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Forum Discussion
RBK852 packet loss on Zoom / FaceTime / internet dropping
My RBK852 system is experiencing random packet loss (over 80%) when on Zoom or FaceTime on my iMac (latest model) or iPhone 12 Pro - both runing latest operating systems), and it also randomly drops internet.
The satellite is in my office which is about 30-40 feet from the router which is centrally located in my house. The house is 3,000 sq.ft. and only one story. Speedtests via the router settings is over 900mb download (router wired to modem) and around 420mb download on iPhone 12 Pro (wifi) and same on my iMac which is wired to the satellite via ethernet.
Both router and satellite are running v3.2.18.1_1.4.14 firmware. I've tried the following:
- power cycling modem then RBR / RBS (in the proper order, etc.)
- Upgrading both RBR and RBS to firmware V3.2.18.1_1.4.14
- disabling SIG ALP
- disabling 2.4ghz AX
- disabling 20/40mhz coexistence
- setting NAT Filtering to Open
- assigning manual IP to both iMac and iPhone via router reservation + client network settings
- changing DNS to 1.1.1.1 / 1.0.0.1 / 8.8.8.8 / 4.4.4.4 in router settings and also on the client devices
- changing channels to channels with less interference using WiFi Explorer (2.4ghz on CH6 and 5ghz CH48)
- disabling daylight savings time setting for router
- updating NTP server to cloudfare's NTP
- setting CTS to 2347
- disabling IPv6
- disabling Traffic Meter
Generally, it works fine except when on FaceTime or Zoom call which initiallly work then lag and drop. My PS4 tends to get no more than a fair connection when playing NHL21 as well although the WiFi signal is shown to be 100% in the PS4 settings.
It seems many people are having this issue, but I was not able to find any clear solution. I would appreciate any help! I have contacted NG support as well. Thanks!
24 Replies
I don't see a mention of your WMM setting. It's Orbi's REALLY basic version of QOS that somewhat prioritizes wifi voice/video traffic. Make sure it's on. If it is on, it's s*cky enough to not work well enough in your environment.
I switched to using mine as a wireless AP for my Asus router because Asus routers do a SIGNIFICANTLY better job at actual routing AND gives better control of QOS, AND has protection AND parental controls for FREE.
My bufferbloat went from C/D routing through the Orbi to A+/A routing through the Asus using only basic QOS settings.
WMM is on for both 2.4ghz and 5ghz.
Which Asus router are you using?
I use my old RT-AC68U which does great - especially since my incoming is only 100mbps (I believe it would do great to at least a 500mbps service - not so sure about gig service).
Bufferbloat is an underlying problem for a lot of issues with gaming and internet calling/video conference. The Asus' UI has a simple priotization setting based on the type of traffic (one category is actually "work from home," which includes activites such as video conferencing).
On top of that, you can limit outbound and inbound speeds. It may take a little tinkering to get the best settings. I only had to set my limits at about 95% of max speed in/out to go from the C/D to the A+/A on bufferbloat.
The Orbi with WMM enabled essentially did nothing.
What is the Mfr and model# of the Internet Service Providers modem/ONT the NG router is connected too?
What channels are you using? Auto? Try setting manual channel 1, 6 or 11 on 2.4Ghz and 40 to 48 channel on 5Ghz.
Try moving the RBS closer to the RBR. Try 30 feet. Try to get a more accurrate distance measurment if possible.
houtany wrote:My RBK852 system is experiencing random packet loss (over 80%) when on Zoom or FaceTime on my iMac (latest model) or iPhone 12 Pro - both runing latest operating systems), and it also randomly drops internet.
The satellite is in my office which is about 30-40 feet from the router which is centrally located in my house. The house is 3,000 sq.ft. and only one story. Speedtests via the router settings is over 900mb download (router wired to modem) and around 420mb download on iPhone 12 Pro (wifi) and same on my iMac which is wired to the satellite via ethernet.
Both router and satellite are running v3.2.18.1_1.4.14 firmware. I've tried the following:
- power cycling modem then RBR / RBS (in the proper order, etc.)
