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Forum Discussion
New Nighthawk AX1800 MK63 Mesh WiFi 6 System dropouts and connection problems
1st question:
Moderator. Why is my model number not in the drop down list?
2nd Question:
We currently have the bog standard NBN router supplied by Telstra.
It barely covers my wife's separate art studio room 35m away 50% loss, and my shed 40m away @ 70% loss.
So, after talking to the guys at JBHiFi, we bought a Netgear AX1800 MK63 Nighthawk Mesh WiFi 6 System.
Unboxing and setup was simple. The APP was helpful and I connected direct to the Telstra router. Both WiFi units run side-by-side. Getting the satellites to link was time comsuming but did eventually occur.
Our smart TV still uses the Telstra WiFi.
When the system was up-and-running, all seemed fine. Both routers worked fine and satellites were connected to the mesh and signal strength was very good.
However, every so often, one or both satellites would drop out. Also, the internet connection to the MR60 Netgear router would randomly drop out.
Then the app could not connect to the router. I re-installed the app. I also re-booted the Netgear router (the Telstra router is still active and works just fine). After the re-install and re-boot, the system worked fine again.
Yesterday, the Netgear WiFI dropped out and stayed out. The router just sat there with the light blinking white. I unplugged everything, plugged it back in and it seems to be working fine again.
This is frustrating. I dont want to continually reset the router. Is there something I have sone wrong, or is the router faulty??
I'm ready to take it back to the store for a refund...
Paul../
2 Replies
1st questions.---you're not in the proper forum for your device. Could be why its not on the list.
https://community.netgear.com/t5/Nighthawk-Mesh-System/bd-p/en-home-nighthawk-mesh-system
2nd question. Its more complex.
A. what telstra gateway is it? The modem/router combo devices cause a double nat which can cause issues.
A double nat happens when you cascade more than 1 router.
https://kb.netgear.com/30186/What-is-Double-NAT
Fixes? There’s 3 options but only use 1.
1. Put the modem/gateway in modem only/pass through mode. This disables its routing functions.
2. Leave the modem/gateway in router mode but put the Netgears IP address into its DMZ. This forwards the data to the netgear. You can either leave the modem/gateway’s wireless enabled or disabled. Just make sure its using a different wifi channel to prevent interference
3. Put the Netgear into access point mode. This disables its routing functions. Wifi/ethernet still works but it does disable some features.
https://kb.netgear.com/26765/Which-features-are-disabled-on-my-NETGEAR-router-when-it-is-set-to-AP-ModeThis could be whats causing the periodic crops or issues with the app.
B. 35m and 40m is quite a bit of range. I'm pretty impressed the telstra is making it that far and that the netgear is as well. Exterior (as your post implies with 'seperate') walls do a great job of blocking wifi because they tend to be made from materials that are great at blocking wifi. Like metal siding, brick, concrete, have foil lined insulation, cement board, etc. So I'm a bit impressed it makes it that far through exterior walls. Any chance you have ethernet ran between the buildings? Or coax (could use a moca adapter)? If you can find a way to use the hardwired backhaul between router/satellites, you'll have much faster and more stable speeds.
Thanks for the reply.
I understand the implications of having such distances between buildings and the inherent problems that this configuration will bring. However, that's not the main issue here. The problem is that the internet keeps dropping out on the Netgear router that is connected (hard wired) to the Telstra router. Also, the app seems "buggy" in that it can't connect to the router even when the device with the app is connected to the router and the router is working fine.
Apologies for posting in the wrong place. I'm a noob to this stuff. I was following the white rabbit down the hole.
I'll repost in the link you provided.
Thanks again.
