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Security Enabled and Guest Network Enabled - but they're not!
Took the plunge and installed firmware V4.6.7.13_2.1.9 about 5 days ago. (System was NOT factory reset after installation.) All my internal tests showed it was stable, fast and appeared to be much be...
Because I don't like to give in to an inanimate object, I wanted to see what would happen if I set the RBR to the channel that the RBSs were broadcasting. I set the RBR 2.4 GHz band to channel 1. As soon as the RBR had applied that change, I checked the SSID broadcasts. Guess what? The guest network no longer is broadcasting! The RBR and RBS are now on the same page.
Doing WiFi tests at 6'-8' from the RBR I get 750-800 Mbps/40 Mbps (upload/download speed). Since I must daisy chain my sats, the first RBS gives 600-650 Mbps/40 Mbps. I'm content with that value. The second RBS gives 350-400 Mbps/30 Mbps and I'm good with that as well.
What I haven't done is to reset the RBR to channel 6 to see if the RBS will follow now that they're all on the same channel. Not willing to waste anymore time on this if the system stays stable. All of my lengthy (4+ hours) troubleshooting definitely points to firmware bugs in version 4.6.7.13.
Reinstalled firmware V4.6.7.13 on both RBSs. Did factory reset. After booting up only 1 sat, the guest network still appears and the 2.4 gHz channel is still wrong (on Ch 1 vs 6). I resynced the RBS to the RBR and get same result. Powered down that sat and booted the second one. Same issues. Guest network still broadcasting and wrong 2.4 gHz channel. The guest network is ONLY being broadcast when the sats are powered on. Since both sats exhibit the same behavior when powered on–separately or together–it MUST be a firmware bug.
At a loss for what to do next. I purchased this system June 2021 to replace an RBK53, so out of warranty and return options. Probably gonna suck up the cost and move to another manufacturer. 😫
Because I don't like to give in to an inanimate object, I wanted to see what would happen if I set the RBR to the channel that the RBSs were broadcasting. I set the RBR 2.4 GHz band to channel 1. As soon as the RBR had applied that change, I checked the SSID broadcasts. Guess what? The guest network no longer is broadcasting! The RBR and RBS are now on the same page.
Doing WiFi tests at 6'-8' from the RBR I get 750-800 Mbps/40 Mbps (upload/download speed). Since I must daisy chain my sats, the first RBS gives 600-650 Mbps/40 Mbps. I'm content with that value. The second RBS gives 350-400 Mbps/30 Mbps and I'm good with that as well.
What I haven't done is to reset the RBR to channel 6 to see if the RBS will follow now that they're all on the same channel. Not willing to waste anymore time on this if the system stays stable. All of my lengthy (4+ hours) troubleshooting definitely points to firmware bugs in version 4.6.7.13.
Well it would be only a quick test to see if you changed channels on the RBR to 6 or 11, if the RBS followed. If not, then change the RBR back to channel 1.
I'll try this on my 8 series later this evening and see. I've been using mostly channel 1 and 40 on mine since my next door neighbor has an orbi system and they run channel 6. I'll see if this tracks on mine...If you can try it on your if you get 10 minutes to spare. If not no worries.
I switched 2.4 GHz channels on the RBR from 1 to 6. The RBSs followed and show Channel 6. The Guest Network did NOT start broadcasting–yay! I prefer to stay on Channel 6 as my scan shows a few neighbors on Channel 1. (Albeit, they are pretty low RSSI signals: -90 to-95 dBm.)
I'm going to take this as a "win". The system has been stable now for 48 hours with no dropouts. The WiFi speeds are close to expected and acceptable. Going to make a backup config file in case of future hiccups. Thanks for your help.
Ok sounds like the initial sync on the RBS is getting messed up for some reason if the RBR is set for channel 6. Seems odd for sure. Glad setting channel 1, syncing the RBS, then after they sync, they migrate to channel 6 works. Glad you got it working. Please mark your thread as solved so others will know. Be sure to save off a back up configuration to file for safe keeping. Saves time if a reset is needed.
https://kb.netgear.com/000062080/How-do-I-back-up-the-configuration-settings-on-my-Orbi-WiFi-System
Enjoy. 📡
