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Forum Discussion
TJ_H
Jan 18, 2023Aspirant
Can you buy a standalone router? RBR850 router is dying, satelites are fine.
After two years of faithful service, my RBR850 router has started to die. However, the three satellites that I have are still totally fine. I'm hoping to replace just the router, and not buy a totall...
FURRYe38
Jan 18, 2023Guru - Experienced User
What is leading you to determine the RBR850 is going bad?
What FW are you using?
Might check NGs store to see if something is available. Only item I know if that is RBR only sold is the 9 series.
TJ_H
Jan 18, 2023Aspirant
Firmware is current, router is definitely EoL.
NetGear store does not sell my system any more, and would need to find something backwards compatible with older satellites.
- FURRYe38Jan 18, 2023Guru - Experienced User
The 8 series is definitely NOT EoL. NG is keeps releasing new FW every so often and is NOT on there EoL list.
Would be good to know what makes you think your unit is going bad...
What FW version is loaded? Current doesn't give details.
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 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 ‌‌🛰️What channels are you using? Auto?
Any Wifi Neighbors near by? If so, how many?- TJ_HJan 20, 2023Aspirant
Sorry, I used the wrong terminology there. My individual router is at the end of its life, not the product line as a whole. The router should have lasted longer, but did not. Sometimes in life that happens.
Firmware is current (V4.6.14.3_2.3.12), and the house floor plan and CAT 7 cable that were working before winter have not changed. This is pure and simple just a device that aged before it was supposed to, and is sadly no longer under warranty.
And just to get ahead of any follow-up questions, there is no problem with transmitting between the router and the satellites. Instead, the problem is that the router keeps dropping the internet signal throughout the day. The problem is not the modem (I spent about a month operating under the misconception that it was, and tried about 100 different fixes), nor is it the cable connecting the modem and router (swapped it out twice), the power supply for the router, or the ISP doing something silly during the day. My best guess is that the basement laundry room, next to an external un-insulated wall, has been a tough place for my router to live, and so it is dying before its time.
- FURRYe38Jan 20, 2023Guru - Experienced User
Have you tried the RBR in a different location or say at a neighbor, friend or families place to see if the problem follows?
Might move it out from the basement and up to a main or 2nd level floor.
Basements are not recommended places for ANY wifi router. Concrete and steel will cause problems.