Previously configuration was a Spectrum Modem connected to a Firewalla Purple (FWP) in router mode connected to an Orbi Mesh system in AP mode. Everything worked flawlessly. I wanted to upgrade to take advantage of WiFi 6 and better connectivity, so I purchased an RBRE960 and satellite and configured it the same way, but am running into problems. Basically, wireless connectivity via the Orbi works for 30-45 seconds and then drops for 30-45 seconds. I have tried connecting the FWP LAN port to the WAN port of the Orbi and to a switch port. I have also tried putting a switch between the FWP and Orbi, but no luck. At best, I get the constant connect/disconnect cycle. Happy to provide any additional details. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Phil

Interesting. Would like to know what changed. Be sure to save off a back up configuration to file for safe keeping. Saves time if a reset is needed. https://kb.netgear.com/000062080/How-do-I-back-up-the-configuration-settings-on-my-Orbi-WiFi-SystemEnjoy. 📡

Can you confirm that although WiFi is intermittent, that wired devices are stable? The correct implementation is to "copy what worked" exactly. i.e. Firewalla connects to modem with Ethernet cable Orbi router (RBRE960) WAN port connects directly to Firewalla LAN port with Ethernet cable. (no switch in between) Orbi satellites connect to the router either Using the default 5G WiFi backhaul, or Using Ethernet connection to the RBRE960 LAN ports (either directly or through a switch) It might be useful to take it "one step at a time." i.e. Connect only the router and see if connections are stable before adding satellites. Depending on what the original Orbi system was, the Guest and other WiFi SSIDs may behave differently with the 960 product than before. If the previous system was the original "50" product, for example: Guest devices get assigned IPs in a different IP subnet with the 960 There is no option about Guest devices having access to the primary network as with the 50 router.

CrimpOn - thanks for the quick reply and good callouts. I did connect exactly as before (Orbi RBR50v2) and had the issue I described below. I also took it slowly and only had the RBRE960 connected to the Firewalla. Wired clients maintained connectivity.Orbi Satellite backhaul connection to the RBRE was wireless. I knew the RBRE960 handles guest networks differently than the RBR50, so guest network and IoT are OFF. Connectivity is still "bouncing" every 30-45 seconds.Phil

Does this happen if router mode on the RBR and does this happen with the RBR if the Firewalla device is NOT in the configuration, just connect the RBR to the ISP modem in router mode and see if the problem continues? What channel configurations are currently set on the router? Any Wifi Neighbors near by? If so, how many? What other devices are near by the RBR? How many RBS are deployed? What is the size of your home? Sq Ft? What Firmware version is currently loaded?What is the Mfr and model# of the Internet Service Providers modem/ONT the NG router is connected too? Be sure your using a good quality LAN cable between the modem and router. CAT6A STP is recommended.

Does this happen to all WiFi devices, or just some devices? Do the affected WiFi devices have IP addresses that are Assigned (i.e. reserved by MAC address) in the Firewalla, or Chosen randomly from the DHCP pool by the Firewalla? When devices report "no internet", do they maintain LAN connectivity? i.e. do they respond to ICMP (ping) from a wired device on the LAN? (My Android devices have apps that allow them to generate pings.) Is it only specific apps on the WiFi devices that report "No Internet"?

Orbi RBRE960 as AP behind Firewalla Purple

11 Replies

CrimpOn
Guru
Aug 21, 2023
Can you confirm that although WiFi is intermittent, that wired devices are stable?

The correct implementation is to "copy what worked" exactly. i.e.

Firewalla connects to modem with Ethernet cable

Orbi router (RBRE960) WAN port connects directly to Firewalla LAN port with Ethernet cable. (no switch in between)

Orbi satellites connect to the router either

Using the default 5G WiFi backhaul, or

Using Ethernet connection to the RBRE960 LAN ports (either directly or through a switch)

It might be useful to take it "one step at a time." i.e.

Connect only the router and see if connections are stable before adding satellites.

Depending on what the original Orbi system was, the Guest and other WiFi SSIDs may behave differently with the 960 product than before. If the previous system was the original "50" product, for example:

Guest devices get assigned IPs in a different IP subnet with the 960

There is no option about Guest devices having access to the primary network as with the 50 router.
- pvanbeek
  Aspirant
  Aug 21, 2023
  CrimpOn - thanks for the quick reply and good callouts.
  
  I did connect exactly as before (Orbi RBR50v2) and had the issue I described below. I also took it slowly and only had the RBRE960 connected to the Firewalla.
  Wired clients maintained connectivity.
  Orbi Satellite backhaul connection to the RBRE was wireless.
  
  I knew the RBRE960 handles guest networks differently than the RBR50, so guest network and IoT are OFF.
  
  Connectivity is still "bouncing" every 30-45 seconds.
  Phil
  - FURRYe38
    Guru
    Aug 21, 2023
    Does this happen if router mode on the RBR and does this happen with the RBR if the Firewalla device is NOT in the configuration, just connect the RBR to the ISP modem in router mode and see if the problem continues?
    
    What channel configurations are currently set on the router?
    Any Wifi Neighbors near by? If so, how many?
    
    What other devices are near by the RBR?
    
    How many RBS are deployed?
    What is the size of your home? Sq Ft?
    
    What Firmware version is currently loaded?
    What is the Mfr and model# of the Internet Service Providers modem/ONT the NG router is connected too?
    Be sure your using a good quality LAN cable between the modem and router. CAT6A STP is recommended.

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Orbi RBRE960 as AP behind Firewalla Purple