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Forum Discussion
RBR860 intermittent disconnects
I have had this Router plus 1 satellite since March 2023. It is connected to Hitron EN2251 modem from Spectrum. The router and modem are plugged directly into the wall plug. Both sit in the open and at least 4 feet from the ceiling.
Up to June 2025 I have had ZERO problems with the router and then I started getting these random disconnects. The internet was up, not a problem with the service. These disconnects could be a few days apart or hours. I didn't record them unfortunately.
Chat with Support on July 7th. Elevated to Level 2, after a long chat all he had me do was change the channel on both 2G/5G 11/36 respectively. I sent the Router logs but evidently, he didn't see any there.
I recorded more disconnects on July 8th, July 17th and July 18th. Stopped recording dates, figured that wasn't the issue.
End of July, beginning of August I changed the channel on the 5G band from 36 to 48. Seemed to run fine until August 26th (out), out again on September 7th and September 10th. I kept the logs from those 3 incidents.
Today, September 11th I called Tech Support. The lady kept asking me how many times a day does it disconnect? Really? I don't sit by the router and watch it. I only record when I see the problem.
End result, she had me perform a complete reboot of modem and router and told me to monitor the problem. I was monitoring the problem and that's why I called again on September 11th.
Very frustrating call to say the least.
So, has anyone else had this issue?
What causes this problem?
How did you fix it?
Any insight will be appreciated.
Greg
11 Replies
Does the RBR or RBS front LEDs turn ON PINK or blink white when this happens?
What Firmware version is currently loaded?
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?I use channel 1 and 40 on my Orbi systems.
Any Wifi Neighbors near by? If so, how many?
Be sure to disable any MAC Address randomizers on phones and pads while at home:
NETGEAR Mobile Applications and Android/Apple/Windows Devices FAQ | NETGEAR CommunitiesTry disabling the following and see:
Armor, Smart Parental Controls or Circle, IPv6, Traffic Meter.Has a factory reset and setup from scratch been performed since last FW update?
Here are my answers in Bold.
Does the RBR or RBS front LEDs turn ON PINK or blink white when this happens? Always turns white and flashing. Not fast.
What Firmware version is currently loaded? Firmware Version V7.2.7.15_5.1.16 I have Auto Firmware Update On.
What is the size of your home? Sq Ft? It's a ranch at 1400 sq ft overall
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. The satellite is in the garage and is 40+ feet away.Does this happen with the RBS turned OFF? No, I haven't done that. Really didn't expect that would be a problem since the satellite was located a distance from the router.
Does this happen with both wireless and wired devices? Yes happens to both. My office has the modem and router in the same room. My desktop is wired to the router. But I see the disconnect on both wired and wireless at the same time it occurs.I use channel 1 and 40 on my Orbi systems. I'm currently on 11 and 48. There are only 4 channels available on the 5G.
Any Wifi Neighbors near by? If so, how many? I live in a small rural neighborhood. One on either side, plus across the street. No one behind us. I know this is not very scientific, but I have a WiFi Analyzer, freebie of the internet, I did a Channel Graph screenshot of 2G and 5G bands. Again I'm on channel 11 and 48.
Has a factory reset and setup from scratch been performed since last FW update? I am running on factory default right now. The default SSID is ORBI18.
You should change the SSID name to something different.
Is IPv6 enabled on the RBR?
Also might disable all logging on the RBR and see if this changes anything.
Be sure to use a good quality LAN cable between the ISP Modem and RBR. CAT6A STP is recommended.
Something you can try, manually re-load FW on to the system, RBS first, then RBR lastly. Seen odd problems and users posting about there systems not working well after a auto update. Manually loading FW with a ethernet connected PC and web browser seems to have better results. Something I always do with my Orbi systems.
Procedure to Manually Firmware Update Orbi and Nighthawk Mesh systems. | NETGEAR Communities
Does the RBS have good connection while in the garage and system is working? If not, maybe move the RBS a bit closer to the RBR.
