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Forum Discussion
Secure Network
While connected to the Orbi network, every website I try to go to and even on my cell phone, tells me it cannot connect do to the network not being secure. Whenever I disconnect from the Orbi network...
If you are using an ISP modem router, in router mode, and are having issues, reboot the router and try setting up again, using the Orbi app. When the Orbi is setting up, choose Access Point, as your router is distributing IP addresses. Or, disable the router and WIFI functions in the Nighthawk router and configure the Orbi router for router mode. The important step, that most people ignore, is rebooting the ISP or existing router.
Depending on what service you have (ISP modem or ONT), you can remove the secondary router and use the Orbi as the main router, plugged into the ONT or ISP modem.
I know no one wants to hear this, but problems with the Orbi systems are caused maybe 10% of the time by the Orbi and the rest of the time by, not just limited to, the following:
Purchased used Orbi and did not factory reset
Did not reboot ISP modem
Did not disconnect devices
bad switch
bad cabling
radio interference
misconfiguration
and the biggest, novice not understanding how to set up the system.
90% of the time an orbi system successfully installs, when the user follows the Orbi app instructions verbatim.
Here are the steps we basically use for a successful install:
reboot ISP modem
If router unplug all other LAN devices, switches and cables from the ISP modem/router
plug the orbi router into the ISP modem
Only turn on the Orbi router, (factory reset, if used or not sure)
Use the Orbi app and follow the setup instructions
Once Orbi router is successfully installed, turn on satellites, one at a time in the same room as the orbi router, and follow app instructions for installing the satellite
Once satellite is installed, configure the rest of the satellites, one at a time, the same way.
Once all satellites are configured, move them to your desired location.
Now you are ready to plug in your wired devices and setup your Wireless devices.
Forget networks on each wireless device, before logging into the Orbi WIFI.
I 90% guarantee if you follow this verbatim, you will have a successful install. I know this as we install most brands mesh systems, on a regular basis, and they all have the same user error problems.
We choose Orbi because of the features, quality, speed and EASE of install, setup and use. No I'm not affiliated with Netgear.
Thanks for the very detailed answer. I need just a little bit more help before I try. I have a fiber internet connection which (I guess) is ONT. I do not have an ISP modem in my apartment, just the internet cable coming from a box on the terrace which supplies several apartments. So I wouldn't know how to reboot the modem as I don't have access to this unit and it is managed remotely by the ISP.
Any suggestions?
Secondly this is a new modem (not preused) that comes out of the box - should I still try a reset? The rest of the instructions can be followed. I tried to use the app but kept getting a try again message, after which I set it up manually (not much to enter actually) and had exactly the same settings as the previous nighthawk - which was working perfectly (hence the confusion). I am not an expert but not a novice either. With the manual configuration the internet was working fine, as were the satellite but all browsers show a not secure error and the other devices will not connect.
Thanks in advance.
Any suggestions?
Secondly this is a new modem (not preused) that comes out of the box - should I still try a reset? The rest of the instructions can be followed. I tried to use the app but kept getting a try again message, after which I set it up manually (not much to enter actually) and had exactly the same settings as the previous nighthawk - which was working perfectly (hence the confusion). I am not an expert but not a novice either. With the manual configuration the internet was working fine, as were the satellite but all browsers show a not secure error and the other devices will not connect.
Thanks in advance.
Since an ONT will deliver 1 IP address unless a group of IP addresses were purchased by the apartment complex, more than likely the box you are referring to is either a smart switch or router. You can either install the Orbi as a router and it will pull an IP address from the "Box" create it's own DHCP server for your system. If you setup as an Access Point, you will be on the apartment's network, able to see whatever is also connected to that network. So in case I suggest the router setup.
I agree with Mstrbig that this sounds very much like the apartment building has one internet feed which is shared with multiple units.
This will be confirmed when the Orbi is set up. Look at the internet (WAN) IP address. If it is a "private" address, then you are connected to a router that is furnishing internet to more than one unit. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Private_network
This might be a good time to become aware that some internet applications will fail in this situation, which is called a "Double NAT". A Google search will turn up specifics, such as Netgear mentions in this article: https://kb.netgear.com/30186/What-is-Double-NAT
Note that because you have no access to that device, you have no means of eliminating the effects of the Double NAT. Putting the Orbi into access point (AP) mode will accomplish nothing because you cannot alter the building router.
So, internet gaming, VPN access to your apartment remotely, hosting a server (port forwarding), etc. are not possible.
The "good news" is that you may have no interest in doing any of those things and will never notice a problem. You will just be aware so when the grandkids come over and whine, "My XBox game won't play right," you can say, "Time to go outside and play catch."
In this case it would be the teenager with his PS4 :D.
Looking at your post, I seem to be shifting towards the possibility of having to buy another ISP line, which I might do if all else fails, but obviously want to avoid getting one more line where I have the modem in my premises due to a double cost, and (currently) absolutely no need for two connections.
Regards and thanks.
M
Thanks MrBig,
My son has online classes so the first attempt I can make will be Sunday. I saw some solution here which indicates to switch to router mode for the Orbi, which will be my very first try to see if it will work, just as you suggested.
I am still waiting for a response from Netgear support and if something comes in the meanwhile will post it here.
Will update the situation by Sunday evening or Monday, hopefully using a combination of various tricks I will be able to solve this issue. IF you don't mind, could you advise whether a factory reset is in order?
Also, do you recommend to change the default SSID / password combination to what I had for my previous Nighthawk Router, or is it easier to start a new SSID and reconfigure all my devices....
Once again, thanks for your support.
Regards,
Milind
NirmalM wrote:Also, do you recommend to change the default SSID / password combination to what I had for my previous Nighthawk Router, or is it easier to start a new SSID and reconfigure all my devices....
Every time I replace my WiFi router I give the new one exactly the same SSID/password as the one that is being replaced:
- This means that all of my devices will connect automatically without having to be reconfigured, and
- If I decide "this was a mistake. I want to go back", all I have to do is swap the old WiFi system back in and all devices will connect to it automatically.