- Upgrading both RBR and RBS to firmware V3.2.18.1_1.4.14
- disabling SIG ALP
- disabling 2.4ghz AX
- disabling 20/40mhz coexistence
- setting NAT Filtering to Open
- assigning manual IP to both iMac and iPhone via router reservation + client network settings
- changing DNS to 1.1.1.1 / 1.0.0.1 / 8.8.8.8 / 4.4.4.4 in router settings and also on the client devices
- changing channels to channels with less interference using WiFi Explorer (2.4ghz on CH6 and 5ghz CH48)
- disabling daylight savings time setting for router
- updating NTP server to cloudfare's NTP
- setting CTS to 2347
- disabling IPv6
- disabling Traffic Meter
Generally, it works fine except when on FaceTime or Zoom call which initiallly work then lag and drop. My PS4 tends to get no more than a fair connection when playing NHL21 as well although the WiFi signal is shown to be 100% in the PS4 settings.
It seems many people are having this issue, but I was not able to find any clear solution. I would appreciate any help! I have contacted NG support as well. Thanks!
- It is a Technicolor TC4400 which I am now considering to switch to Arris S33 today. My ISP is Spectrum and I have the 1Gbit plan.
- 2.4ghz is on channel 6 and 5ghz is on channel 48.
- Using an AR measuring app, from the satellite to router is closer to 30' (around 28' and some change)
Netgear emailed me back and said to change the MTU to 1479 and to downgrade the router's firmware to v3.2.17.12. I asked them if they also want me to downgrade the satellite - I assume yes, but I want to be sure first.
So far I did change the MTU but the problem persists. I will downgrade the firmware and post an update.
Yes, downgrade both RBS and RBR. RBS first, the RBR lastly.
Let us know how it goes.
houtany wrote:My RBK852 system is experiencing random packet loss (over 80%) when on Zoom or FaceTime on my iMac (latest model) or iPhone 12 Pro - both runing latest operating systems), and it also randomly drops internet.
The satellite is in my office which is about 30-40 feet from the router which is centrally located in my house. The house is 3,000 sq.ft. and only one story. Speedtests via the router settings is over 900mb download (router wired to modem) and around 420mb download on iPhone 12 Pro (wifi) and same on my iMac which is wired to the satellite via ethernet.
Both router and satellite are running v3.2.18.1_1.4.14 firmware. I've tried the following:
Try downgrading to v22?
- power cycling modem then RBR / RBS (in the proper order, etc.)
- Upgrading both RBR and RBS to firmware V3.2.18.1_1.4.14
- disabling SIG ALP< This should be enabled.
- disabling 2.4ghz AX< Does disabling AX on 5Ghz do anything?
- disabling 20/40mhz coexistence
- setting NAT Filtering to Open
- assigning manual IP to both iMac and iPhone via router reservation + client network settings
- changing DNS to 1.1.1.1 / 1.0.0.1 / 8.8.8.8 / 4.4.4.4 in router settings and also on the client devices< Try using ISP DNS?
- changing channels to channels with less interference using WiFi Explorer (2.4ghz on CH6 and 5ghz CH48) <Try channel 40?
- disabling daylight savings time setting for router<This should be enabled.
- updating NTP server to cloudfare's NTP
- setting CTS to 2347< Try 500?
- disabling IPv6
- disabling Traffic Meter
Generally, it works fine except when on FaceTime or Zoom call which initiallly work then lag and drop. My PS4 tends to get no more than a fair connection when playing NHL21 as well although the WiFi signal is shown to be 100% in the PS4 settings.
It seems many people are having this issue, but I was not able to find any clear solution. I would appreciate any help! I have contacted NG support as well. Thanks!
I still think your underlying problem is bufferbloat. Many times people have such problems and think they need to get a faster service, but in reality, it's bufferbloat. This shows up most readily with gaming and activities such as facetime and zoom.
https://evenroute.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360045162413-Optimizing-for-Zoom-conferencing
This is one the main reasons I switched my Orbi to AP mode with my Asus as router. The Orbi (for wifi) does exceedingly well for my purpose, but the Asus blows the Orbi away in terms of controls - including QOS. As fast as the Orbi is overall, I still experienced stuttering with Cisco Jabber. After switching to the Asus for routing and adjusting QOS as stated earlier, I no longer have the issue.
