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Forum Discussion
Device Naming on Orbi WiFi 6 vs Orbi WiFi 5 & in General
Just got the Orbi WiFi 6 RBK853 kit. Issue with devices is present as it was with older RBK53 kit. On the RBK53 kit, it was firmware fixed but surprisingly the newer Orbi 6 has the same issue. List of device type selection on the iOS app is way less than what's on the web GUI yet the iOS app is what Netgears pushes as the better choice for using Orbi. And, the changes made on the web GUI don't stick on specific devices. So, basically stuck with choosing "Network Device" for device type on most devices in Orbi 6 as the other device types don't really apply (where are device types for smart speakers, sonos, smart plugs, smart watch, etc.) since they don't exist. And, if you choose from the list of device types on the web gui (say device type Apple TV it will deflect to Network Device on teh app since this device type doesn't exist on the app. When can we get this fixed?
Is there no QoS on Orbi 6. I'm able to run a speedtest under that option but nothing else - can't turn it ON.
When is Armor coming for Orbi 6?
7 Replies
What Firmware is currently loaded?
QoS is automatic on Orbi AC and AX. It just runs a speed test is all.
Try a different browser. I use Opera.
NG doesn't post when new features are forth coming. It took Orbi AC a good year or two before it was finally intro'd there. You'll just have to keep an eye on FW update release notes as they come out.
You can suggest your desires for Armor here though in mean time:
https://community.netgear.com/t5/Idea-Exchange-For-Home/idb-p/idea-exchange-for-home
Good Luck.
I'm on the latest firmware for Orbi - V 3.2.9.2
Device naming and device types is a very fundamental function of any router - particularly, modern routers. It should not take Netgear months or years to introducte a router that functions perfectly from the onset with respect to device naming and choosing device types. This new router doesn't include the same device naming and device type choosing that Orbi WiFi 5 just fixed and modified years after releasing their original Orbi. And, it's broken with respect to device naming and types sticking on the GUI side. There's no excuse for not having this working properly as it's basic to router usage/functionality.
On th QoS side, what difference would I see with another browser (i.e. Opera) if I already just see the Speetest here and QoS is actually turned ON by default?
Any news on WPA3 or mixed WPA2/WPA3 mode?
You'll have to contact NG support and let them know what your experiencing with the device naming. I'm not seeing this though mines in AP mode.
QoS has been a automatic function only seems to be enabled once the speedtest is triggered. For users on 1Gb ISP services it's recommended to not run the speed test and there is some debate on weather QoS is really needed or not on these kinds of ISP services. I have this service and haven't seen any issues with not having QoS enabled on any of my routers I've tested.
NG ran into problems with mixed WPA2 and WPA3. WPA3 is still in it's infancy so WPA3 needs to be fully developed and tested then certified for world wide use before router Mfrs can fully implement it. I presume once the bugs are fixed with WPA3 and those developers are done with it, then router mfrs will implement it as we need it to be. Until then, it is what it is. There isn't much support for WPA3 on the client HW side as of yet. Just Samsung and Apple iOS currently which mostly they in beta. I'm using iOS 13.3.1 currently and it doesn't connect when I set WPA3 on the RBR850. It' been reported to both NG and Apple.
If Orbi AX isn't working for your needs or experiences, you may want to return it and wait for the FW to mature a bit more.
