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AX4200 daisy chain has stopped working
I have an RBK53 Orbi system, with one router and two satellites. I have the router hard wired to one satellite, and then the third satellite at the far end of the house (but closest to the second satellite) connecting wirelessly. For the last three months, the system automatically set the best configuration as daisy chain: router -> hard wired -> satellite 1 -> wireless -> satellite 2. For some reason, starting a few weeks ago the system dropped the daisy chain configuration and the second satellite tries to connect directly to the router. This connection is very faint, drops occassionally, and has low bandwidth when connected. The daisy chain setup was substantially faster and very stable. Nothing has changed in my setup - this just started happening randomly. I have tried multiple reboots, made sure I am on the latest firmware, and swapped the two satellite unit locations. Has anyone else experienced this? Any suggestions as to how I can get the system to return to a daisy chain configuration?
21 Replies
For some added detail, I have attached a screenshot of the connected satellites in the admin UI. You'll note that both connect to the router and the Bedroom connection is "Poor". However, the Bedroom satellite is much closer to the Living Room satellite then it is to the router. So, I'm not sure why it won't daisy chain and use that satellite for its connection.
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?Ensure the RBS FW is the same as whats loaded on the RBR.
Power OFF The RBS for 1 minute, then power ON the 1st RBS, let it sync. Then power ON the 2nd RBS.
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-satellite 📡- Current firmware is v4.6.3.16_2.0.51. I have confirmed all three units are on the same version.
- ISP modem is a Centurylink C3000Z.
- My entire home is around 3400 sq ft. The distance between router and satellite 1 (Living Room) is about 25 ft. Satellite 1 to 2 (Bedroom) is around 30ft. The router and satellites are all in a line, so the distance from satellite 2 (Bedroom) to router is 55+ ft, so I'm not sure why it keeps trying to connect, rather than connecting to the much closer satellite 1 (Living Room).
I tried the power cycling you recommended (I have done this several times previously), but it did not work. The satellite comes on, tries to connect to the router at 5GHz, which results in a Poort connection. After some time, it drops down to 2.4Gz which is considers a Good connection. The satellite will then toggle back and forth between 2.4 and 5 GHz, with the connection stability bouncing back and forth. For some reason, it won't just connect to the closer satellite.
I have used this exact Orbi layout for over two years now without issue, as the system correctly configured itself in a daisy chain. I had an older Orbi system which I upgraded in February, and the new one has also been working fine (daisy chain) since then. It is only the last couple of weeks that this has changed.
What happens if you configure the #1 RBS for wireless connection.
One thing you can try, try turning down the power output of the RBRs wifi radios from 100% to 50% and see if this changes anything. Under Advanced Tab/Advanced Settings/Wireless Settings
- Netgear called me on 9/23/21 as a follow up on my open case resulting from the forced update. Before the update, my second satellite daisy chained off the satellite closer to the rbr. After the update, both homerun back to the router. The further router shows a consistently good connection although wi-fi performance at the far end of the house is reduced. I told support about this and they're supposed to schedule another call to collect more debug logs.
I haven't cut the transmitter power because it worked before the update.Interesting. So this could be the result of a recent firmware update?
Yep.
Daisy chaining is enabled as default so don’t worry about it. Also, if any satellite is not found you will get to retry; just move it closer and hit try again. 👍 nicki minaj
