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Forum Discussion
KevanC
May 23, 2023Aspirant
RBS 850 won't take an IP address
Setup: I have a Metronet fiber optic modem that is connected to a Firewalla Gold (DHCP mode). The Netgear Orbi router is in AP mode connected to the Firewalla. Then, I have two satellites (RBS 8...
CrimpOn
May 23, 2023Guru - Experienced User
The most obvious place to examine is the cable path. With typical home wiring, there will be a number of RJ45 connectors plugged into RJ45 jacks. (Maybe there is even a switch in the path, which means more connections.)
What happens if the satellite is temporarily located next to the router and connected directly to the router with a short patch cable?
KevanC
May 23, 2023Aspirant
I haven't tried them. I have a switch for each one. The other devices connected still show a stable connection. It's just the satellites. I thought it was odd that it's affecting both of them at opposite ends of the house. I'll try to move them. It will take some work.
- FURRYe38May 23, 2023Guru - Experienced User
What is the Mfr and model# of the ethernet switch in the configuration?
Do they connect and work correctly when connected directly behind the RBR?
The RBS needs to be connected behind the RBR:Has a power off for 1 minute then back ON with the ISP modem and router been performed?
Be sure to restart your network in this sequence:
Turn off and unplug modem.
Turn off router and computers.
Plug in and turn on modem. Wait 2 minutes for it to connect.
Turn on the router and wait 2 minutes for it to connect.
Turn on computers and rest of network.- KevanCMay 23, 2023Aspirant
They're in the same configuration that I've had since 2020 when I got them. One of them turned solid blue for a minute. The admin page is showing they're both good with IP addresses.
The switches are downstream of a larger network switch. All of my switches are Netgear. The path goes: modem > Firewall Gold (DHCP mode) > RBR (AP mode) > network switch > smaller network switches > RBS
I've done the power off sequence. I usually leave everything off for 5-10 minutes and then power up each device starting with the modem. I wait until it's fully on and connected before I move to the next device.
- FURRYe38May 23, 2023Guru - Experienced User
Still doesn't give the model# info of the swtiches.
Has anything changed on the Fireall appliance device. Is the RBR in AP mode using Dynamic or Static IP address configuration?
Somthing to try, disconnect the RBR from the Firewall device and then configure router mode. See if the RBS get an IP address in this mode and the front LED turns OFF. Takes 3 minutes for this to happen.
- CrimpOnMay 23, 2023Guru - Experienced User
KevanC wrote:
I'll try to move them. It will take some work.
I would start with one. Just unplug it, move close to the router, plug in a short cable, and power it up.**
As you already know, what it supposed to happen is the satellite sends out a DHCP request asking, "What are my IP parameters?" (IP address, subnet, gateway, DNS server). Being in AP mode, the router forwards this request out every port (WAN, LAN, WiFi. DHCP request is an Ethernet broadcast packet. It goes everywhere on the subnet.)
The Firewalla Gold then responds with a single DHCP Offer response, a unicast packet addressed to the hardware MAC address of the satellite.
If this test is not successful, I would want to determiine whether these DHCP packets are actually going through the router by activating the feature on the http://orbilogin.net/debug.htm page to Enable LAN/WAN packet capture. (Perhaps the Firewalla Gold has a similar feature? Perhaps the Firewalla logs every time it assigns an IP address with DHCP?)
** I understand that moving satellites is not always trivial. One of mine is mounted 10ft high in the garage rafters. Wife stands holding a phone every time I climb up to mess with it. (Ready to dial 911.)