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Forum Discussion
Faber42
Dec 30, 2022Aspirant
RBR850/RBS850 - Guest Network Cannot Access Computers
How do I enable the Guest network to see computers on the main network? Have both main and guest network configured and working, but cannot see IoT devices connected to guest from main or vice versa...
FURRYe38
Dec 30, 2022Guru - Experienced User
Orbi AX doesn't support Guest Network access to the main network.
Faber42 wrote:
How do I enable the Guest network to see computers on the main network?
Have both main and guest network configured and working, but cannot see IoT devices connected to guest from main or vice versa.
- Faber42Dec 31, 2022Aspirant
Thanks both.
What an absolutely crappy product regression!
Also makes a nonsense of the product prompted "recommendation" to use Guest network provisioning for IoT things.
Clearly whomsoever is responsible for these products have never had guests who may wish to add to a Google Cast music or karaoke playlist; or have Home Assistant to utilise devices locally, ETC.
Actually pretty appalled at this.
Had I known about this glaring product deficiency, I would have reconsidered the exorbitant cost.
Due to not only this newly identified defect, but also poor product performance and lack of configurability, at this time I COULD NOT RECOMMEND purchase of this product.
As it is, I'll now have to plug in an older, separate router to obtain what misleading advertising literature suggests that this product can do.
If Netgear staff bother to read the posts about their products herein, please consider this qualitative feedback for consideration and action, and we shall look forward to reading your substantive response in due course. But I shalln't be holding my breath. ☹️
- FURRYe38Dec 31, 2022Guru - Experienced User
Actually would be a security reason for NOT having guest network access to the main network. Guest Network was never intended to have access. Some router mfrs and some NG older routers had some support. Giving GN access to the main network is a security risk thus NG probably eliminated this as time when on.
Also GN was never designed or intended to be used for long term connections or IoT devices. GN IS for temporary and limited access to give Guests temporarly access to internet services only. Guest don't connect for long periods of time since they are Guests and not long term clients. Been like this since it's inception.
If you don't feel Orbi is right for you, then I'm there there are are other alternatives.
Good Luck. - Mikey94025Jan 01, 2023Hero
Faber42 wroteAlso makes a nonsense of the product prompted "recommendation" to use Guest network provisioning for IoT things.
Where did you hear or read this? It may have been some individual customer opinion to do this, but it doesn't really make any difference and nor does it work with the Orbi AX systems. My IoT devices connect to my main Orbi wireless SID. I have the 9-series and have an extra radio that I can configure to be only 2.4Ghz for the small number of problematic IoT setup apps, but that radio still connects to my main Orbi network.