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challs's avatar
challs
Guide
Aug 22, 2025

Orbi RBK 852 Wi-Fi Drop Issue (RBR850/RBS850)

Hi all,

 

I'm having ongoing issues with my brand new Orbi AX6000 (RBK852) system. My place is actually less than half the size of the coverage sq footage (2200 sq ft). But my modem is upstairs and our main entertainment setup is on the opposite side downstairs (streaming/PS5) so one router was giving it weak signals. 

 

Orbi Firmware: V7.2.7.15_5.1.16 (says latest)

Total connected devices: 16: 2 computers, 3 smart phones, 2 gaming consoles, and rest are IoT (on IoT 2.4Ghz)



TL;DR:

  • Main work computer is 5 ft from the router/modem. Wi-Fi is constantly dropping and kicking me off Zoom calls (like every 30-60 mins) which I rely on for work (I'm on 4-5 hours a day).
  • No issues when wired, but I didn't spend $500+ on a router so I can have an ugly wire going across my office.
  • Work computer is 2023 Macbook Pro M3 Max and main mobile devices are iPhone 16 Pro. So not an older hardware issue.
  • Issue has been escalated to Level 3 Support but no responses and it's been 2 weeks.

Steps I've tried already:

  • Support made me do a factory reset once. Didn't solve it.
  • They also had me setup custom DNS settings and it actually made connection worse.
  • Disabled Auto Firmware Update.
  • Set 2.4Ghz to Channel 1 and 5Ghz to Channel 36.
  • Set up IoT SSID as 2.4Ghz only (smart devices are working fine).
  • Placement of satellite is good (within 20 ft, almost directly under modem). Can't do Ethernet backhaul.
  • I sent multiple Debug Logs from both router and satellite to Support.

Honestly not sure what the issue is. I've been reading online that mesh systems like this have band steering issues bouncing between 2.4Ghz and 5Ghz, but I don't see why that would be an issue when I'm so close and stationary. 


My questions:

  • Does anyone have a similar issue? It sounds from online that others have experienced something similar, though not exact. If so, is there a fix?
  • Is it possible it's just a hardware issue and I should just return or exchange?

Trying this as my last resort since Support is of no help and they say Level 3 Support will get back to me when they feel like it.

17 Replies

  • - I should note that we also tried to turn off the Satellite and just have the router. Wasn't an issue.
    - Computer and iPhones are all current on Firmware updates.
    - Not an ISP issue; no problem when wired directly to modem OR router. Also no problems before Orbi.

    • KevinLiT's avatar
      KevinLiT
      NETGEAR Moderator

      Hello Challs, 

       

      Welcome to the NETGEAR Community!

       

      Thanks for providing the previous troubleshooting steps!

       

      I understand that you did a reboot of all your systems and changed the DNS on your router to attempt to resolve the issue. I noticed that you are having issues on your iOS devices. This issue can be caused by the private relay feature that enhances the security of iOS devices. Please turn off the feature on both iOS devices, then monitor your network for improvements. I also recommend to turn off SIP ALG on your RBR850 due to potential compatibility issues within your network. 

       

      Best,

      Kevin

      Community Team

      • challs's avatar
        challs
        Guide

        Hi Kevin! Appreciate your response.

        Private Relays were already turned off on all iPhones and Macbook already.

        When I checked SIP ALG, it was already checked on "Disable SIP ALG". This option was under NAT Filtering and that is checked on "Secured."

        Any other tips would be greatly appreciated!!

  • FURRYe38's avatar
    FURRYe38
    Guru - Experienced User

    30 feet distance is starting between the RBR and the RBS. 20 feet would be too close between the RBR and RBS. 

     

    Try channel 1 and 40 or 11 and 48. 

    Is IPv6 enabled on the RBR? IF it is, disable it. 

    Enable SIP ALG on the RBRs web page under Advanced Tab/Setup/WAN Setup. 

     

     

     

     

    • challs's avatar
      challs
      Guide

      FURRYe38​ 

      Changed channels.
      IPv6 already disabled.
      Tried enabling SIP ALG ... I just unchecked the Disable SIP ALG button. 

      I didn't move the Satellite yet, pending your response below. 

      • challs's avatar
        challs
        Guide

        FURRYe38​ 
        Update ... I think enabling SIP ALG made it worse. I got dropped more often on a Zoom call.

  • FURRYe38​ At around 30 feet, the satellite would be near our entertainment setup, which already had weak signals from the RBR without the satellite. Wouldn’t that just mean the satellite would also be repeating a weak signal instead of improving coverage?

  • Have you tested to see if the drops only happen on a specific wifi band e.g are they dropping on just the 2.4.GHz or 5GHz network, have you got the 20/40MHz disabled or enabled?