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hopasah287's avatar
hopasah287
Follower
Nov 27, 2023

Orbi router not connecting to working modem

Internet provider: Cox

Equipment:

  • Arris Surfboard modem (SB 6190) (new)

  • Netgear Orbi router (couple of years old, obtained secondhand)

Issue:

  • The router is absolutely not able to pick up internet connection from the modem

    • Modem works completely fine, is able to connect to internet and hardline connect to computer

What I have already tried:

  • Factory reset

  • Setting up router via Orbi app per manual

  • Setting up router via hardline connection and going through admin. settings

  • Power cycling multiple times with no luck

  • All of the Reddit/Netgear site forum solutions/suggestions that seem related to my issue and equipment

Please help, this has been driving me insane 😩😩

2 Replies

  • FURRYe38's avatar
    FURRYe38
    Guru
    Nov 27, 2023

    What model Orbi system do you have? RBK? 

    What Firmware version is currently loaded?
    Your brand and model modem has a long standing vulnerability. Might consider getting into something else. 
    Be sure your using a good quality LAN cable between the modem and router. CAT6A STP is recommended. 

     

    Has a power off for 1 minute then back ON with the ISP modem and router been performed since last update?
    Be sure to restart your network in this sequence:
    Turn off and unplug modem.
    Turn off router and computers.
    Plug in and turn on modem. Wait 2 minutes for it to connect.
    Turn on the router and wait 2 minutes for it to connect.
    Turn on computers and rest of network.

    • CrimpOn's avatar
      CrimpOn
      Guru
      Nov 27, 2023

      FURRYe38 is entirely correct that the SB6190 modem appears on several lists of "modems to avoid."

      https://routersecurity.org/modems.php 

      https://approvedmodems.org/bad-modems/ 

       

      However, the primary concern at this point is why the Orbi router will not connect to the modem.

       

      I would use only the hardwired connection at this point and save the Orbi 'app' for after everything is working.

       

      This is one of the times where Netgear's decision to omit the tiny LEDs on the Ethernet ports is not helpful. (I can see why they left them off: people do not like blinking lights when devices are located in bedrooms and the Ethernet ports are in the back where they are not easy to observe.)  Thus, the Orbi does not indicate whether an Ethernet connection has been made with the modem.

       

      • Does the modem indicate that the router is connected? (either by lights on the Ethernet port or through the modem management interface?
      • The router web interface, Advanced Tab home page has a blue box Show Statistics.  What does this display for the WAN port?