I have two Orbi 850 APs. The satellite connected fine when in router mode. I added a better firewall and placed my Orbi in AP mode. The problem is that the Orbi satellite will not connect/sync over wireless backhaul in AP mode. I've read the other posts regarding this issue but none of the solutions worked. I've tried resetting back to factory defaults and setting them up again. The Orbi APs simply will not sync wirelessly in AP mode. I'm running the latest firmware version 4.6.14.3_2.3.12. I can connect the Orbi satellite into the same switch as the router in AP mode and sync the devices, but as soon as I pull the Ethernet cable the satellite loses the connection. I need the wireless backhaul. If I can't get this resolved soon as connectivity between rooms is now lost. Going back to router mode is not an option. Thanks,David

I wanted full visibility for the wireless traffic on the Netgate firewall. It is all working now in AP mode. I still can't figure out what changed to allow the satellite tom sync wirelessly. Now that it is working I'm not too worried about it.

Orbi satellite won't connect in AP mode

12 Replies

FURRYe38
Guru
Apr 27, 2023
How are you connecting the RBR in AP mode to the host router? WAN port needs to be connected between the RBR and host router.

Are you using a Dynamic IP or Static IP address configuration for AP mode on the RBR? I use a static set for 192.168.#.85 for mine thats out side of the default DHCP IP address pool range.

Be sure your firewall is handing out proper DHCP IP addresses to the RBR and RBS.
- netdav
  Guide
  Apr 27, 2023
  Yes, the WAN port on my RBR is connected to my router. I am using dynamic IP from the router. IP connectivity to the RBR is fine. I don't see that I can configure a static on the RBS.
  
  I've ordered a TP-Link Deco AXE5400. Docs state it supports wireless backhaul in AP (bridge) mode. I've spent several days fighting this Orbi issue. If I can figure this out, I can return the TP-Link.
  
  Currently I have the RBS cabled to the RBR. But the wireless seems more unstable after switching the Orbi to AP mode. I've got a bunch of wireless speakers, smart plugs, etc. Things aren't playing nice now.
  - FURRYe38
    Guru
    Apr 27, 2023
    So with the RBS ethernet connected, they don't get an IP address from the host router at all?
    
    These are directly connected to the back of the RBR?
    
    What CAT# lan cable are you using?
    Do you see the RBR IP address on the host router?
    
    What is the brand and model of the host router?

Forum Discussion

Orbi satellite won't connect in AP mode