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Forum Discussion
Orbi RBK853 Frequent Wifi Disconnection
Background
I bought a new RBK853 for my 3-storey 799m2 (8600 square feet) house about a 6 weeks ago and set it up to connect to the internet initially but have only moved back into this house the last 2 weeks. Ever since it was connected, I have noticed frequent (<5 minutes) disconnections that reconnect immediately, but are enough to cause frequent disconnections online during my meetings and even when watching on youtube/netflix sometimes despite the buffering but I just haven't had time to deal with it until now. I understand the netger website says the RBK853 covers 697m2 but I am more geared to providing access to upstairs so I'm not too fussed if the basement (for now) has poor access, but the problem is...I can't even get good connections upstairs.
I have done plenty of readings online about dozens of other customers experiencing a similar issue and I can't seem to solve mine.
I am hoping someone can please help because it's not a cheap device and it's become a pain getting disconnected so often it's almost unuseable.
Disconnections
I have the router on the middle (ground floor) and 1 satellite in each floor above and below.
I have tried to log every disconnection, for example
30th July: 0956 1000 1008 1306 1311 1327 1346 1347
3rd-4th August: 2345 2351 2356 2400 0020 0022 0025 0026 0030 0031 0037
5th August: 2003 2011 2129 2130 2132 2139 2147 2147 2203 2217 2231 2232 2234 2235 2237
13th August: 1007 1021 1041 1111 1115 1117 1120 1127 1131 1134 1148 1156 1205 1221 1226 1228 1235 1257 1315 1322 1337 1353
14th August (today): 1048 1055 1449 1500
Observations/Solutions tried
As you can see...the frequency of disconnections are ridiculous. I am mainly upstairs. On the Netgear network map (from phone app), the main router remains connected at all times. Occasionally satellite 1 in the basement is caught as "offline" but this one is all the way in the basement and shouldn't be affecting my connection upstairs because I'm connected to satellite 2 so couldn't understand that. But most of the time, the network map shows everything as "connected" so I can't figure things out. I've also swapped it with satellite 2 (upstairs) and that made no difference. Other options I've tried including moving the satellite 1 (which is now upstairs) closer and further away from the router but neither option relieves me from the disconnections.
I've provided some information below which may be useful:
- Firmware: V4.6.3.16_2.0.51
- Internet type: NBN via HFC in Australia.
- Router Setup: RBR850 connected to Arris NBN Connection Box (provided by state government as the connection box to HFC NBN).
- Speedtests (from netgear app): 910.11mbps download 44.3mbps upload 7.26ms
- Speedtest from main room upstairs: 374mbps 44.51mbps ping 16ms
- 2.4GHz Channel: 06 (i've tried 01 and 11 as well)
- 5GHz ChanneL: 48
- Security Options: WPA2-PSK [AES]
- Satellite connections: wireless
- Distance between satellite 1 (upstairs) and router: measuring a straight line from router to satellite = less than 30 feet (backhaul status already poor). I then moved it closer = backhaul status good but still frequent disconnects. I moved it further and the backhaul status went back to poor and still disconnected. i then swapped satellites (moved satellite 2 back upstairs) but the same good/poor patterns were reproduced. Satellite 1 remains upstairs now.
- Wifi neighbours: nil else from upstairs, another orbi seen (evident by the network name) when i'm standing next to the router on ground level.
- Affected devices: everything including samsung TV, iphones, macbooks, ipads, smart lighting, airconditioning etc.
My only other option is to use my RBR850 in AP mode with the Telstra Modem (so Arris connection box --> Telstra Modem --> RBR850) but that's adding another layer to the problem and seems complicated. I've never done this before but from my extensive reading, I suppose I have to log into my Telstra Modem to turn off WIFI so that the RBR850 can be the sole router for the house?
Can someone please help me? Thank you all so much in advance.
4 Replies
Does the Front LED on the RBR turn PINK when this happens?
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 wirelessly connected.
https://kb.netgear.com/31029/Where-should-I-place-my-Orbi-satellite 📡Care to try this?
Your behind on FW as well:
Try the above suggestion first before updating the system.
Hi, thanks for your reply. Apologies for the late response, I have been working away from home and have not been back for a while.
Size of my home is 799m2 (8600 square feet).
I have also explained the distance between my router and satellites below:
Distance between satellite 1 (upstairs) and router: measuring a straight line from router to satellite = less than 30 feet (backhaul status already poor). I then moved it closer = backhaul status good but still frequent disconnects. I moved it further and the backhaul status went back to poor and still disconnected. i then swapped satellites (moved satellite 2 back upstairs) but the same good/poor patterns were reproduced. Satellite 1 remains upstairs now.
ekhalil FURRYe38 thank you, I was not aware my router/satellites needed updating. When I log into my router, it says that my satellites and router are both up to date and that there are no firmware upgrades to apply? Anyhow, as recommended, I will update the FW soon when I have some time and let you know if it makes things any better.
I have an additional question FURRYe38, hopefully you have an answer for
I disabled "Enable 20/40MHz Coexistence" option in Advanced > Wireless Settings after someone had success on Netgear forums with their disconnections. I noticed that my dropouts have completely stopped in the last 4-5 days (as opposed to every 2-3 minutes).
May I ask what exactly does this do and how come this is causing the dropouts?
Also, I have noticed a speed drop when I untick this option - instead of 900mbps I am getting 700mbps at the router. And instead of getting 300-400mbps at the furthest point of my house I am now down to 150mbps. I suppose this has something to do with the option that has been disabled?
Thank you again in advance.
Be sure you update the RBS using there web pages FIRST. Then update the RBR lastly.
I recommend updating to this on your system:
40Mhz sets the channel width to it's maximum value thus device should connect at there maximum connection rate when in a good rage to the RBS or RBR. Having 20/40Mhz enable may cause device to switch back and forth between 20 and 40Mhz and thus you may see these odd disconnections. Also neighboring wifi signals can cause these problems as well. Why channels should be reviewed and your Orbi systems manually set accordingly to avoid neighboring wifi signals.
Lets up date the system and go from there...
I suggest to first try the latest firmware (4.6.8.5) as this is a more stable version, and the one you have is quite old firmware.
