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Forum Discussion
Loss of connection between satellites
I am currently running the Orbi wifi 6/6E system, with a router unit and satellite. I have noticed a consistent problem of maintaining the paired connection between devices, based on proximity to satellites. Examples:
-I use a Sonos system, with a series of different speakers throughout the house. When paired to one of the speakers/port units near one satellite, it will not allow connection to any units near the other satellite.
-When using the Apple Remote app on an IOS device/phone, the app will not connect to any Apple TV that is not close to the same satellite the phone is paired to. The app will work, effectively, only on devices near the same satellite the phone is connected to, and the other Apple TV's simply won't appear on the network until the phone is moved close enough to the other satellite.
In addition, there is a physical location, roughly midway between the two satellites, upon which the wireless will drop out, then reconnect.
It is effectively like the mesh system is not acting like a mesh, but two semi-independent access points. Make controlling Apple TVs inconvenient and using Sonos is extremely hit or miss.
As an FYI, I previously was running the Orbi Wifi 5 with three satellites to try to bridge the gap; the problem was the same both ways.
Thanks in advance.
7 Replies
the known Orbi - iPhone SE issues
Alas, I am not aware of any documented issues concerning Orbi routers and iPhone SE. There are some very long conversations about the new WiFi7 products and the very latest iPhone models:
WiFi 7 and iPhone 16 Pro Max along with wireless backhaul | NETGEAR Communities
Perhaps this particular iPhone SE has "WiFi issues". It might be interesting to experiment with other mobile devices (phones, tablets, laptops) to see if any other device displays the same problems that that specific iPhone SE did.
p.s. I envy that you have a working iPhone SE. I am one of the few who sincerely prefers a "small phone" and my Sony Xperia Compact died. There are zero Android phones with a size to match the iPhone SE.
Gotcha, nonetheless, I really appreciate your help. I think I have a new rabbit to chase down a hole on this one, hopefully it ends with a solution. Thanks again for your input and take care.
What model Orbi system do you have?
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?
Be sure your using a good quality LAN cable between the modem and router. CAT6A STP is recommended.What is the size of your home? Sq Ft?
What is the distance between the router 📡 and satellite(s)🛰️? 30 feet or more is recommended in between RBR 📡 and RBS 🛰️ to begin with depending upon building materials when wired or wirelessly connected.
https://kb.netgear.com/31029/Where-should-I-place-my-Orbi-satellite 🛰Does this happen with the RBS turned OFF?
Does this happen with both wireless and wired devices?
What channel configurations are currently set on the router?Be sure to disable any MAC Address randomizers on phones and pads while at home:
https://community.netgear.com/kb/en-orbi-knowledge-sharing/netgear-mobile-applications-and-androidapplewindows-devices-faq/2457046Thanks for responding:
iPhone SE
iPhone SE
Well, darn. There have been reports of "issues" with the latest Orbi models and the most recent iPhone models. iPhone SE is an older model (as is the Orbi 960).
It is really unusual for a mobile WiFi device to drop the WiFi signal completely when moving between Orbi router and satellite. This happens in both directions? (i.e. it is easily reproducible?)
Got a quick update: borrowed an iPad to run a comparison test against the iPhone SE:
Issue seems resolved when using a different device. The inability to keep connection to the Sonos when streaming direct from the device went away, inclusive of when streaming in the mentioned "drop out" wifi location. Issue with inability to recognize Apple TVs on different satellites also seems to be gone.
So, thanks to you, we seem to have narrowed it down to communication between Orbi and the iPhone. If you wouldn't mind, could you expound a bit on the known Orbi - iPhone SE issues?
previously was running the Orbi Wifi 5 with three satellites to try to bridge the gap; the problem was the same both ways.
The new WiFi6/6E system and the previous WiFi5 system both displayed the problem of (a) not being able to reach some devices and (b) the WiFi signal dropping?
Which specific iPhone model is this?
