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KBDMB1's avatar
KBDMB1
Aspirant
Jul 16, 2023

Orbi RBR850 router pops up twice in the connected devices list on the ISP router

Hi,

 

I am unsure if it has always been like this and how it is supposed to be or if something strange is happening.  I have the RBK852 set of 1 router and 1 satellite but when looking at the Connected Devices list on my ISP routers admin page, the RBR850 shows up twice and I can see 1 correct RBS850. 

 

One of the two RBRs has an IP address assigned and the Mac addresses are almost identical, the one without an IP address is the same up to the last digit, which is one higher. I have the RBR in AP mode as I can't set the ISP router to bridge mode but all other settings are as default.  

 

 

So is this behavior normal? what is the second instance of the RBR in the device list? Could it harm the performance?

 

The reason I have been looking into all of this is because the WIFI signal was dropping every often or so. So I performed a Factory reset on the ISP router and the Orbi system, everything seems to be working fine now but the ghost RBR is still visible in the connected devices list.

 

Any help is much appreciated!

 

5 Replies

  • FURRYe38's avatar
    FURRYe38
    Guru
    Jul 16, 2023

    Something to ask the ISP about or Mfr of the ISP modem/ONT. 

     

    Your ISP Modem already has a built in router and wifi. This would be a double NAT (two router) condition which isn't recommended. https://kb.netgear.com/30186/What-is-Double-NAT
    https://kb.netgear.com/30187/How-to-fix-issues-with-Double-NAT
    Couple of options,
    1. Configure the modem for transparent bridge or modem only mode. Then use the Orbi router in router mode. You'll need to contact the ISP for help and information in regards to the modem being bridged correctly.
    2. If you can't bridge the modem, disable ALL wifi radios on the modem, configure the modems DMZ/ExposedHost or IP Pass-Through for the IP address the Orbi router gets from the modem. Then you can use the Orbi router in Router mode.
    3. Or disable all wifi radios on the modem and connect the Orbi router to the modem, configure AP mode on the Orbi router. https://kb.netgear.com/31218/How-do-I-configure-my-Orbi-router-to-act-as-an-access-point and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7LOcJ8GdDo&app=desktop
    Try option #2 first...
    https://kb.netgear.com/000061277/Which-features-are-disabled-on-my-Orbi-router-when-it-is-set-to-AP-Mode

    • KBDMB1's avatar
      KBDMB1
      Aspirant
      Jul 20, 2023

      Thanks for the information. So yes I understand the double NAT condition and the Orbi is set to Access Point but I got intrigued by your second option. I can't put my ISP modem into bridge however I can set IP a DMZ for Orbi Router and put it back into Router mode.

       

       

      I do have a couple of questions:

      1. Do I have to disable the DHCP server on the ISP modem if I DMZ the Router?

      2. Do I set up a Dynamic IP or Static IP when the Router in DMZ

      3. UPNP is turned off on the ISP modem but turned on by default on the Orbi Router. Do I have to turn it on in the ISP modem too?

      4. Do I keep IPv6 on? Does that matter?

      5. The firewall settings on the ISP modem can't be turned off all the way. Should I leave as is on medium or lower it?

       

      Thanks again! much appreciated.

       

       

      • FURRYe38's avatar
        FURRYe38
        Guru
        Jul 21, 2023

        IF the Orbi is in AP mode, and then the host router should be in router mode and no DMZ or IP pass thru is needed.

         

        If you have the host router in bridge mode, and the Orbi in router mode, DMZ or IP pass thru is not needed.

         

        If you have the host router in router mode and the Orbi in router mode, then DMZ or IP pass thru would be needed on the ISP modem/router.