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Forum Discussion
Intermittent DNS Errors and WiFi Issues
I have had the Orbi AX6000 for a few months now. While there are many things I love about it (great wifi coverage, great speed, looks nice, software, ease of setup, etc.), there are two very frustra...
I just wanted to add my voice to those affected by this problem. I've had the Orbi RBR850 with two satellites for a couple of months now, and while the coverage and speed is everything I hoped it would be, I'm getting constant DNS issues of the type described in this thread. The issues are so apparent, and so consistent, that I'm surprised the product is sold in this state, least of all that they can issue new firmware releases that don't resolve this issue.
I'm still using the latest firmware available through the device itself (3.2.16.22) - I see from comments here that the newer version available for download doesn't resolve this issue so I haven't yet installed that one. If it did fix this, I would install it right away.
For now the only fix I've found (and it is a 100% fix) is to manually set the DNS servers on each device rather than relying on the Orbi to do it. I'm using Google's DNS servers (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4). That's obviously a nuisance and shouldn't be necessary but I'm gradually getting round all the devices in my house. At least that fix makes this product usable, as without it, I'd say it certainly is not fit for purpose.
What is the Mfr and model# of the Internet Service Providers modem/ONT the NG router is connected too?
Try the newer FW version and see.
Please make contact with NG support to express your concerns and them them know what your having problems with.
Garwoofoo wrote:I just wanted to add my voice to those affected by this problem. I've had the Orbi RBR850 with two satellites for a couple of months now, and while the coverage and speed is everything I hoped it would be, I'm getting constant DNS issues of the type described in this thread. The issues are so apparent, and so consistent, that I'm surprised the product is sold in this state, least of all that they can issue new firmware releases that don't resolve this issue.
I'm still using the latest firmware available through the device itself (3.2.16.22) - I see from comments here that the newer version available for download doesn't resolve this issue so I haven't yet installed that one. If it did fix this, I would install it right away.
For now the only fix I've found (and it is a 100% fix) is to manually set the DNS servers on each device rather than relying on the Orbi to do it. I'm using Google's DNS servers (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4). That's obviously a nuisance and shouldn't be necessary but I'm gradually getting round all the devices in my house. At least that fix makes this product usable, as without it, I'd say it certainly is not fit for purpose.
It's a Virgin Media Superhub 3 (I'm in the UK).
I'll upgrade the firmware and see what happens but I haven't seen anyone at all reporting that it fixes this problem so I'm not expecting anything. I'll let support know of my issues.
At this point I'm wondering if I'd be better off running the Orbi in AP mode and letting the Virgin Media router handle DNS requests.
- For me, upgrading the firmware made the dns error situation worse
Most Hubs are modems with built in routers and wifi. This would be a double NAT (two router) condition which isn't recommended. https://kb.netgear.com/30186/What-is-Double-NAT
https://kb.netgear.com/30187/How-to-fix-issues-with-Double-NAT
Couple of options,
1. Configure the modem for transparent bridge or modem only mode. Then use the Orbi router in router mode. You'll need to contact the ISP for help and information in regards to the modem being bridged correctly.
2. If you can't bridge the modem, disable ALL wifi radios on the modem, configure the modems DMZ/ExposedHost or IP Pass-Through for the IP address the Orbi router gets from the modem. Then you can use the Orbi router in Router mode.
3. Or disable all wifi radios on the modem and connect the Orbi router to the modem, configure AP mode on the Orbi router. https://kb.netgear.com/31218/How-do-I-configure-my-Orbi-router-to-act-as-an-access-point and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7LOcJ8GdDo&app=desktop
Garwoofoo wrote:It's a Virgin Media Superhub 3 (I'm in the UK).
I'll upgrade the firmware and see what happens but I haven't seen anyone at all reporting that it fixes this problem so I'm not expecting anything. I'll let support know of my issues.
At this point I'm wondering if I'd be better off running the Orbi in AP mode and letting the Virgin Media router handle DNS requests.
Yes, I've currently got the Hub in modem-only mode (your scenario 1). This means the Orbi is acting as the router but because it's not handling the DNS requests correctly, I am having my current issues.
I was considering changing to your option 3 (using the Virgin hub as the router, turning off the router's wifi and using the Orbi as an access point). This would mean the Virgin router handles the DNS requests and should resolve the current issue. I don't think this would cause a double NAT?
Or would the Orbi still cause DNS errors even when used in AP mode?
(Thanks for all your help by the way - I really appreciate it)