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Forum Discussion
Netgear Orbi RBR850 - Loses internet connection
I'm so tired of Netgear Orbi routers! I previously had the RBR50 which used to lose internet connection often. When it worked, the speed was great but when it didn't (which was way too often), it had so many headaches.
I then decided to upgrade to the RBR850 and this has been a nightmare. It'd work for some time. then decide against working. I've had it for a year and it's really crapshoot. I blame myself for not knowing better and stupidly using the same brand I've had issues with. Of course, this would be my last Orbi router.
Anyways, to today's problem (which has been occurring for the full year I've had it). I have the RBR850 router (with 1 satellite) in AP mode (connected to a Verizon FiOS G1100 router). They're both on firmware version 4.6.8.2 and I use wireless backhaul. Randomly, the router would display a solid magenta (purple) color and just stop working. There was a period this was happening every 1-2 days and at times, multiple times a day. I would then restart and it'd be fixed for about a week. Eventually, I decided to a hard reset on the router and that fixed it for the last month (issue still occurred but was way less frequent - about once a week).
Yesterday, the issue came back with full force! My internet would work for about 10 minutes, then the magenta (purple) would show up and it'd stop working for about 5 minutes. Then, it'd start working again and rinse, repeat. I restarted but this time, it did nothing. I unplugged the router for about 15 minutes and plugged it back in. Same issues. It's likely I need to hard reset the router again because I'm not sure what else to try. Unfortunately, looks like my warranty expired earlier this month so I'm truly stuck. Currently, I've gone back to using my Verizon router for wifi and it's working perfectly. In fact, it's always worked perfectly as my devices connected via ethernet to it never have issues. Anyone able to help here pls?
26 Replies
If your having similar problems across two different systems, then you may have a problem up stream from the RBR if the RBR is showing PINK. That an indicator that the RBR has lost the connection to the ISP modem/ONT or the modem stopped giving services to the RBR or there maybe a bad cable.
https://kb.netgear.com/31030/What-do-the-LEDs-on-my-Orbi-mean
Have the ISP check there logs for any issues seen on there side when this happens.
Be sure your using a good quality LAN cable between the modem and router. CAT6 is recommended.
Have the ISP check the signal and line quality UP to the modem. Be sure the ISP provisions the modem correctly.
Be sure there are no coax cable line splitters in the between the modem and ISP service box.
Be sure your using good quality RG6 coax cable up to the modem.
Be sure to power OFF the modem for 1 minute then back ON.
https://www.duckware.com/tech/solving-intermittent-cable-modem-issues.htmlWhat 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 wirelessly connected.
https://kb.netgear.com/31029/Where-should-I-place-my-Orbi-satellite 📡What channels are you using? Auto? Try Auto and 48 on 5Ghz. Or try setting manual channel 1, 6 or 11 on 2.4Ghz and 40 to 48 channel on 5Ghz.
Any Wifi Neighbors near by? If so, how many?Update FW as well:
Thanks for the response
Just to clarify, the RBR50 wasn't turning purple. The issue with that was the satellite kept losing internet connection while staying connected to the router. So my devices connected to the satellite would have very slow or no internet connection. I eventually had to connect it to a smart plug to restart the satellite daily at 3am. So different issue with that router but equally frustrating.
I've changed the cable between the Verizon router and the Orbi a few times and I use CAT6. The ISP has checked a few times and it's always fine. Devices connected to the Verizon router via ethernet are always fine also. In fact, when I switch to using the router's wifi, I never have issues. So this is localized to the RBR850 and not an ISP or FiOS issue.
Home is 1450 sq ft. Distance between router and satellite is about 30ft. Using Auto on 2.4GHz and 48 on 5GHz,
I live in a condo so have a decent amount of neighbors. I live at the end of the hall though so fewest neighbors of anyone else. Seeing probably about 20 other WiFi networks with 5 strong signals.
Thanks for the firmware update link. The last firmware update did nothing to fix my issues (maybe even made it worse). Don't see anything in this firmware notes but will try this one and hopefully, it fixes some issues.
This should have said
"In fact, when I switch to using the Verizon's router's wifi, I never have issues. So this is localized to the RBR850 and not an ISP or FiOS issue."
