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NathanHH's avatar
NathanHH
Aspirant
Nov 18, 2020

Devices only connecting to RBS753 and not the 2 x RBS. Wi-fi Dropping.

Thank you in advance for any help and suggestions.
 
I have the RBR753 (router + 2 satellites)
NETGEAR Orbi Whole Home Tri-Band Mesh WiFi 6 System (RBK753) - Router with 2 Satellite Extenders, Coverage up to 6,000 sq. ft. and 40+ Devices, 11AX Mesh AX4200 WiFi (Upto 4.2 Gbps)
 
Issues
  1. Connection to Orbi wi-fi drops when well within range. Switching off and on wi-fi on the device eventually resolves it.
  2. Connection to Orbi wi-fi remains but Internet traffic fails. Switching on and off wi-fi on the device resolves it.
  3. Devices dont connect to the closest satellite. The devices are connecting to ONLY the RBR753 router and not the satellites. The RBR753 is the furthest away from the devices.
  4. Devices sometimes show as wired in the Orbi app/web gui when they are on wi-fi.
 
Other Info
  • RBR753 in router mode
  • When devices are close to the RBR753 router there does not seem to be any issues.
  • The routers are connected by an Ethernet backhaul and appear as good in the web gui.
  • All devices are within 20 feet of a satellite.
  • All devices support 2.5 and 5.
  • Tried reboots, changing the channel for 2.5 and 5. Changing the MTU. Not many other wifi networks and wifi analyzer shows they are not on the same channels for 2.4 or 5. Have not done manual firmware update, hard reset or tried changing the power output yet.
  • Using DrayTek Vigor 130 Modem connecting to BT
  • Home is 4500 sq/feet (7 bedroom over 3 floors) but I want to have coverage in outside area so 5000 sq/feet
  • The RBR753 router on the top floor and is 16 feet from RBR753 satellite 1 in the middle floor and RBR753 router on the top floor is 40 Feet from RBR753 satellite 2 on the ground floor.
  • RBR753 Router Firmware Version V3.2.16.6_1.4.4
  • RBS750 satellite Firmware Version V3.2.16.6

 

I have an Orbi RBK53 with sats at another property that works flawlessly!

10 Replies

  • FURRYe38's avatar
    FURRYe38
    Guru
    Nov 19, 2020

    30 feet or more is recommended in between RBR and RBS to begin with depending upon building materials when wirelessly connected. 16 feet is too close. 

     

    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

    • NathanHH's avatar
      NathanHH
      Aspirant
      Nov 19, 2020

      Thank you for your feedback. 

       

      I spoke to netgear support and they said that at 16 feet it is ok because its wired. Do you think that is wrong?

       

      I manual flashed the firmware and the devices started to connect to the satallites but they dont always connect to the closest.

       

      I tried turing down the power to 50% and this didnt seem to change much.

       

      Connections close to main router have never dropped.

       

      Wi-fi still dropped when using iphone.

      • FURRYe38's avatar
        FURRYe38
        Guru
        Nov 19, 2020

        Well, not sure where they go there info from. Regardless of how the RBS are connected. The distance should still be at least 30 feet. The RBR or RBS signal alone can travel up to 30 feet and farther. Having two source signals close to each other would be like having 4 poeple standing close to each other, two pairs trying to have a conversation and understand with out any interference from the other two who are talking about something else. Kinda noisy and distracting. 

         

        There is kind of a wifi signal over lap sweet spot between the RBR and RBS that has to be included. 16 feet is just too close. 

         

        Building materials also are a factor as well.