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Forum Discussion
RBR760 confusion
I just upgraded(?) from my RBR50 system that was running 2 access points. One with 3 satellites, the other with one satellite. Each AP had separate SSID and password.
I purchase one RBR60 system with 2 satellites and a separate system with one satellite.
Setup using the ORBI app was a disaster. Seems Netgear doesn't realize that not all modems use 192.168.1.1 as default. Kept getting internet failure wanted me to restart the modem etc. Hardwired a laptop to the router and used their default to get to the web interface. Changed the RBR 760 to an AP and added 3 satellites. So far so good. Set up the second RBR760 as an AP with separate SSID and PW. Now comes the "fun part"
Both 760s are on separate ports on my Bell Fibe modem. Both hard wired to the modem. If I access the one with the 3 satellites it some times shows the other AP as a satellite. Other times shows no satellites. The the other AP will show the satellites attached to it. This is certainly different behaviour than what I had with the RBR50 systems.
So first question, is this normal?
Next frustration is that on the web interface and the Orbi app both APs show one device with an IP of 172.30.1.1 yet in the device list from the modem is show correctly as 192.168.2.xxx. I am able to connect to the device using its software on the 192.168.2.xxx ip, so the device is getting the IP correctly from the Fibe modem. Why would this one device show up with a 172 address?
All thoughts appreciated.
Gordon
10 Replies
It's not recommended to have more than one Orbi system running under one home or building. This could cause problems and be problematic for Orbi systems and the Orbi app.
What is the size of this home in sq ft?
Orbi systems are designed to have one SSID name only that comes from all devices, the router and satellites.
What is the model# of the Modem? Seems like there is a router here?
House is 2500 sq ft on 3 levels. Before you say one AP should suffice, due to the construction method used, the area with the primary 760 AP is like being in a Farady shield. A different brand couldn't connect to satellite that was only separated by 1 level and 10 ft horizontally. As note the old RBR 50 systems worked fine, no problem with separte APs in the same house. Set up this way as there are IOT devices that were too far for reliable connection to the main AP and its satellites .Again Farady effect.
As for the router it is a Bell HomeHub 3000 fibre optic modem supplying signal for internet, TV and phone. Unfortunately there is no way to operate it in bridge mode, hence the AP use on the 760s. Other things I've read didn't suggest any problem running two AP with separate SSID.
You should look into some Power Line adapters to help with getting the RBS ethernet connected if the building is inhibitive wifi signal.
Having two systems in such a small home will not work well and will cause noise and interferences. One system with the router and one or two maybe RBS deployed with some power line adapters to help get them ethernet connected would be suggested to take a look into.
The Bell 3000 is definitely a router:
https://support.bell.ca/internet/products/home-hub-3000-modem
The AX products are more sensitive to connection methods than the older WiFi5 Orbi system.
Is it correct to assume that:
- Each of the RBR760 units has the WAN port connected to the Bell 3000?
- The RBS760 satellites are connected to their routers using the default WiFi connection (not 'wired')?
- The two RBR760 are set to static IP on the router itself (not using a feature on the Bell 3000 to 'reserve' IP address for them)?
Good day,
I figured it had something to do with the WiFi5 vs WifI6.
Fully aware that the 3000 is a router - That's why the RBR 760s are configured as APs
I used the Orbi app to add the satellites to 760#1
I then added the second 760 as AP only no satellites.
Each 760 is hardwired to the 3000 router by their WAN port. #2 VIA a fbre cable with converters.
Eadh 760 has a static IP configured in its settigs using the web interface advanced AP settings. The HH3000 doesn't have a setting for fixed. Current plan is to use the 3000 to provide a DMZ connection to OpenSense router that will then feed the network.
While the vast majority of WiFi installations are similar (almost "cookie cutter"), a unique building design often results in unique needs.
Thus, one room that blocks WiFi may require a WiFi unit to be placed in the room and connected physically to the network (in this case using a fiber with Ethernet adapters).
The primary issues with running two WiFi networks in one building involve:
- Radio interference. This can be reduced by configuring the two systems to use different WiFi channels.
- Mobile devices not roaming well. (the reason "mesh" systems were invented) In this case, for example, a mobile phone may retain just enough signal from one WiFi system not to drop the connection and seek out the other WiFi system when moving around the house. When the user is aware of this situation it can become "automatic" to toggle WiFi when moving around the house.
There have been many posts on the Forum regarding issues with Orbi routers in AP mode and the satellites/attached devices not appearing correctly. In almost every case, the problem stemmed from:
- Not using the WAN port to connect the RBR760 to the network and
- Connecting satellites to the primary network rather than letting them use the WiFi connection to the router. i.e. the satellites appeared to be connected to the WAN port of the router rather than to the LAN side (WiFi or 'wired')
That does not seem to be the case here, so I am really mystified. It should work just like the Orbi 50 system worked before (except now supporting WiFi6 devices, 802.11ax)
