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Forum Discussion
mkfein
Aug 02, 2019Star
WiFi Slow after 2-3 days until reboot?
I'm really at my wits end fighting with this Orbi System. I've read all the relevant forum posts I could find and am still struggling.
I have 200 Mb/s service from Xfinity. Orbi RBR50 is connected to a CM700 modem. Firmware is 2.3.5.30. Satellite is ~30 ft away from the router. Security is WPA2-PSK [AES] only.
All is great with my wired connections, I always get the full 200 Mb/s.
When things are running well I get consistent 180+ Mb/s WiFi speeds.
About every 2-3 days though, WiFi speeds drop to ~40 Mb/s on all my WiFi devices... even when on 5G right next to the router.
When the slowdown occurs, wired devices remain consistent at ~200 Mb/s.
After a reboot, WiFi speeds instantly return to ~180 Mb/s
I've tried a "hard reset" of the both the satellite and main Orbi.
I've tinkered with the channel settings... I have very little interance from neighbors.
I've tried tinkering with all the advanced options - Daisy Chain, MIMO, Beam forming, 20/40 coexistence, etc.
None of this has worked... like clockwork after 2-3 days it's back to "slow mode" of only 40 Mb/s... and after a reboot jumps right back to 180 Mb/s.
I'm capturing the logs (attached)... nothing looks remarkable?
We have the usual assortment of connected home devices -- 3 apple tv, 1 roku, 2 ring cams, 4 amazon echos, 4 ipads, 2 iphones, imac, 2 pc laptops, wink hub, 2 yamaha AVRs, Rachio, HP printer, 1 google home, sony bluray player, comcast DVR...
I'm out of ideas... and really frustrated with this Orbi system.
Help?
157 Replies
- ekhalilMaster1. What 5 GHz channel do you have set in Orbi?
2. Do you see the issue only with devices attached to Satellite or also to the Router?
3. Are you using wired or wireless backhaul (connection between Router and Satellite)?
4. Attached Google Home -and probably Amazon Echos- broadcasts wifi on the same channel as Orbi if Guest mode is enabled in those devices. Can you please disable Guest mode to test. If any of your other devices also does this then please switch it off for testing.Hi,
Thanks for the reply.
1.
2.4 GHz channel is 1
5 GHz channel is 36
Neither channel setting matters, I've tried them all...
2. It happens when attached to the main router, I'm not certain about the connection to the satellite. I can try to test that...
3. Backhaul is wireless.
4. Google Home Guest mode is set to off. The Amazon Echos (dots) don't have a guest mode
- ekhalilMasterWhich of your devices are wired?
Will you be able to disconnect all wired devices, reboot Orbi Router and see if you’ll still see the same issue with wireless devices after few days?
- Retired_Member
mkfein wrote:I'm really at my wits end fighting with this Orbi System. I've read all the relevant forum posts I could find and am still struggling.
I have 200 Mb/s service from Xfinity. Orbi RBR50 is connected to a CM700 modem. Firmware is 2.3.5.30. Satellite is ~30 ft away from the router. Security is WPA2-PSK [AES] only.
https://www.netgear.com/search-netgear.aspx?q=2.3.5.30
Can you explain further? I'm not sure what this link is supposed to tell me? That there are other issues with V2.3.5.30 ?
- Retired_Member
mkfein wrote:Can you explain further? I'm not sure what this link is supposed to tell me? That there are other issues with V2.3.5.30 ?
Yes....others have been reporting problems since it's release. I'm amazed at the number of folks who have been in this community long enough to know this, yet they still insist on avoiding this possiblity.
