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kciociola's avatar
kciociola
Aspirant
Feb 03, 2023

When PC is off, ethernet ports on Orbi RBR50 don't work

I have a (1) Lenovo Windows PC (connected to ethernet via a docking station) and (2) ethernet hub connected to separate ports on the back of an Orbi RBR50. The third port is unused.

 

Whenever the PC is off (it periodically turns off when completing automatic updates), all of the ethernet ports on the router don't seem to work. This means that the hub, which serves my NAS, WiFi security cameras and home automation system don't work either.

 

I have no idea where to begin to even troubleshoot this. It doesn't make sense to me that a single device connected to an ethernet port on the router could be responsible for affecting the connection of the other ethernet ports on the router.

 

Any clues as to where I should start my search? Thanks!

6 Replies

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  • FURRYe38's avatar
    FURRYe38
    Guru
    Feb 03, 2023

    What Firmware version is currently loaded?
    What is the Mfr and model# of the Internet Service Providers modem/ONT the NG router is connected too?
    Be sure your using a good quality LAN cable between the modem and router. CAT6 is recommended. 

     

    What are these "hubs" connected in back? 

    What CAT# LAN cable are you using between devices?

     

     

    Has a power off for 1 minute then back ON with the ISP modem and router been performed since last update?
    Be sure to restart your network in this sequence:
    Turn off and unplug modem.
    Turn off router and computers.
    Plug in and turn on modem. Wait 2 minutes for it to connect.
    Turn on the router and wait 2 minutes for it to connect.
    Turn on computers and rest of network.

     

    Disconnect everything accept for one wired PC. Then graduate adding a device and test the ports. 

     

     

    • kciociola's avatar
      kciociola
      Aspirant
      Feb 04, 2023

      Orbi firmware: 2.7.4.24

      Modem: Arris TM1602A

      Hub: Netgear GS305v3

      Everything is connected with CAT5

       

      First thing I did was to check the firmware of the router to make sure there were no updates.

      I haven't done the power cycling routine since any updates, but this is a problem that predates any LAN hardware updates—in fact, I think this is a "Day One" issue with the Orbi. The PC is rarely off, but when it does turn off, I lose connectivity to the hub.

       

      I'll find time to follow your troubleshooting steps. Thank you for the tip!

      • FURRYe38's avatar
        FURRYe38
        Guru
        Feb 05, 2023

        Disconnect the GS-305 swtich then connect everything to the RBR.

        I would upgrade the cables to CAT6. CAT5 is only officially supporting of 100Mpbs, not 1000Mpbs. 

  • KevinLiT's avatar
    KevinLiT
    NETGEAR Moderator
    Feb 03, 2023

    Hello kciociola,

     

    Welcome to the NETGEAR Community!

     

    I understand that you are using a dock for your Lenovo laptop. Please try removing your Orbi router from your network and attempting to connect directly to your ISP router's ethernet port. If this does not work then it could be the docking station or the ethernet cable that connects your laptop docking station to your Orbi's ethernet port.

     

    Best,

    Kevin

    Community Team

  • CrimpOn's avatar
    CrimpOn
    Guru
    Feb 03, 2023

    Would like to know the specific model of Lenovo laptop and docking station.  Thanks.