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Strange Control Panel Behavior for Orbi 6 and 6E
Hi All -
I have been going back and forth between Eero and Orbi systems for the past couple of years - and my Eero 6s started dropping connections constantly, and troubleshooting didn't fix the issue - so I decided to reinstall my Orbi 6s.
I have a somewhat complicated network. I have FIOS, and my AV installer has installed an Araknis router followed by an industrial switch - which goes to Cat 6 connections around my house through the walls. The mesh comes out of the router.
Installed the Orbi 6 and satellites show up with Wireless backhaul. When I switch to Wired backhaul - the satellites disappear from the control panel. HOWEVER, they still seem to work as if they are connected via wireless back haul flawlessly. They boot up and turn blue before the lights go off. I get wired speeds for devices connected to the satellites, and very fast speeds when I speed test from my phone next to the satellites.
In addition, when I log into the satellites directly through their IP address, the page says they are connected to the router and the internet and up and running. But, in the control panel both satellites show as disconnected.
I decided, why not upgrade to the Orbi 6E - thinking it might correct the behavior. Unfortunately (or fortunately), the behavior is exactly the same. System seems to work perfectly - but satellites don't show up in the control panel (web or app) - after moved to wired backhaul.
I imagine the router/switch setup may in some way be creating this issue. But - the eeros, as a true mesh system, just needed to be plugged in anywhere on the network and they instantly connect.
So my real question is: DOES IT MATTER? Am I losing some key piece of functionality by the Orbis not showing up in the control panel - if they are working otherwise (at least switching works when I go from floor to floor.) I realize if I need to update firmware, Im going to have to do it individually for each satellite - but that's ok. That said, I'm trying to understand if it's an error in the control panel only - or something else which will compromise functionality in some way I haven't realized.
The 6Es are expensive, and they seem to be working great so far - despite this issue. That said, if its going to be a bigger problem - I'd rather just return them and try the Eero 6E or another true mesh solution given the nature of my network. If it's just a cosmetic issues with the control panel - I don't really care.
Orbi is in AP mode. Araknis is the DHCP server.
Not necessarily asking for help to try to fix the behavior. Instead, asking this:
If my system is still working exactly as if the satellites ARE connected, does it really matter if they show up in the control panel? Am I potentially missing out on any functionality other than having to update firmware individually?
Thus far, it seems I am not. As mentioned, wifi clients switch when they are supposed to - and speeds are as expected Wired and Wireless from the satellites. It's just the control panel. But I am not knowledgable enough about the Orbi software/hardware to know if I am missing out on something else.
30 Replies
a couple things.
1. how is it wired in? Are you going araknis router---->orbi router---->switch/wall plates---->satellites?
The satellites need to be wired to the orbi router and not to the araknis router2. Is the orbi in access point mode since you're using the araknis router?
RBS should appear on the RBRs web page and in the Orbi app.
Mine do.Are you using the 2.5Gb ports on the RBS or the 1Gb ports on the RBS? If you use the 2.5Gb ports, CAT6A STP would be recommended.
What is the brand and model of this LAN switch? Seen bad behaviors coming from switches.
Be sure to use a non-managed switch. NG GS-105/108v4 and GS308v3, D-Link DGS-105/108 and HP ProCurve 1400/1800 series switches work for Orbi systems. XS505M and GS110MX work great with the 9 series.
If your seeing same problem across two different brands, I would presume your switch or something between the RBR and RBS is causing them to not appear properly when wired.
I imagine both of you are right and it's the network configuration - which I don't want to change because it's managing a lot of other things, and frankly - I'd have to get the installer in here to try and troubleshoot.
In fact I'm certain that's the cause.
But that's not my question. Is functionality compromised beyond the orbi satellites not showing up in the control panel. Again, they boot up, turn blue and then the light goes off. They switch when they should. Speeds are as expected when connecting to the satellites wired or wirelessly.
In other words, am I missing out on any functionality because they are not showing up in the control panel? I'd rather not do a massive amount of troubleshooting to make them appear, again, if it's just cosmetic - and the only difference is I'd see them in the web login or the app. It irked me initially - but does it really matter if it's working as intended? That's what I am trying to find out. Is there some type of functionality that I am potentially not getting as a result?
Agree with what plemans pointed out. It seems that you have two routers in the network, and the satellites seem to get their IP addresses from the Araknis DHCP instead of getting them from Orbi and that's why you don't see them in the Orbi network. This can cause very many other issues. Please make sure to have only one router in the network. You might want to try Orbi in AP mode instead?
Orbi is in AP mode. Araknis is the DHCP server.
Not necessarily asking for help to try to fix the behavior. Instead, asking this:
If my system is still working exactly as if the satellites ARE connected, does it really matter if they show up in the control panel? Am I potentially missing out on any functionality other than having to update firmware individually?
Thus far, it seems I am not. As mentioned, wifi clients switch when they are supposed to - and speeds are as expected Wired and Wireless from the satellites. It's just the control panel. But I am not knowledgable enough about the Orbi software/hardware to know if I am missing out on something else.
One more important point:
The Araknis is the DHCP server - and the Orbi is in AP mode.
From Araknis - I am getting the following internal IPs:
RBR: 192.168.2.50
RBS1: 192.168.2.95
RBS2: 192.168.2.77
Interestingly, in the orbi control panel, not only do the satellites not show up - but the IP addresses for the satellites don't either (as a generic device or something) - but they are clearly on the network.
Drewligarchy wrote:
One more important point:
The Araknis is the DHCP server - and the Orbi is in AP mode.