- jeremyblewisAspirant
I'm just here to add that I see the same behavior described in this thread. I have Sonic fiber, with 500+ Mbps down/900+ MBps up when tested via orbi mobile app. After a router reboot, I see about 250 Mbps download speeds, but wait a few days and it's down to 40. Reboot the router, and right back to 250 Mbps. Firmware version v2.3.5.30
- FURRYe38Guru - Experienced User
Do you see near spec speeds with wired connections or do they result in same slow down?
jeremyblewis wrote:I'm just here to add that I see the same behavior described in this thread. I have Sonic fiber, with 500+ Mbps down/900+ MBps up when tested via orbi mobile app. After a router reboot, I see about 250 Mbps download speeds, but wait a few days and it's down to 40. Reboot the router, and right back to 250 Mbps. Firmware version v2.3.5.30
- reidtaitTutor
Stumbled upon this thread while Googling this very issue -- I'm experiencing the same behaviour. I'll notice that my wireless internet speeds are around 40 or 50 mbps download, and a reboot of the system through the web UI will cause the same test from the same device in the same location to get download speeds of 400 to 500 mbps seconds later. In my case, it's devices that are connected to the satelite (haven't done enough troubleshooting to know if it affects the router too), and only wireless devices. My Apple TV which is wired to the satelite will show 500 mbps download speeds even when the wireless speed tests are showing a slowdown, and running a speed test through the Orbi app also shows me speeds expected speeds.
- FURRYe38Guru - Experienced User
What Firmware is currently loaded?
What is the Mfr and model# of the ISP modem the NG router is connected too?
What is the size of your home? Sq Ft?
What is the distance between the router and satellite(s)? 30 feet is recommended in between RBR and RBS to begin with depending upon building materials when wirelessly connected. https://kb.netgear.com/000036466/How-far-should-I-place-my-Orbi-satellite-from-my-Orbi-routerWhat channels are you using? Auto? Try setting manual channel 1, 6 or 11 on 2.4Ghz and any unused channel on 5Ghz.
Any Wifi Neighbors near by? If so, how many?Try enabling Beamforming and MIMO(MIMO may or maynot be needed) and WMM. Under Advanced Tab/Advanced Settings/Wireless Settings
Try disabling the following and see:
Armor, Circle, Daisy Chain, Fast Roaming, IPv6 and Set 20/40Mhz Coexistence to 40Mhz only. Save settings and reboot the router and satellite(s).Has a factory reset and setup from scratch been performed since last FW update?
https://kb.netgear.com/31486/How-do-I-reset-my-Orbi-system-to-factory-default-settings
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePZSc7vnRlQPower OFF The ISP modem for 30 seconds then back on then walk thru the setup wizard after doing a factory reset?
reidtait wrote:Stumbled upon this thread while Googling this very issue -- I'm experiencing the same behaviour. I'll notice that my wireless internet speeds are around 40 or 50 mbps download, and a reboot of the system through the web UI will cause the same test from the same device in the same location to get download speeds of 400 to 500 mbps seconds later. In my case, it's devices that are connected to the satelite (haven't done enough troubleshooting to know if it affects the router too), and only wireless devices. My Apple TV which is wired to the satelite will show 500 mbps download speeds even when the wireless speed tests are showing a slowdown, and running a speed test through the Orbi app also shows me speeds expected speeds.
- reidtaitTutor
Both the router and satelite are running firmware V2.3.5.30. The ISP modem is a Hitron CODA 4582 in bridge mode.
I live in a two-story townhouse that's about 150 sq. m. My router and sattelite are no more than 10 m apart, though they're on different levels of the house and have one or two walls between them. I don't think it's an issue with the wireless backhaul between the router and the satelite, as I'm getting the speeds I expect when I test on devices wired to the satelite.
I've already played around with changing the wireless channels for both bands. I'm currently using channels 3 and 44 for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz respectively, as they were the least congested by other networks around me. No matter which channel I choose, I still get the wireless speed slowdowns described after 2-3 days. My neighbourhood is congested with wireless networks, my computer shows strong signals from at least twenty other networks. I've tried both enabling and disabling 20/40 MHz coexistance, and that setting does not make a difference.
Beamforming, MIMI, and WMM are all enabled, and disabling any one of them has not solved the issue. None of Armor, Circle, Daisy Chain, Fast Roaming, or IPv6 are enabled. I performed a factory reset last week and am still observing the behaviour.
