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Orbi AX6000 RBK852 Slow Wireless performance
I just picked up an Orbi RBK852 AX6000 Mesh system with 1 satellite to replace my 2 year old Linksys WRT3200. Our home recently connected to a brand new Spectrum/Charter Fiber buildout. Our service...
You didn't put what device you were testing on.
When you test on the orbi app, it hosts the test on the router.
when you test with the speedtest app, it hosts the test on your wireless device.
And usually the bottleneck in testing isn't the router, but the wireless device you're testing on.
I believe post #2 mentioned 3 Android phones, Dell laptop, HP laptop.
Post #5 mentioned a Link Rate of 866Mbps.
I'm stumped.
CrimpOn (not trying to be an a**) the OP did say multiple android phones. I also have probably a dozen android phones sitting around in boxes. they all perform different. Some are cheap junk while others are blazing fast. Android phones isn't very specific. Same with the Laptop statement. Details are key. Reason I say that is the WRT3200 is a pretty high performing router. I've actually tested one before and it can hit 400+ speeds over 5ghz. Its a pretty rock solid device. it even supports 160hz wide channels. (not really that beneficial in 160hz wide with that device.
And the OP is stating they're connecting at 866mbps link speed which is an AC spec and not AX. So their devices aren't AX (from what I've read so far). So if it wasn't maxing out the capabilities of the old router, upgrading to a newer/faster router isn't necessarily going to make them faster if the router wasn't the bottleneck.
I'm not saying its the devices, but if they already weren't performing at peak speeds on a solid router, then I'm second guessing how much they'll improve. Its why I'm curious about what actual device with specifics it is.
Plus I think there's a little confusion on speed expectations for the OP. The 2.4ghz band isn't going to hit 200mbps. Its a slow band and sensitive to interference. I'd worry more about the 5ghz.
For the op. Have you tested speeds with the satellites turned off? Test the speed directly off the router for both 2.4ghz and 5ghz.
Also, when you turn the satellites back on, test each one with your laptop hardwired into the satellite (not over wireless) to see how it performs. Without being there its tough to know if your devices are connected to the router or the satellites. Maybe the satellite has a poor backhaul and your some of the devices are connected to it. or maybe one satellites is super sketchy and causing issues.
- I appreciate the feedback. Of the devices I used for tests, there was only one AX device. All others were wifi 5.
Unfortunately at the time, I couldn't connect my AX device (HP Laptop) directly to either satellite or router as It didn't have an Ethernet port.
I did however pickup USB C to ethernet adapter on Sunday.
The router seemed good, the Satellite was not.
The Satellite also had difficulties updating firmware.
This system was purchased new from Amazon, but arrived looking used and not in factory shrink wrap and in a beat up box.
Needless to say, I opted to use the Amazon 30 day return policy and send it back since it really appears as got someone else's return.
I did order another system direct from Netgear which will be here Wednesday.
I ended up getting the RBK853 vs 852 to get an extra Satellite. In addition, Netgear had 10% off, plus free upgrade to pro support & 2 year warranty, along with free 2 day shipping.
Definitely a much better deal than Amazon. Really only cost $200 or so more for the additional satellite, warranty & support.
Looking forward to getting a new Orbi up and running.
The actual broadcast signal range is outstanding.
I have tested this on 3 different Android phones, 2 laptops - Dell & HP and now one Fire Tablet. Link speed runs 800+ on all devices expect 1 laptop where its running 500ish.
Speed Test Speeds from app/device are running 250-270ish consistently across multiple test servers.
I also just changed the CTS/RTS Threshold for both 2.4 & 5g from the default of 64 to 2347.
I will state that one the initial firmware upgrade was done thru the online update, the update didnt take and was unsuccessful on the Satellite. After a power cycle it did show updated, but it wasnt the same version as the Router.
After that I downloaded the manual update files from Netgear. I performed an Erase thru the Router Login page. When the erase was complete, the firmware did not revert back to the original factory installed firmware.
However, I did manually update firmware on the Satellite first, then re-installed the firmware on the router & power cycled everything again.
I think I should have done a hard reset on both the Router and the Satellite. I may try doing that tomorrow.
Lastly, when the Router package was received (shipped from Amazon), the actual Netgear box was beat to hell. It was pacakged inside a much larger Amazon box with no packing materials in it.
The router contents appeared undamaged and new, but the actual box looked very well used.
One concern was that was there any possible damage done due to bouncing around during shipping.
I am kinda at a loss. I am gonna wait for Netgear 2nd level support to call back to see if they have any idea. If that comes up blank, then I'll likely return this unit and possibly try another Orbi or look a different route.
The last new Netgear router I bought was a Nitehawk about 4 years ago. It lasted 13 months and died. Really hoping the Orbi isnt in that same category.
