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Switch > Orbi Router AND satellite problems
Hi
Please see attached screenshot of my current setup. Using Orbi 850's
Note that the upstairs switch is basically unused. I am using the wireless backhaul to connect my Satellite to the Orbi Router. The problem is that (whether it be a fault, the distance, or the building) it is only connecting via 2.4ghz and I get about 30mbps if I'm lucky, of my 600mb download speed.
Now clearly I should be making use of the upstairs switch. But when I plug that switch into the Satellite and reboot, it connects to the internet and I get the full 600mb from the satellite which is amazing. However, it seems to lose its satellite status and kinda becomes its own router with its own separate network.
What i mean by that, is if i open the Orbi app, it says 0 of 1 satellite connected. And my smart home starts causing me grief. For example, i cant control smart devices that are connected downstairs and vice versa.
Please note that the upstairs switch is a proper switch. But the downstairs switch is a router given by the fibre provider which I have instructed to turn off the wifi capabilities (i guess meaning it is now set to bridge mode). I mention that, in case that is what could be causing all these problems. I am intending on buying another switch to replace that regardless anyway.
So to summarise, I want to connect my satellite to the upstairs switch so that I get an ethernet backhaul. Any help?
The switch should come after the Orbi router, not between the ISP device and the router:
8 Replies
What Firmware version is currently loaded?
What is the Mfr and model# of the ethernet switch in the configuration? Non managed switches are recommended:
NG GS-105/108v4 and GS308v3, D-Link DGS-105/108 and HP ProCurve 1400/1800 series switches work for Orbi systems.
https://kb.netgear.com/000051205/What-is-Ethernet-backhaul-and-how-do-I-set-it-up-on-my-Orbi-WiFi-System 📡Also if your RBR is in router mode, standard connection path is ISP Modem>RBR>Switch
Be sure that the connection path between the RBR and RBS has the RBS connected behind the RBR, even if there is a switch in the middle.
- I had a brainwave as I got into bed. I remember the ISP engineer saying something about the internet flow starting in the downstairs cupboard then goes upstairs before it comes down into the living room.
My RBR in in the living room. My RBS is upstairs.
Tomorrow I will just swap them and see if that sorts the issue out.As long as the RBS gets connected BEHIND the RBR, then it will work. Otherwise it won't.
Look at the cabling path.
The switch should come after the Orbi router, not between the ISP device and the router:
- That’s not doable I think. The isp device is in a little cubbyhole in a wall. It then shoots off wiring to Ethernet sockets in every room. Those sockets are what I’m using for the Orbi’s. The Orbi wouldn’t even fit in the cubbyhole - let alone it being a bad place for Wi-Fi.
The second floor also has the little cubbyhole with the upstairs switch in it which shoots off to a socket in every roomIs there a LAN cable patch panel in between the ISP modem and cabling that goes to the room sockets?
The only way RBS work correctly when ethernet connectes is they have to be connected directly behind the RBR, even with a switch in between them. As seen in the link I provided and in the picture that was posted.
Yeah as others suggested this was the issue.
It was a pain to sort out due to the little cupboard the ISP equipment is in (and their reluctance to give me a ISP password which would enable me to use the Orbi without their router) coupled with the fact there are only two plugs. So now i have a ISP modem, an ISP router in bridge mode and an extension cable all crammed in this cupboard, the door slightly ajar with cables hanging out going into the Orbi.
Most importantly, the cable going into the Orbi other than the internet cable, is the cable going to the switch. Rather than my switch going into the Orbi.
So my set-up is now Modem > ISP router (bridge) > Orbi > Switch > Switch > Switch ....
Cheers
Glad you got it working. 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. 📡
