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Forum Discussion
Orbi6 Intermittent Performance Degradation
I've had an Orbi 6 system (router + 2 satellites) for almost 2 years now. Worked like a charm until about 2 months ago. Since then at times, I can see painfully slow connectivity on my laptop, connected to one of the satellites. This is most obvious on webex/zoom calls, which could often start okay, but then end up in a situation where video/audio is just unusable. So much that I've resorted to using my cellphone for audio on important calls.
My uplink is a Verizon FIOS 1Gbps. All tests run from the router routinely show 900/800 Down/Up. At my laptop, running things like Verizon or Google speedtests will often show great results (say 400/300), but the occasional one will clearly choke with numbers like 50/10, or even 1/1 when even the speedtest site has a hard time loading. Should be noted that my partner works closer to the router and doesn't see any obvious variance in performance.
I've rebooted the entire Orbi setup a few times. Certainly rebooted the satellite quite often. Unfortunately, the disruptions are intermittent, so even if I get a few good results after some evening or weekend tinkering, I'm not confident that I'll make it through the next work day without issues.
I have changed the frequency band under the theory that a new neighbor may have shown up and impacted my signal. Took a day or two but my issues returned. Firmware is set to auto-update, currently V4.6.14.3_2.3.12.
At this point, I'd appreciate pointers to
1. Any debug or remedial steps I could try
2. Any long running tests
Thanks!
36 Replies
The router is an RBR850, the satellites are both RBS850.
I should note that I have tried tests with other client systems (also laptops) and see the same behavior.
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.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.What is the size of your home? Sq Ft?
What is the distance between the router and 📡 satellite(s)? 30 feet or more is recommended in between RBR📡 and RBS🛰️ to begin with depending upon building materials when wired or wirelessly connected.
https://kb.netgear.com/31029/Where-should-I-place-my-Orbi-satellite 🛰️Does this happen with the RBS turned OFF?
Does this happen with both wireless and wired devices?
What channel configurations are currently set on the router?Be sure to disable any MAC Address randomizers on phones and pads while at home:
https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi-App/NETGEAR-Mobile-Applications-and-Apple-Devices-FAQ/td-p/2220016/jump-to/first-unread-messageTry disabling the following and see:
Armor, Smart Parental Controls or Circle, Traffic Meter.You behind on FW as well:
Thanks a lot, I'm going to work through a few of these. The FW part surprised me, but now I'm going through the manual upgrade process. Btw, I don't know if you have the ability to do this, but it'd be great if Netgear updated the instructions for the manual upgrade. Most of it just seems to be 'download file, upload and install', but the file you download is a zip and it's rejected by the UI without much of a message. Somewhere else I read that the system is expected a .chk file, so that made me unzip and I'm now successful.
I'm planning on asking NG to update there KBs with what I posted here in the forums that gives better details and explanation of how to do a manual update. Glad it helped.
I'm now on the newest firmware on all 3 devices.
I'm going to do another power reset as you've suggested.
House profile: urban rowhouse, 4 floors. Satellites in basement and 1st floor. Router on 2nd. ~3500 sq ft total. Orbilogin shows Backhaul status as 'Good'.
Enable AX is on for 2.4, 5 GHz. Both 2.4,5 are enabled. Channel frequency for 2.4 is auto, 5 is pinned to 36 (my tinkering).
Additional features are off.
Do you have a good test to suggest I run between these debug stages?
NG Router is connected to a Verizon branded modem. I've disabled wifi on the VZ gear, so I'll have to login later via a cable to figure out other details, not many markings on the box itself.
I should note that my wife is on the wifi (connected to the RBR) and sees no issues whatsoever.
I just did a factory reset on the RBS near me and have now attached it back to the network. Still experiencing network issues. My morning zooms really sucked and Cloudflare speed test is giving me a Poor rating for Video chatting.
Does the wife's PC or devices get same rating for video test quality?
is SIP ALG enabled or disabled under Advanced tab/Setup/WAN setup?
Where you able to get the system FW updated yet?
I put this up for details on how to manual update FW on Orbi systems:
