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Issues connecting AP to Orbi network
I have an Orbi network (RBR750 and two RBS750 satellites). In itself, this works great.
I want to connect an access point to the network. I am trying to use a Netgear WAX204 in AP mode. The AP is wired via ethernet to the Orbi (via a couple of switches), and is broadcasting a separate SSID to the Orbi.
This is not working. Any device connecting to the AP's wifi (or directly via ethernet to the AP) is unable to access the internet (or any devices on the Orbi LAN).
I ... think... the issue is that the Orbi router is refusing to give the AP device an IP address (or otherwise letting it register itself... somehow). My theory is based on:
- Logging into the AP's web interface, I can see that it is trying to use 192.168.1.1 as its IP, which would conflict with the Orbi router and would not have been issued to it. It also shows blanks for the DHCP lease details, so again I don't think it's being given an IP by the Orbi router. LED light on the AP is irregularly flashing Orange.
- Connecting the AP to my phone via Ethernet tethering works fine. Devices connecting to the AP can access the internet via the phone's WAN. LED light on the AP is Green.
As such, I think the issue is something to do with the Orbi router. Can anyone recommend what settings I might check? I am a personal user and not hugely experienced in networking.
Once its attached to the router and has its own ip address assigned, can you set it with a reserved ip address?
Once thats done, power it off and try connecting it directly to the satellite and powering it on.
If that works, then try it through the switch.
15 Replies
I know this sounds stupid but that AP has a router mode and an access point mode. Have you checked to ensure its actually in access point mode?
https://www.netgear.com/support/product/wax204.aspx
Hi
Not at all, I appreciate any efforts to help. And I apprecaite why you are asking the question, as I know what I am describing sounds like I've left it in router mode.
I can confirm that it is definitely in AP mode. It actually has three modes - (1) Router (2) AP and (3) Bridge. It's in AP mode.
I'll try and get a screenshot (just have to jump on my other PC).
In ap mode, the primary router should be assigning an IP address to it and the AP not trying to pull its own.
I've got a similar ap (WAX218) and it has no issues connecting to my orbi router.Is there a smart switch or other controller in there?
What firmware is on the WAX?
did you try factory resetting the WAX and starting over?
Just adding some more information.
Upon plugging in and turning on the AP, every device connected to that satellite (the one the AP is connected to) loses internet connectivity. This includes devices connected directly (via switch) to the satellite themselves (e.g. my PC).
After turning off the AP, the same devices will (eventually) get their internet connection back. I also observed the Orbi Satellite rebooting (the Blue LED comes on as it does when it first boots up).
I just can't work out how to diagnose this.
Also yes, I did reset the device back to factory settings before I tried to use it. I also updated the firmware.
Again, not to ask dumb questions but what happens if you directly connect the WAX to the orbi router. Make sure the you're connect the internet connection to the WAX's WAN port.
>Again, not to ask dumb questions but what happens if you directly connect the WAX to the orbi router. Make sure the you're connect the internet connection to the WAX's WAN port.
Ah - OK. Progress. Plugging it into the Orbi router seems to work as expected. It functions as an AP just fine.
However, that's not exactly what I want to do. I want this access point to be a "direct line" to my PC (for my VR headset). As such, I really want to connect it to the the same switch which connects to my PC (and the Orbi satellite). The problem is doing that seems to kill everything coming off that Satellite.
Any idea why? I can't see why it would work when connected to the router but not when connected to the satellite.
Really appreciate the help by the way.
Once its attached to the router and has its own ip address assigned, can you set it with a reserved ip address?
Once thats done, power it off and try connecting it directly to the satellite and powering it on.
If that works, then try it through the switch.