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Forum Discussion
RBE960B unstable / inconsistent performance
Since purchasing my RBE960B in 2022, I've had persistent issues with unstable connections to my mesh network, coupled with poor UPLOAD performance. The issues are not correctable by using the "reboot" operation in the firmware, and the only way I can resolve them is by turning off my antennas, unplugging the router, and turning it back on after 30-40 seconds. I've attached performance data from the router itself, that shows the poor performance. Sometimes I'll go 1-2 months without the issues cropping up, other times it's 1-2 days.
I have Verizon FiOS internet service, 1gbps symmetrical. 1 year ago, we moved to a completely different state, and the issues persisted (both homes have/had FiOS), so doesn't seem to be related to the provider.
I presently have both my antennas disconnected, though I do have an unmanaged 2.5gbps switch for my media server / environment.
Anyone run into something similar? Any suggestions?
5 Replies
What are these antennas you say you have and have disconnected?
Does this speed seen on the Orbi app show same or similar upload performances with a ethernet connected PC and Ooklas installable speed test app?
What wireless devices do you have connected?
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.
How many RBS are deployed?
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?
Any Wifi Neighbors near by? If so, how many?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.Be sure when speed testing with a wireless device that you are connected to the RBR for most accurate speed testing results. Some wifi devices can be connected to a farther signal thus giving false or bad speed results.
What are these antennas you say you have and have disconnected?
These are the Mesh satellites, sorry, wrong verbiage
Does this speed seen on the Orbi app show same or similar upload performances with a ethernet connected PC and Ooklas installable speed test app?
yes - same performance wired, wireless, and via the orbi app. I now exclusively test via the Orbi app, to validate the max possible performance.
What wireless devices do you have connected?
many. laptops, Apple TVs, smart devices, tablets, etc. I do have a separate SSID for the smart devices, that supports 2.4 and 5 GhZ, from my primary SSID that supports 5 / 6 Ghz only.
What Firmware version is currently loaded?
V7.2.6.31
What is the Mfr and model# of the Internet Service Providers modem/ONT the NG router is connected too?looks like the Mfr is alcatel-lucent, unsure of the model, perhaps you can tell from the label in the picture attached?
Be sure your using a good quality LAN cable between the modem and router. CAT6A STP is recommended.confirmed
How many RBS are deployed?2 - though both are disconnected presently, because of the issues.
What is the size of your home? Sq Ft?2-story 2000 sq ft (plus basement, that doesn't count towards sq footage)
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 🛰Easily more than 30 - RB is in the basement in one corner, first satellite is at the opposite corner of the first floor (wired between RB and RBS), and second RBS is in the middle of the 2nd floor (wireless)
Does this happen with the RBS turned OFF? yes.
Does this happen with both wireless and wired devices? yes
What channel configurations are currently set on the router?2.4 GHz - Auto
5 GHz - 48
6 GHz - 69
Any Wifi Neighbors near by? If so, how many?yes - the neighborhood has a good amount of space between houses though, so really the two adjacent houses and the one across the street.
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/222...I'll take a look at this - but the issues seem to be regardless of wired or wireless, and are observed directly from the router (ie: via the built-in speed test) so don't seem to be related to this.
Try disabling the following and see:
Armor - just disabled this, though that doesn't seem like a fix for the issue, just narrowing down where the issues exist - and would hope Netgear would fix issues with the service if they cause issues.Smart Parental Controls or Circle -off
Traffic Meter. - only recently enabled to monitor the performance over time better. Issues persisted before/after enablign
Be sure when speed testing with a wireless device that you are connected to the RBR for most accurate speed testing results. Some wifi devices can be connected to a farther signal thus giving false or bad speed results.
acknowledged.
FrewBrew wrote:
What are these antennas you say you have and have disconnected?
These are the Mesh satellites, sorry, wrong verbiage
Does this speed seen on the Orbi app show same or similar upload performances with a ethernet connected PC and Ooklas installable speed test app?
yes - same performance wired, wireless, and via the orbi app. I now exclusively test via the Orbi app, to validate the max possible performance.
Please use Ooklas installable speed test app on a ethernet connected PC and wireless device to compare results. Seen inconsistencies with Orbi app speed testing.
What wireless devices do you have connected?
many. laptops, Apple TVs, smart devices, tablets, etc. I do have a separate SSID for the smart devices, that supports 2.4 and 5 GhZ, from my primary SSID that supports 5 / 6 Ghz only.
What Firmware version is currently loaded?
V7.2.6.31
Has a factory reset and setup from scratch been performed since last FW update?
What is the Mfr and model# of the Internet Service Providers modem/ONT the NG router is connected too?looks like the Mfr is alcatel-lucent, unsure of the model, perhaps you can tell from the label in the picture attached?
Ya, not much model# info there.
Be sure your using a good quality LAN cable between the modem and router. CAT6A STP is recommended.confirmed
STP differs from UTP cabling.
How many RBS are deployed?2 - though both are disconnected presently, because of the issues.
See below about basement and RBR placement.
What is the size of your home? Sq Ft?2-story 2000 sq ft (plus basement, that doesn't count towards sq footage)
For this size home, having two RBS maybe too much. The RBR and one RBS should be enough with the power settings set to 50% or maybe 25%. Under Advanced Tab/Advanced Settings/Wireless Settings
I have a 5000sq ft home and can get away with one RBS. I have two and when those are deployed I run with 25% power. Have great coverage.
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 🛰Easily more than 30 - RB is in the basement in one corner, first satellite is at the opposite corner of the first floor (wired between RB and RBS), and second RBS is in the middle of the 2nd floor (wireless)
Basements are not good places for the main RBR unit. RBS yes. Main or 2nd Floor levels are recommended for the RBR.
Does this happen with the RBS turned OFF? yes.
Does this happen with both wireless and wired devices? yes
What channel configurations are currently set on the router?2.4 GHz - Auto
5 GHz - 48
6 GHz - 69
Try channels 1, 40.
Be sure the separate 6Ghz SSID network is disabled.
Any Wifi Neighbors near by? If so, how many?yes - the neighborhood has a good amount of space between houses though, so really the two adjacent houses and the one across the street.
See above to adjust power settings.
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/222...I'll take a look at this - but the issues seem to be regardless of wired or wireless, and are observed directly from the router (ie: via the built-in speed test) so don't seem to be related to this.
Try disabling the following and see:
Armor - just disabled this, though that doesn't seem like a fix for the issue, just narrowing down where the issues exist - and would hope Netgear would fix issues with the service if they cause issues.Smart Parental Controls or Circle -off
Traffic Meter. - only recently enabled to monitor the performance over time better. Issues persisted before/after enablign
Let us know how it goes with Armor disabled and the above suggestions.
Be sure when speed testing with a wireless device that you are connected to the RBR for most accurate speed testing results. Some wifi devices can be connected to a farther signal thus giving false or bad speed results.
acknowledged.
