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Forum Discussion
mtbor
Sep 19, 2023Guide
RBK752 Satellite in access point mode.
I recently put my orbi system behind my pfsense router for better QoS and bufferbloat mitigation. The orbi system hates not being in charge and seems to lack flexibility in it's configuration. In orde...
CrimpOn
Sep 19, 2023Guru - Experienced User
There is almost certainly a problem, but it is not DHCP handling.
- The Orbi router always accepts a DHCP lease from an upstream router (ISP, pfSense, whatever).
When in router mode, the Orbi router assigns the IP it gained from DHCP to the WAN port and then creates a LAN IP subnet that does not conflict with the IP that it received. It then uses DHCP to assign IPs to devices on the LAN subnet. Devices on the LAN are 'hidden' behind Network Address Translation (NAT) and cannot be addressed directly from upstream. - When in Access Point (AP) mode, the router simply passed DHCP requests and assignments through. It makes a DHCP request to get an IP for itself which is assigned to the WAN port and its own LAN port. It is up to every device on the LAN to make DHCP requests and whatever assignments are made by the upstream router are returned through the Orbi to the devices.
How is the satellite connected to the Orbi router? (WiFi backhaul or 'wired'?)
mtbor
Sep 19, 2023Guide
I'm using wireless backhaul.
- CrimpOnSep 19, 2023Guru - Experienced User
mtbor wrote:
I'm using wireless backhaul.Thanks. We see all sorts of posts where users have connected both router and satellites to the same switch.
Since satellites are easy to move around, can you try:
- Deleting the satellite from the Attached Devices display.
(If it is truly not connected, then an option should appear to Delete it. - Temporarily relocate the satellite to the same room as the router.
- On the Orbi web interface, main menu, select Add Orbi Satellite and follow the directions.
- If the satellite connects, then try moving it to the desired location.
Although not strictly required, many users prefer to reserve a specific IP address for the router and satellites in the primary router DHCP tables.
https://forums.serverbuilds.net/t/guide-static-ip-addresses-in-pfsense-static-dhcp/5779
- mtborSep 20, 2023GuideI will give this a try when I get home. The satellite is currently sitting 5 feet from the router and was connected before putting it into access point mode. I've reset the orbi twice and got the satellite connected, only to have it drop out when put into access point mode.
I will try again.- FURRYe38Sep 20, 2023Guru - Experienced User
Wondering if something on your host router is blocking RBS traffic.
How are you configuring the RBR for AP mode? Dynamic or Static? I recommend a static IP address configuration on the RBR that's out side of the host routers default IP address pool range. So when i have my 750 series online, the RBR is set for 192.168.1.75. My one RBS750, wired or wireless gets connected with a Dynamic IP address from the host router that's being used at the time.
While is same room with the RBR and RBS, 10-15 feet would be recommended distance between them.
- Deleting the satellite from the Attached Devices display.