- Hutch4Initiate
Firmware - V2.3.5.30
Just an anecdotal observation. I have been struggling with the 'every 2 -3 day slowdown' for well over a year. I have done pretty much everything listed in this message list (74 and counting). The slow down only happens with my main router, not the satellite. I have multiple MACs in the same room as the main router. They were all ethernet connected. I noticed that they all had wifi turned on as well. Turned off wifi on all of them and I have now gone 2 weeks with no slow down. No idea why this has happened. I am loath to turn wifi back on to test if this is real or just a coincidence.
- FURRYe38Guru - Experienced User
Interesting find. Ya Mac WiFi is on and looking for wifi to connet too. Sure is add that they are causing this kind of slow done on the RBR when they are not actually connected. Give the turning them back on a try at some point to see if the problem appears. If your Macs are wired most of the time, ya, disable the WiFi radios on them. Seem to cause some interference problems. I keep mine off when the wifi isn't needed.
Thanks for sharing.
Hutch4 wrote:Firmware - V2.3.5.30
Just an anecdotal observation. I have been struggling with the 'every 2 -3 day slowdown' for well over a year. I have done pretty much everything listed in this message list (74 and counting). The slow down only happens with my main router, not the satellite. I have multiple MACs in the same room as the main router. They were all ethernet connected. I noticed that they all had wifi turned on as well. Turned off wifi on all of them and I have now gone 2 weeks with no slow down. No idea why this has happened. I am loath to turn wifi back on to test if this is real or just a coincidence.
- OUZYAspirant
To those whom is using RBK50 and Voxel's customized firmware. And has wifi speed drop down after reboot about 2-3 days later.
You can login the backend to set up cron job to schedule reboot.
Here is how and dependancy.
1. you are using Voxel's customized firmware or able to login by SSH.
2. login into the router such command like :
ssh -l root ip.address.of.your.router
input your password which same as you webui login password.
crontab -e
then press " i " for input. Here is the command.
00 02 1,4,7,10,13,16,19,22,25,28 * * /sbin/init 6
which means: “At 02:00 on day-of-month 1, 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19, 22, 25, and 28.” kill all process and reboot gracefully rather than forceful unmounts filesystems and restarts the system.
you can check here: https://crontab.guru/#00_02_1,4,7,10,13,16,19,22,25,28_*_*
then
press " Esc " and type " :wq "
to write to file and quit edit window.
to verify all set, you check as this command:
crontab -l
and you should see "00 02 1,4,7,10,13,16,19,22,25,28 * * /sbin/init 6" is there. The rest is wait and see.
Oh, btw, it looks like RBK router has not showing system up time on default homepage. But you can check it here:
- FURRYe38Guru - Experienced User
Thanks for posting this. Hope it helpful. My RBK50 in AP mode has same speeds with out a reboot.
NG doesn't show uptime on stock FW. However you can see using http://router IP address/debug.htm
- OUZYAspirantcan't edit my previous post. Here is update. 1. the linux system look like different from SUSE Linux or similar. 2. "nvram commit" was not save to storage before reboot. Don't figure why yet. 3. After reboot, the crontab job NOT existing anymore. ... Therefore, please ignore my previous post till has correct commit solution .
- FURRYe38Guru - Experienced User
:smileyfrustrated:
Thanks for letting us know. I would recommend fully testing your solutions out before posting. Ensure testing and end results meet your expectations. IF the solution fully works, please post here:
OUZY wrote:
can't edit my previous post. Here is update. 1. the linux system look like different from SUSE Linux or similar. 2. "nvram commit" was not save to storage before reboot. Don't figure why yet. 3. After reboot, the crontab job NOT existing anymore. ... Therefore, please ignore my previous post till has correct commit solution .
- eehirschGuideThis is my exact issue as well. Even after the company RMAd the router and both my satellites - still have the same issue. This is definitely a defect with the product. Any progress?
- Peter_summerAspirant
Same issue here, every 2 weeks I need to reboot the orby router. Internet speed is 40MB of 200MB.
After reboot the speed is ok for a few weeks.
FW: V2.5.2.4
Router RBR50
I alreday reset alle the settings to default , and set-up the router the default.
This did not help to solve the issue.
I hope netgear is taking this issue verry sirous. I alreday tried all the solutions in the forems. Nothing is solving my issue.
