CTS/RTS and "hidden node problem"

Guru - Experienced User

Mar 05, 2022

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?

Jimbo84 wrote:

Hey all

I have my CTS/RTS value set to 2100. I recently changed the setup on the RBK752 to use a wired backhaul (15m CAT6a run). I've reduced 2.4Ghz power to 25% and 5Ghz power to 50%. I have zero collisions reported by Orbi on the WAN, LAN or WiFi interfaces. And I get a nice hand off between the RBR and RBS when moving around.

My question - does a 2 node setup, with wired backhaul, suffer from the "hidden node problem"? I was looking on Wikipedia and the example given shows 3 stations communicating with each other. As the RBK752 is a 2 node kit, am I safe to assume this is not an issue here?

Would the more knowledage suggest increasing CTS/RTS to stop unneccessary overhead on the network? I don't think I'd disable it fully, but perhaps increase it a bit more?

The reason I had lowered the value is that in the early days of Orbi ownership I had trouble with phone calls over WiFi. Calls would go silent, drop off completely, or voices would sound garbled (Android 11 / Android 12 devices). But saying as I'm now wired on the backhaul and seeing there are no collisions I thought I'd ask to see if upping CTS/RTS would be a wise decision? :smileyhappy:

Thanks.

Jimbo84
Apprentice
Mar 05, 2022
Hi FURRYe38 - it is running the beta FW (v4.6.7.5). The ISP Edge Router is a Zyxel NR7101. It is a 5G external POE Router.

Thanks.
- FURRYe38
  Guru - Experienced User
  Mar 05, 2022
  Has a factory reset been performed since last FW update?
  
  Is the Orbi in router mode or AP mode with this ISP modem/router?
  
  If router mode on the RBR, have you tried setting up the DMZ on the ISP Modem for the RBR if the modem is in router mode?
  - Jimbo84
    Apprentice
    Mar 06, 2022
    FURRYe38I will do a factory reset as per the other topic as I do want to iron out the glitch with the 2.4GHz connectivity problem. I know we're going slightly off topic here so I do apologise but... at the moment, no, both the Orbi and the Zyxel are in "router mode". I have manually disabled DHCP, WiFi, etc on the Zyxel and then turned off NAT on the Orbi. However, I do plan on doing it "correctly" - so I am looking to enable IP Passthrough on the Zyxel - and basically handoff the ISP/WAN IP to the Orbi. The Zyxel then just becomes a modem.
    
    I wanted to ask more knowledgable people such as yourself - When I come to turn this on, the Zyxel asks for a fixed MAC address of the LAN client. As I understand it, this would be the RBR. Would I add the MAC address of the WAN/Internet port for the Orbi, or the actual MAC of the RBR unit?
    
    At the moment I have also have a static IP setup on the Zyxel for the Orbi WAN port, which is in the same IP range as the Zyxel (192.168.1.x). Within "Advanced > Internet Setup" on the Orbi, I then have that IP address added under "Internet IP Address" field. And the Zyxel Router IP I have in the Gateway field.
    
    Will I need to change any of that when enabling IP Passthrough? Do I set the "Internet IP Address" back to "Get Dynamically IP Address From Router"?
    
    And lastly would I need to change any of the ethernet cables around or do they stay connected just the same as now?
    
    In my mind I'm thinking:
    
    Remove Static IP entry on Zyxel
    Enable IP Passthrough on Zyxel (unsure as to which MAC address to use however)
    Set Orbi Internet settings back to "Get Dynamically IP Address From Router"
    Reboot Orbi RBR and then reboot Orbi RBS
    Thanks. :smileyhappy:

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CTS/RTS and "hidden node problem"