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Orbi satellite won't connect in AP mode
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 w...
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.
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.
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.
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?
It gets an IP when connected via an Ethernet cable.
I'm running a Netgate firewall. Its awesome!
As long as the RBS are getting connected and synced via ethernet, I would give that a go.
Make sure they show up in the RBRs web page as synced and status should show wired.
Front LED should be BLUE then turn off.
Make sure the RBS web page is accessible and shows same SSID name and channels as RBR.
Last time I had mine online in AP mode it worked. Mine are also ethernet connected when I do. Though I sync mine wirelessly first, then when all synce, Configure AP mode with a static IP configuration. All change over to the host router I use. I don't have a actual firewall device. Then when all is mostly ready. I turn OFF the RBS and deploy back to remote locations and connect up the ethernet cable and turn them on. Takes a few minutes but the RBS sync over ethernet and come to ready.
netdav wrote:
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.
When the host router is providing DHCP, then you would use settings on the host router to reserve (or "assign") IP addresses to the MAC address of devices on the network, including the Orbi router and Orbi satellite. There is no capability to assign a "static IP" on the satellite.
The RBS won't connect wirelessly in AP mode. In router mode it connects fine. I wouldn't think it would get a static mapping from DHCP if the dynamic pool assigned doesn't work. Either way it is DHCP assigned. It does get an IP from the router when cabled. I am having cable runs between rooms so all this may be a moot point. I'm still concerned about the degraded performance in AP mode, but my RBS isn't positioned ideally given I had to cable it to get connected.
Seems like most Mesh systems have a weakness in that the vendors assume you are going to use their routing/nat functions. Which is fine for most consumers. But I just invested in a high-end firewall and I want the visibility for the wired and wireless clients.