- Peter_summerAspirant
Today I installed my firmware to v2.7.0.70.
Lets hope this will solve the issue.
- eehirschGuideI have an RBR50v2 and two satellites. Same problem. Has the whole system RMAd and no difference. I finally gave up and put the router on a smart switch which turns it off every night at 4am for one minute. That "fixed" the problem. We should all file a class action suit to get our money back, considering Netgear Customer Service refuses to replace this with another model that does not have this issue. Anyone interested?
- alokeprasadMentor
Sounds like a memory leak (slow decline fixed by a reboot). Pure speculation on my part, FWIW.
See if latest firmware fixes that.
RBK50v2 downloads at https://www.netgear.com/support/product/RBK50v2#download
RBK50 downloads at https://www.netgear.com/support/product/RBK50#download
Be aware by reading other threads here of the problems encountered by people doing manual updates. There's some assurance if you are within the warranty period.
- fmalloyLuminary
I may have made progress on this. After examing/disconnecting/reconnecting all WiFi devices on the network, I had forgotten about the small NETGEAR USB WiFi adapter (WNDA3100v2) dongle, which is connected to a Dish Network satellite VIP 722k box for the purpose of updating the program guide at 3am every morning. It's hidden behind the TV so easy to forget about.
I disconnected/reconnected it, and went into the network config screen for the adapter in the Dish Network box. I saw four copies of my WiFi network SSID (same exact string) - two for 2.4GHz, and 2 for 5GHz. I wondered why there were two copies of the SSID. I can only guess that it sees the main channel, and also the satellite backhaul channel as separate networks? I don't know.
In any case, I changed the SSID to the other 5 GHz copy (same name) and since then have not seen the slow down (it's been weeks).
If this was causing the problem, quite ironic that the adapter is by NETGEAR.
You are completely right, I didn't buy stuff like TP Link Deco for $130 because surely this $300 NetGear device is the high quality stuff, plus its been out since 2016 all the bugs must have been fixed!
All I get is random disconnections and issues. I spent hours trying to fix this thing. I am telling everyone I know not to buy NetGear now. Routers are like printers, they kind of all suck unless you probably buy corporate stuff like Aruba or Meraki which has ludicrous prices(or subscritpion).
After many months of research the safest bet seems to be ZenMesh by Asus.
- FURRYe38Guru - Experienced User
My Orbi 50 series works well. No slow downs. Many factors that can cause wifi slow downs. No just FW.
- fc7737Aspirant
I have simiar problem.
I have Xfinity 100M internet service. My Orbi mesh router wireless attached devices become very slow speed every 7-10 days. They run less than 10-30mb/s when that happen. Wire attached devices are running fine.
After upgraded to V2.7.2.102, problem still exist... Now it happens consistanty every 2-3 days.
- FURRYe38Guru - Experienced User
What is the Mfr and model# of the Internet Service Providers modem/ONT the NG router is connected too?
Is the Orbi system operating in Router or AP mode?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-satelliteWhat channels are you using? Auto? Try setting manual channel 1, 6 or 11 on 2.4Ghz and any unused channel on 5Ghz.
Any Wifi Neighbors near by? If so, how many?Try enabling Beamforming and MIMO(MIMO may or may not be needed) and WMM. Under Advanced Tab/Advanced Settings/Wireless Settings
Not seen on Orbi AX.Try 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).One User Experience/Configuration:
https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi/Most-Stable-Orbi-Configuration/m-p/1941087/highlight/true#M97026You can find other speed diagnosis steps in the community faq: https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi-AX/Community-FAQ-My-Orbi-speeds-are-slow-inconsistent-and-don-t-my/m-p/1982974/highlight/true#M7849
https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi-AX/Community-FAQ-My-Orbi-port-forwarding-doesn-t-work/td-p/1984296/jump-to/first-unread-message
Has a factory reset and setup from scratch been performed since last FW update?
fc7737 wrote:I have simiar problem.
I have Xfinity 100M internet service. My Orbi mesh router wireless attached devices become very slow speed every 7-10 days. They run less than 10-30mb/s when that happen. Wire attached devices are running fine.