You can check your bufferbloat on sites such as
https://www.waveform.com/tools/bufferbloat
or
https://www.dslreports.com/speedtest
Don't depend on sites such as speedtest.net or fast.com as those are just simple speed tests and do not truly test for bufferbloat.
tak1313 wrote:I still think your underlying problem is bufferbloat. Many times people have such problems and think they need to get a faster service, but in reality, it's bufferbloat. This shows up most readily with gaming and activities such as facetime and zoom.
https://evenroute.zendesk.com/hc/en-us/articles/360045162413-Optimizing-for-Zoom-conferencing
This is one the main reasons I switched my Orbi to AP mode with my Asus as router. The Orbi (for wifi) does exceedingly well for my purpose, but the Asus blows the Orbi away in terms of controls - including QOS. As fast as the Orbi is overall, I still experienced stuttering with Cisco Jabber. After switching to the Asus for routing and adjusting QOS as stated earlier, I no longer have the issue.
You can check your bufferbloat on sites such as
https://www.waveform.com/tools/bufferbloat
or
https://www.dslreports.com/speedtest
Don't depend on sites such as speedtest.net or fast.com as those are just simple speed tests and do not truly test for bufferbloat.
You are right. I just tried the waveform.com test and I got a F. And it is exactly latency that I feel is happening during all activities, whether streaming or video calls. Mind you, I did the test with the RBS unplugged from power and I am connected via WiFi from my iMac to the RBR which is 30 ft away, but I expect the exact same results with the RBS which I will try and report back now.
Results: https://www.waveform.com/tools/bufferbloat?test-id=a3653a63-cb88-439f-bc3e-d13be25273e4
FURRYe38 wrote:
houtany wrote:My RBK852 system is experiencing random packet loss (over 80%) when on Zoom or FaceTime on my iMac (latest model) or iPhone 12 Pro - both runing latest operating systems), and it also randomly drops internet.
The satellite is in my office which is about 30-40 feet from the router which is centrally located in my house. The house is 3,000 sq.ft. and only one story. Speedtests via the router settings is over 900mb download (router wired to modem) and around 420mb download on iPhone 12 Pro (wifi) and same on my iMac which is wired to the satellite via ethernet.
Both router and satellite are running v3.2.18.1_1.4.14 firmware. I've tried the following:
Try downgrading to v22?
- power cycling modem then RBR / RBS (in the proper order, etc.)
- Upgrading both RBR and RBS to firmware V3.2.18.1_1.4.14
- disabling SIG ALP< This should be enabled.
- disabling 2.4ghz AX< Does disabling AX on 5Ghz do anything?
- disabling 20/40mhz coexistence
- setting NAT Filtering to Open
- assigning manual IP to both iMac and iPhone via router reservation + client network settings
- changing DNS to 1.1.1.1 / 1.0.0.1 / 8.8.8.8 / 4.4.4.4 in router settings and also on the client devices< Try using ISP DNS?
- changing channels to channels with less interference using WiFi Explorer (2.4ghz on CH6 and 5ghz CH48) <Try channel 40?
- disabling daylight savings time setting for router<This should be enabled.
- updating NTP server to cloudfare's NTP
- setting CTS to 2347< Try 500?
- disabling IPv6
- disabling Traffic Meter
Generally, it works fine except when on FaceTime or Zoom call which initiallly work then lag and drop. My PS4 tends to get no more than a fair connection when playing NHL21 as well although the WiFi signal is shown to be 100% in the PS4 settings.
It seems many people are having this issue, but I was not able to find any clear solution. I would appreciate any help! I have contacted NG support as well. Thanks!
It was doing this with all the default settings, including ISP's DNS, other channels, and I read DST was a firmware bug that may cause it, but doesn't seem to be the case. I also read on many sources that SIP ALG is terrible for video calls and it affects the packet transmission but I am sure you know better than me. But I feel it is the blufferbloat issue that's being pointed out and the test results seem to confirm that.
Yeah. I don't know what WMM is SUPPOSED to do. I think it's supposed to do some QOS, but if it's doing ANYTHING AT ALL, it really s*cks at it - like a lot of Orbi controls.
When I decided to try mesh, I should have stayed with Asus and gone with their AiMesh system. Oh well, not wanting to waste money, I will stick with this set up until it's time to move on equipement wise, which for me is oddly frequently - at least that's what my wife complains about. I have to take some insignificant problem and make like it's a really big deal, so I have get new stuff to fix the issue.
Netgear has really let me down, and I'm done with them on any future upgrades.
- do you experience the same packet loss pinging the satellite and the router or just the remote address?
