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Koz1614's avatar
Koz1614
Tutor
Oct 16, 2023

TP-Link connection showing on RBR760 new out of the box

Hi,   I'm experiencing an unusual issue and can't seem to get to the bottom of it. Last week, I purchased a brand-new Netgear Orbi RBR760 mesh system from Costco, still in its original packaging. D...
CrimpOn's avatar
CrimpOn
Guru - Experienced User
Oct 16, 2023

What a delightful puzzle.  There is no way the Orbi router should be aware of any devices that had previously been connected to the cable modem.  The cable modem itself has a web interface (see the user manual).  It would be fun to see if the cable modem 'remembers' previous routers that have been connected in the past.

 

I would delete the unconnected devices and see if they come  back.

  • Koz1614's avatar
    Koz1614
    Tutor
    Oct 17, 2023

    Thanks for the reply. I looked on the CM1150v modem and can't find any information related to previous devices. I also checked the logs on the Orbi and the two TP-Link devices were never assigned IP addresses (only the mac address shows). 

    TP-Link
    00:5F:67:0A:F6:E1
    Wired
    TP-Link
    50:3E:AA:08:23:CE
    Wired
    		 


    		   
    • CrimpOn's avatar
      CrimpOn
      Guru - Experienced User
      Oct 17, 2023

      Was this a fresh install of the  Orbi 'app'?

      i.e. it had never been used to manage an Orbi system before?

       

      I am totally gobsmacked with this. On the one hand, it would be delicious to learn that Netgear connects TP-Link devices to Costco bound systems before they leave the factory.

       

      Since this system is brand new, how much effort will be lost if the router is Factory Reset?

      (In my case, a Factory Reset leads to over two hours of tedious data entry to perform all the customization that has gone on over the past years.)

      • Koz1614's avatar
        Koz1614
        Tutor
        Oct 19, 2023

        I wanted to wait until I had more information to respond. I tried a couple things. I did the factory reset and upon second setup the tp-link devices did not appear. I also bought a new orbi system from Costco and reset my modem to factory defaults prior to setup. Upon completing installation - same thing - two additional devices showed up with a different name/different mac address. If you trace the mac address, they lead back to TP-Link...I think this has to be from the factory?

         

        I am really confused at this point. I actually don't know if it is a security issue.