After upgraded to V2.7.2.102, problem still exist... Now it happens consistanty every 2-3 days.
Dear Furry - This thread has been going on for about 1.5 years. Why do you feel the need to post your same canned response to this issue? It is not helpful or very enlightening.
At this point I believe it is readily obvious the RBR 50 has a significant problem for some users regarding wifi speeds dropping for no apparent reason. This issue has continued to plague many users through multiple firmware updates. Turning on/off various setting, hard resets, etc. does nothing to solve this problem (As indicated by many posts herein.).
Sorry for the rant but the tone of your post seems to want to blame the user for something Netgear should analyze and provide a fix.
- ChuckieCheeseLuminary
Just want to add that as of August 2021, this issue still exists on my RBR50.
Doesn't matter what I do, Wifi speed will be only 25% of my ISP speed (U-verse -->120 Mbps) after 1-2 days.
Everything I have tried:
1). Tested with AT&T U-verse and Xfinity modems (I have both services)
2). Reboot and reset router and modems.
3). Firmware updates
4). Tried every possible wifi configuration (e.g. Disable / Enable Mimo, beamforming, change channel, etc.), reboot and unplug / plug router
5). Removed all devices and just have 1 device connected (laptop) and test the connection.
6). Test done through Google speed test, Fast.com and Speedtest.net and other sites
7). Speed test done with 4 MacBooks, 3 Windows laptops, 3 iPads, 3 iPhones and 4 Samsung phones.
6). Tried this over a course of a few weeks
You know what fixed it?
I borrowed my friend old ASUS router (RT-AX3000), configured it with the same SSID and number of devices and in the last couple days, NO wifi speed is halved across all 17 mobile devices and dozens IoT.
So with different router, I know it is NOT an issue with:
1). ISP modems
2). My devices (AppleTV, Mac, iPhone, smart vacuum, etc)
It's Netgear RBR50...
Just posting this to provide updates in case someone searched or Google this.
- FURRYe38Guru - Experienced User
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#
https://www.snbforums.com/threads/custom-firmware-build-for-orbi-a-la-faq.65224/
You can revert back to stock FW if it doesn't work out for you.
ChuckieCheese wrote:
Just want to add that as of August 2021, this issue still exists on my RBR50.
Doesn't matter what I do, Wifi speed will be only 25% of my ISP speed (U-verse -->120 Mbps) after 1-2 days.
Everything I have tried:
1). Tested with AT&T U-verse and Xfinity modems (I have both services)
2). Reboot and reset router and modems.
3). Firmware updates
4). Tried every possible wifi configuration (e.g. Disable / Enable Mimo, beamforming, change channel, etc.), reboot and unplug / plug router
5). Removed all devices and just have 1 device connected (laptop) and test the connection.
6). Test done through Google speed test, Fast.com and Speedtest.net and other sites
7). Speed test done with 4 MacBooks, 3 Windows laptops, 3 iPads, 3 iPhones and 4 Samsung phones.
6). Tried this over a course of a few weeks
You know what fixed it?
I borrowed my friend old ASUS router (RT-AX3000), configured it with the same SSID and number of devices and in the last couple days, NO wifi speed is halved across all 17 mobile devices and dozens IoT.
So with different router, I know it is NOT an issue with:
1). ISP modems
2). My devices (AppleTV, Mac, iPhone, smart vacuum, etc)
It's Netgear RBR50...
Just posting this to provide updates in case someone searched or Google this.
- orbcadGuideI have the exact same problem with my Orbi. About 3 or 4 days then speeds on the main router tank to 35mbps.
Only reboot fixes it. Very frustrating for such an expensive device. I had a cheap router before this that I needed to reboot 4 or 5 times a YEAR.- FURRYe38Guru - Experienced User
Has a factory reset and setup from scratch been performed since last FW update?
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.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?
orbcad wrote:
I have the exact same problem with my Orbi. About 3 or 4 days then speeds on the main router tank to 35mbps.
Only reboot fixes it. Very frustrating for such an expensive device. I had a cheap router before this that I needed to reboot 4 or 5 times a YEAR.