies
What Firmware version is currently loaded on the main Orbi system?
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 wirelessly connected.
https://kb.netgear.com/31029/Where-should-I-place-my-Orbi-satelliteTry disabling the following and see:
Armor, Circle, Daisy Chain, Fast Roaming, IPv6 and Set 20/40Mhz Coexistence to 40Mhz only. Set Short preamble instead of Long preamble modes. Save settings and reboot the router and satellite(s).What happens if you turn OFF the RBS and leave the RBW running?
I believe all firmware is the latest release for each device (though I'll repeat that this issue has persisted across a few upgrades now).
RBR20 - 2.5.1.16
RBS20 - 2.6.1.38 (updated within the past couple of days)
RBW30 - 2.6.1.6 (updated last week)
House is ~3400 sqft. Distance is probably between 30-40 feet. The RBS was on ethernet backhaul prior to my recent test. The RBW was reporting good backhaul connection at all locations tested. The devices in question are 15-20 feet line of sight through a window to the RBW30 locaion(s).
When the RBW30 is removed the devices will connect to other access points, further away and show link rates greater than 1 Mbps, but between 10-15 probably due to distance from say the RBR20.
Armor and circle aren't used. Daisy chain has been on, but the devices never connected in daisy chain mode. Fast roaming and ipv6 have been on. 20/40 coexistance has been disabled (turning coexistence on seems to give a general problem with the ring devices that otherwise work when it's off). I tried the short preamble the other day and had no improvment. I can try some testing with the fast roaming, ipv6, and preamble.
Good question on the removal of the RBS and using the RBW only. I have not tried that configuration, but will give it a go later today and report back.
Has a factory reset been performed on the RBW since last FW update?
Just did a quick test swapping in the RBW30 for the RBS20 and the link rate for the camera went from 72 Mbps (RBS20) to 1 Mbps (RBW30) and now doesn't function. The location of the RBS20 and the RBW30 in this test were identical and both used wireless backhaul.
I can play with the settings more later, but unless there is a setting that woudl explicitly impact the RBW30 then this behavior seems strange.
Tried all the settings changes, individually and in a group and they had no impact. Tried another factory reset on the RBW30 and no impact. When a ring camera connects to the RBW30, the link rate goes to 1 Mbps and the camera does not function. If I unplug the RBW30, the cameras reconnect to an RBR/RBS20 (which is further away) and show a linke rate between 50 and 72 Mbps and work correctly.
One thing I did notice is that when the RBW30 is connect, the Orbi app will sometimes state the 2 satelites are due for a firmware update. When I click the link it says that my current firmware is 2.5.1.16 and that I can update to 2.6.1.6. As stated previously, the firmware on the RBS20 is 2.6.1.38 and the RBW30 firmware is 2.6.1.6, which can be confirmed both on the details listed in the network map of the app and on the web interface.
Does the RBW30 possibly somehow think its still on an older firmware. I've heard of configuration settings getting corrupted also. Is there something more potent than a factory reset?
Factory reset is the best and only way to reset and clear out things.
Possible the RBW is just faulty. Something I would return and ether find another one to try. or try something else, like another RBS20 if you can find one...EX7500/7700 work as alternative extenders for Orbi. Just not in a mesh configuration.
