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Forum Discussion
New Orbi RBR860 issues
I had the RBR50 , RBS50 and RBV40 for the past 5 years and no issues! I saw the RBR860 on sale and bought it because of the faster AX technology. I setup the RBR860 and also using the RBV40 as an exte...
Timweb wrote:
I setup the RBR860 and also using the RBV40 as an extender.
One thing I did noticed is my ssid name is listed twice on the available networks and I was wondering if I should have used a new ssid so it wouldn’t be confused? I’m thinking about resetting my router and use a new ssid and just have to change over all my devices to see if that works.
When the RBS40V is in Extender Mode, it is a separate WiFi network than the primary Orbi WiFi network, even if it has exactly the same WiFi credentials. There are many WiFi Analytics tools (for Windows and Android. I have no Apple devices and plead ignorance.) Such a tool will show that every one of the Orbi units (router, satellite, extender) is broadcasting the SSID. When devices display the list of available WiFi networks, they typically condense all of the access points for a specific WiFi system into one name on the list. (Some do not, and it's really entertaining!) The tool will display the hardware MAC address of each access point and I am pretty certain that the RBS40V will show up on the list.
It's a pity that Netgear did not make the new AX product "backward compatible" with the original Orbi, but they did not.
I have tried the laptops with the RBV40 unplugged but I don’t think that has anything to do with them dropping connection. The 2 laptops are Alienware gaming laptops and they have the newer AX Wi-Fi 6 technology as well as the older Wi-Fi 5. I just can’t understand why these two and only AX devices I have will not stay connected to the new AX Orbi. I had to uninstall the network adapter yesterday on one of the laptops and reinstall it just to get it to connect. This is so aggravating! I’m still thinking about just factory reset the 860 and set up under all new ssid but will be a pain to reconnect all the devices. With that said I have noticed the two laptops when connected have added a “2” behind the name of my ssid when you hover over the Wi-Fi icon. My network name is “brodiesorbi “ and on the 2 laptops when u hover over the icon , it says “brodiesorbi 2” but when u click it to show available Wi-Fi it shows just “brodiesorbi” ? That’s what’s making me think that not setting up the new RBR 860 with a different SSID it makes my laptops confused of what to connect to. None of my other devices have a 2 on the end of the SSID name.
Update: I just checked on my son’s laptop that I reinstalled the network adapter and he said it did connect this morning, but I guess for now!
The only other thing I think it could be is I went from the Orbi RBR50 and two satellites covering my home down to just the RBR860 and the RBV40 as an extender. The rbr860 is supposed to cover 2700 sq ft so I was thinking it was enough for my home that is at 3000 sq ft. I thought about getting the RBS860 to add a satellite to see if it helped but Im scared I would just be wasting money. But for what’s it worth , when the laptops are connected they are blazing fast!
I’m thinking about packing the 860 up and take it back or sale it and go back to the 6 year old RBR50 and if I finally get a 1 gig network I will try something else.
Update: I just checked on my son’s laptop that I reinstalled the network adapter and he said it did connect this morning, but I guess for now!
The only other thing I think it could be is I went from the Orbi RBR50 and two satellites covering my home down to just the RBR860 and the RBV40 as an extender. The rbr860 is supposed to cover 2700 sq ft so I was thinking it was enough for my home that is at 3000 sq ft. I thought about getting the RBS860 to add a satellite to see if it helped but Im scared I would just be wasting money. But for what’s it worth , when the laptops are connected they are blazing fast!
I’m thinking about packing the 860 up and take it back or sale it and go back to the 6 year old RBR50 and if I finally get a 1 gig network I will try something else.
The RBS40V can function only as a WiFi extender when used with the Orbi AX systems. This means that mobile devices will not roam seamlessly from the router to the RBS40V (and back). This does not bother devices that never move (TVs, cameras, speakers, smart plugs, etc.) but can be really annoying with phones, tablets, laptops.
WiFi coverage area is a function of placement. The WiFi signal broadcasts in all directions. If located in the exact center of the house, it would provide great signal for about 2,700 sq. ft. Up against one outside wall, it would cover a semicircle of about 1,400 sq. ft. (In a corner of the house where my Spectrum cable enters, it covers about 1/4 of a circle, i.e. about 800 sq. ft. That is why I added satellites.
If it wasn't so aggravating of getting it to connect i would think it's my coverage. Just the way and time to get them to connect makes me think its a setup or orbi problem.
I did use my laptop yesterday and it stayed connected. My son said his laptop dropped yesterday but his room is the farthest from the location of the router. So, I'm about to pull the trigger and order an 860 satellite and hopefully be done with this! My old setup with the RBR50, i never had to do anything to it in 5 years and never had anything that wouldn't stay connected! If a new satellite helps and fixes this then i can move on into trying to figure out if my Orbi is blocking the PS5 remote play which will be another pain in the rear!! 😑
I don't believe the RBS40v is compatible with the 860 series.
https://kb.netgear.com/000065169/Which-Orbi-routers-and-satellites-are-compatible
For that size of home, you'll need a RBS860 to help cover the home for wifi signals. I recommend that if you get a 860 series, get the RBK862 or 863 kit. 863 comes with two RBS. 862 comes with one RBS.
