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Forum Discussion
Some devices cannot connect to ORBI RBRE960
In February, I upgraded to the RBRE960 router with one satellite. My new home has many smart features (including 57 smart lights, smart shades, ring floodlight network + additional ring devices, smart garage door opener, 4 smart locks). We are also using 2 smart TVs, 4 computers, 3 echo shows, and 2 iPhones. My impetus for upgrading was the support for up to 100 concurrent devices. Our home is 2400 sq ft.
Periodically, the many of the smart lights lose wifi connection. The locks are also problematic. The ring devices usually work. The smart shades have always worked. I used to think the smart lights were just poor quality, but recently, I have noticed that when they lose wifi connection my iPhone has also lost connection, so I'm beginning to think it's the router. There are 3 SSIDs: NAME, NAME-GUEST, and NAME-IoT. Some of the devices are connected to the 2.4 Gbps band of NAME, some are connected to NAME-IoT (especially if I had trouble connecting them to NAME.) I'm noticing that, during these outage events, my iPhone will also not connect to NAME or NAME-IoT. It will, however, connect to NAME-GUEST.
These outage period usually last a few hours and resolve on their own. Last night, I went through the steps of unplugging the router from power and internet and reconnecting to see if the problem resolved, but it did not. I'm now looking at almost 24 hours of this partial outage situation.
I'm certain I'm not the only person to have encountered this problem. In fact, I had the same thing occur, to a much lesser extent, with my previous ORBI system and would periodically have to switch my laptop to the GUEST SSID. Can someone please provide guidance, or point me to a link where this issue is addressed?
Many thanks.
9 Replies
What Firmware version is currently loaded?
What is the Mfr and model# of the Internet Service Providers modem/ONT the NG router is connected too?
Be sure your using a good quality LAN cable between the modem and router. CAT6A STP is recommended.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.
Does this happen with the RBS turned OFF?
Does this happen with both wireless and wired devices?
What channel configurations are currently set on the router?Be sure to disable any MAC Address randomizers on phones and pads while at home:
https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi-App/NETGEAR-Mobile-Applications-and-Apple-Devices-FAQ/td-p/2220016/jump-to/first-unread-messageWhat Firmware version is currently loaded?
V6.3.7.10
What is the Mfr and model# of the Internet Service Providers modem/ONT the NG router is connected too?I don't know. I'll have to see if I can figure that out by looking at the equipment.
Be sure your using a good quality LAN cable between the modem and router. CAT6A STP is recommended.What is the distance between the router and satellite(s)️?
30 feet or more is recommended in between RBR and RBS️ to begin with depending upon building materials when wired or wirelessly connected.
It's just under 50 ft. I can try moving them closer together, but the RBR and the RBS seem to be connecting with each other fine. The "Network Map" on my app always shows a connection between the Internet -> RBR960 -> Orbi Satellite. Some of the devices that drop typically connect to the RBR and some typically connect to the RBS.
Does this happen with the RBS turned OFF?
I'll try this. I also have wifi available from the ISP router, so I may see if I can get my devices to connect to it.
Does this happen with both wireless and wired devices?
Thanks for asking this. I now realize why the Lutron Shades always work. They are connected to the RBS via ethernet cable. Same with the Ring network.
What channel configurations are currently set on the router?Where do I find this?
Be sure to disable any MAC Address randomizers on phones and pads while at home:
https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi-App/NETGEAR-Mobile-Applications-and-Apple-Devices-FAQ/td-p/222...Will do. Is this why there are 50 jillion (slight exaggeration) non connected "Apple" devices on my device list?
rchamrick wrote:
What Firmware version is currently loaded?
V6.3.7.10
I'd review updating FW:
What is the Mfr and model# of the Internet Service Providers modem/ONT the NG router is connected too?I don't know. I'll have to see if I can figure that out by looking at the equipment.
Let us know if you can get this information please.
Be sure your using a good quality LAN cable between the modem and router. CAT6A STP is recommended.What is the distance between the router and satellite(s)️?
30 feet or more is recommended in between RBR and RBS️ to begin with depending upon building materials when wired or wirelessly connected.
It's just under 50 ft. I can try moving them closer together, but the RBR and the RBS seem to be connecting with each other fine. The "Network Map" on my app always shows a connection between the Internet -> RBR960 -> Orbi Satellite. Some of the devices that drop typically connect to the RBR and some typically connect to the RBS.
Lets try 40 feet.
Does this happen with the RBS turned OFF?
I'll try this. I also have wifi available from the ISP router, so I may see if I can get my devices to connect to it.
If the ISP has a router here, then you'll need to disable all wifi radios on this router to help lower interferences.
If your ISP Modem already has a built in router and wifi. This would be a double NAT (two router) condition which isn't recommended. https://kb.netgear.com/30186/What-is-Double-NAT
https://kb.netgear.com/30187/How-to-fix-issues-with-Double-NAT
Couple of options,
1. Configure the modem for transparent bridge or modem only mode. Then use the Orbi router in router mode. You'll need to contact the ISP for help and information in regards to the modem being bridged correctly.
2. If you can't bridge the modem, disable ALL wifi radios on the modem, configure the modems DMZ/ExposedHost or IP Pass-Through for the IP address the Orbi router gets from the modem. Then you can use the Orbi router in Router mode.
3. Or disable all wifi radios on the modem and connect the Orbi router to the modem, configure AP mode on the Orbi router.
https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi-WIFI-6-AX-AND-Wi-Fi-6E-AXE/Procedure-for-Factory-reset-of-RBS850/m-p/2367505/highlight/true#M53985
https://kb.netgear.com/31218/How-do-I-configure-my-Orbi-router-to-act-as-an-access-point and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7LOcJ8GdDo&app=desktop
Try option #2 first...Does this happen with both wireless and wired devices?
Thanks for asking this. I now realize why the Lutron Shades always work. They are connected to the RBS via ethernet cable. Same with the Ring network.
What channel configurations are currently set on the router?Where do I find this?
On the RBRs web page.
Be sure to disable any MAC Address randomizers on phones and pads while at home:
https://community.netgear.com/t5/Orbi-App/NETGEAR-Mobile-Applications-and-Apple-Devices-FAQ/td-p/222...Will do. Is this why there are 50 jillion (slight exaggeration) non connected "Apple" devices on my device list?
