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Forum Discussion
IainMcFarlane
May 07, 2020Star
Setting up Orbi backhaul
Hi all I have just bought the triple pack Orbi as my current Wi-fi is struggling to cope with demand. I am looking for advice on the configuration of backhaul I have planned. I had hoped to connect...
IainMcFarlane
May 11, 2020Star
So far so so I am afraid - getting all my 2.4 stuff back online is not happening easy, also seems to be dropping internet frequently, had put this down to firmware update but less sure . will persevere - need to work out how to switch of 5 Gz try to connect all the 2.4 stuff and see from there
FURRYe38
May 11, 2020Guru - Experienced User
If you need 2.4Ghz only SSID, Netgear provides a simple mechanism to accomplish this:
Log into the Orbi web interface (http://orbilogin.net)
Navigate to the Advanced Tab, Advanced Settings, Wireless Settings
Uncheck the box, "Broadcast SSID on 5G"
Click "Apply"
All devices that are currently connected to the Orbi will remain connected.
On the smartphone, go to wireless settings and "forget" the Orbi SSID
Search for available WiFi networks. Select the Orbi WiFi. Enter the password. and connect.
If you are curious about whether the smartphone is actually connected at 2.4G, you have to wait a few minutes, because the "Attached Devices" display takes a while to update.
Open the app and set up the 2.4G device.
Once the device is connected and working as it should, reverse the steps.
Check the "Broadcast" box and click "Apply"
"Forget" the Orbi WiFi. Search. Enter password. Connect.
Be aware that there seems to be a time limit with some iOS or Android devices that will connect to the 2.4Ghz radio for a short period of time before changing automatically to the 5Ghz SSID, even though it's been hidden. The SSID is hidden only, thus the signal is still present. So you might want to also change the power output of the 5Ghz radio to 25%. Then connect your mobile device at a distance from the RBR to ensure the mobile phone keeps connected to the 2.4Ghz radio. After you get the IoT device connected, re-configure the system back to where it was.
You might turn OFF RBS while working with the RBR and devices alone. If you can get it all connected. Then turn on the RBS.
- IainMcFarlaneMay 11, 2020Star
I have tried both options but to no avail- instanly lost 13 client connections on switching over. I have tried to change the ssid of the 5Ghz but for some reason its not sticking- can only assume something in firmware preventing! that was my last resort.
looks like its back in the box and I will just have to scratch my head and see what is what as it stands which is a shame.
- FURRYe38May 11, 2020Guru - Experienced User
Any chance you have your prior router? If you do, turn OFF the Orbi system temporarily. Turn on the prior router. YOu don't have to have it connected to the ISP Modem or anything. Be sure to set up the 2.4Ghz radio portion of the router for same SSID name and password as on the Orbi. Get your devices to connect to it. Once you have them connected. Turn ON the Orbi system and let it come to ready. Soon as the Orbi system is ready, turn OFF the prior router. Your devices should migrate over to the orbi wifi signal with out any hiccups. I had to do this once of a Amazon Dot I was trying to connect. :smileyindifferent:
- IainMcFarlaneMay 11, 2020Star
when I originally set-up the original 2.4 was on - I in effect did this by accident- Unfortunately its back in the box! which is a shame as I had great hopes for it! I never got the router off the solid magenta led ring after the initial set-up when it was blue, seemed strange as all connections were good and speed test showed almost full speed of my phone line!
I realise Netgears take on why they have set-up the UI the way they have, its just a shame it does not readily suit my wants and needs.
Off course its their porpogative to lock down the system as they please, but I cananot help ut think they are missing a tick a little.
I would alos say that I was very surprise at the difference in performance of the user interface between the Netgear and the ASUS router, it is surprisilngly night and day, in terms of usability and speed, but I guess that is to some degree opinion and expecation.
Thanks to everyone that contributed to my brief dabble with the Netgear Orbi it is very much appreciated.
Keep well all and I will keep a wee eye out on this thread for a day or so!
- IainMcFarlaneMay 11, 2020Star
I would add, it took literaly 30 seconds for me to get all 26 of my client nodes back up and running on bringing my old setup back to life- so notheing ventuted nothing gained, but zero harm done!!
- FURRYe38May 11, 2020Guru - Experienced User
Something to now try the Orbi RBR out if it's using the same SSID name and PW as your current router. If you can try this at some point.
- IainMcFarlaneMay 12, 2020StarTried Having them both running - and then switching off , tried dropping power on 5ghz tried everything I could think of really , guess the nature of my setup and needs just meant it’s not the product I need !
I assume they have disabled the ability to split the network SSID’s using telnet as even this did not work ? - FURRYe38May 12, 2020Guru - Experienced User
Ok, hoped that would have worked.
Running out of ideas.
- IainMcFarlaneMay 12, 2020StarYeah I tried every logical and some irrational things for the best part of 5 1/2 hours to get even 1 of the problematic items to mount !! Contacted retailer and after a bit of discussion they are collecting - will have to think of a plan b although some items appear to be in short supply !!
- FURRYe38May 13, 2020Guru - Experienced User
One last ditch effort you can try. You can try Voxels FW for Orbi:
https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi/Voxels-FW-available-for-50-series-Orbi-only-available/m-p/1883615#
You can revert back to stock FW if it doesn't work out for you. - IainMcFarlaneMay 13, 2020StarHi, will give it a read, but reluctant to do to much fulling as my current situation is it’s going back to supplier.
Thanks for helping, looks like I will just have to stick out poor throughput until this goes back I get my cash and I consider other options !
Again thanks for the input it is greatly appreciated ,
Regards
Iain - FURRYe38May 13, 2020Guru - Experienced User
Hopefully find someting that works well for you.
Good Luck. - IainMcFarlaneMay 13, 2020StarThanks
- FURRYe38May 13, 2020Guru - Experienced User
:smileywink: